Gen Zers Experiencing 'Paycheck Panic' Are Turning To 'Income Stacking' To Secure Their Financial Futures

Core Insights - Gen Z is increasingly favoring "income stacking" over traditional career paths due to economic uncertainty, with 67% considering multiple income streams essential for financial security [2][3] Group 1: Economic Context - Many Gen Zers believe a single income from a full-time job is insufficient, with less than 10% feeling it is adequate in today's economy [2] - The concept of "single-paycheck panic" is prevalent among Gen Z, leading them to diversify income sources to mitigate risks associated with relying on one job [3] Group 2: Employment Trends - Approximately 46% of Gen Z respondents engage in freelance work alongside their full-time jobs, while only 26% have adopted freelancing as their primary career [3] - Over one-third of Gen Z individuals would consider freelancing full-time, contingent on matching or exceeding their current full-time income [3] Group 3: Personal Experiences - Carissa Ferguson, a Gen Z individual, exemplifies the income stacking trend with five income streams just one year after college, highlighting the flexibility and freedom it provides compared to traditional employment [4][5]