Core Insights - Many Americans are employed full-time but struggle to save for retirement due to stagnant wages, limited access to employer-sponsored plans, and unexpected financial challenges [1] - Side gigs are presented as a viable solution to enhance retirement savings, particularly for the year 2026 [1] Side Hustle Opportunities - **Tutoring**: This is a highly accessible side gig that allows individuals to leverage their academic strengths. Tutors can earn an average of $20 per hour, which can lead to an annual income of $5,200 with just five hours of work per week. This amount is close to the IRA contribution limit for individuals under 50, which is $7,000 in 2025 [3][4] - **Consulting**: Consultants can earn significantly more than tutors, with an average hourly rate of $50. Working just three hours per week can allow a consultant to max out an IRA with nearly $800 left over, while four hours per week could yield an annual income of approximately $10,400 [5][6] - **Audio/Video Transcription**: This side hustle has gained popularity due to its high demand and ease of entry. Platforms like TranscribeMe! enable freelancers to transcribe short audio or video clips without requiring formal training [7]

Core Viewpoint - Chegg is laying off approximately 45% of its workforce, equating to 388 employees, due to the impact of artificial intelligence and reduced internet search traffic on its revenue [1][2] Group 1: Workforce Reduction - The company has announced a significant workforce reduction of 45%, following a previous layoff of 22% in May, attributed to the increasing adoption of AI tools [1][2] - Chegg's restructuring aims to adapt its academic learning products in response to the challenges posed by AI and diminished traffic from Google [2] Group 2: Financial Performance - Chegg's stock price peaked at $113.51 in February 2021 but has since plummeted by 99%, with its market capitalization dropping from approximately $14.7 billion to around $156 million [3] - The company offers various services, including textbook rentals and AI tools, but has faced declining revenue due to competition from generative AI software [3] Group 3: Leadership Changes - Dan Rosensweig has returned as CEO, replacing Nathan Schultz, who will remain as an executive advisor [4] - Rosensweig previously served as CEO from 2010 until April 2024, indicating a shift back to prior leadership [4] Group 4: Strategic Direction - Chegg has decided to remain a standalone company, concluding a strategic review process that began earlier in the year, with the board believing this will maximize long-term shareholder value [5] - The company had faced potential delisting from the New York Stock Exchange due to stock trading below $1, but it recovered above this threshold by May [6]