Only Fans is a social platform that normalizes sex work, fuels hustle culture, and uses a subscription model to turn social currency into cash. It empowers creators to be in charge of their brand and is part of a growing number of platforms that contribute to The Passion Economy.

Young people have borne the brunt of the pandemic, with many schools closed and early careers put on hold. In the face of disruption, a growing number of Gen Zers are using their hobbies to earn a living, taking advantage of the boom in e-commerce to showcase and sell their wares.

With COVID-19 disrupting traditional education, edtech is stepping in to offer alternative forms of learning. And it’s not only children who benefit – by helping tutors reach global audiences, Scoodle taps into the side-hustle mindset at a time when people are struggling to make ends meet.

The self-made mythos is as powerful as ever despite societal upheaval testing its limits. Contending with a volatile economy and rigid working conditions, many people continue to see entrepreneurship – and the ruthless ambition that underpins it – as a golden ticket to freedom and fulfilment. As Gen Zers look towards their future careers,more than a thirdare aspiring to 'be their own boss'. Even for those employed, the era of the side hustle is in full swing and, in a society that idolises productivity, hobbies and passions have become yet another opportunity for people to market themselves or advance financially. Fromthe rise of the professional fantogift-wrapping for hire, opportunities to profit are in every direction. And as AI technologies become increasingly normalised, they’re enabling Generation Sell to further optimise its approach to generating extra income. Building a personal brand was once a savvy way to get ahead. Now, it feels like an unavoidable part of modern life that doesn’t necessarily reap extra benefits. People are more aware of the hustle behind the business of influencing and the role of the content creator is losing its glamorous sheen. Indeed, social media and digital services have lowered the barriers to entry for entrepreneurship, with TikTok driving$14.7 billion in small business revenuesin a single year and Etsy, eBay, Vinted, and Uber allowing more side hustlers to dip their toe in the ever-expanding gig economy. Passive income is the new aspiration – and no amount is too small to leave on the table.