Spoiler: It’s not always about passion—so, why are most Gen Zs or 20-year-olds starting a business now?

Sometimes it’s survival, not a dream.

For a lot of young people, launching a brand or side hustle isn’t about chasing a lifelong dream—it’s about making ends meet. With economic uncertainty and limited job opportunities, especially in regions like the Middle East and North Africa, survival has replaced ambition. A business becomes the only way to stay afloat in a system that doesn’t support them.

A side hustle now feels less like ambition, more like Plan B.

What used to be a cute “extra income idea” has turned into a necessity. Side hustles are no longer just for overachievers—they’re for anyone trying to build a financial cushion. With rising costs and stagnant entry-level salaries, relying on just one paycheck feels risky. So people are diversifying early, even if they’re still in school.

Salaries aren’t keeping up with inflation.

Even those with degrees and full-time jobs often find that their salaries don’t cover basic needs anymore. Rent, food, transport—everything’s going up. So instead of waiting for a promotion that may never come, Gen Z is choosing to create their own paths. The traditional promise of “work hard, get paid fairly” just doesn’t hold up anymore.

Starting something on the side isn’t a trend, but a backup plan.

This generation isn’t just being entrepreneurial for the aesthetics. They’ve seen layoffs, job freezes, and companies collapse overnight. A side business isn’t just a cool Instagram story—it’s a safety net. It’s how they’re protecting themselves against a future that feels anything but guaranteed. It’s not about “be your own boss”; it’s about having options.

Social media = access.

You don’t need a fancy office, big budget, or a family name to start anymore. A phone, internet connection, and some creativity are enough to launch something real. Social media levels the playing field. Anyone with a good idea and smart strategy can find an audience. Gen Z knows this—and they’re taking full advantage.

It’s also about purpose.

More and more, people want to feel like their work actually matters. Sitting at a desk from 9 to 5 doing tasks that feel meaningless isn’t appealing. Why clock in just to feel empty? Starting a business—no matter how small—offers the chance to build something that reflects their values, creativity, or identity.

Security doesn’t mean stability anymore.

Ask any young adult today, and they’ll tell you: the idea that a company will “take care of you” is dead. Corporate jobs aren’t as secure as they once seemed. Being laid off is just one restructuring away. For many, owning something—even if it’s small—feels more stable than being replaceable in a system they don’t control.

It’s not just the money.

Sure, income matters. But for most young people, it’s about more than that. It’s about freedom—creative, financial, and personal. It’s about being seen, having impact, and building something that belongs to them. Visibility and self-worth are part of the equation. And if they can make money along the way, even better.

Every business starts with “let’s see what happens.”

There’s no grand plan or blueprint. Most people are figuring it out as they go. Behind every polished post is someone who’s experimenting, failing, and trying again. The only difference is they decided to start. Because in a world that feels unpredictable, betting on yourself is starting to feel like the safest risk of all.