One moment, I'm leading a workshop on my debut novel for a group of women. The next, I'm fielding questions about stain removal from antique wooden doors—a nod to my side gig as a furniture restorer—or how many times I've seen Bruce Springsteen live. Someone even asks for the recipe for Italian American Sunday gravy from my book. Before I connect the dots to my novel, a line forms at the book table.
Among the buyers is Betty Galvan, an energetic and elegant force. 'It was inspiring,' she says with a wink. 'I'm a Swirler too.' Coined by PR expert Melissa Cassera, a Swirler weaves their top passions into an 'uber-career' or 'uber-brand.' Galvan started swirling in teaching with a salon side job, evolving into a successful blog and digital marketing role. Now, she coaches other Swirlers on digital success.
Related: 5 steps to turn your passion into your profession
The Swirl concept is fresh, but side income streams are timeless—moonlighting, side gigs, even real estate investments. I once called myself a 'jack of all trades, master of none,' but after meeting Cassera, author of The Swirl Effect, I reframed it. 'Pursuing passions makes you your best self,' she explains. 'It transformed my business—I quadrupled income, scaling to seven figures annually.'
Wall Street 24/7 reports millennials comprise 28% of the 44 million Americans hustling on the side.
This revelation hit home: I've swirled my whole career—publishing fueled by professional organizing, novel-writing amid furniture restoration. The term 'side hustle' clicked via Ann Shoket's High-Low, which champions 'sideways hustles' for millennial skill-building. As former Seventeen editor, Shoket knows her audience.
Wall Street 24/7 notes millennials as 28% of those 44 million hustlers. SideHustleNation.com sees 60% traffic from 18-34-year-olds. Founder Nick Loper attributes it to necessity—skyrocketing housing, education, and healthcare costs amid stagnant wages—sparking proactive financial control.
Related: Working on a Side Gig? Here's how to prepare for your second shift
Loper turned his shoe comparison site into a full-time venture in 2013, pivoting to side hustle resources. 'It's about owning your efforts,' he says.
For those with ideas but day-job security, Chris Guillebeau's SideHustleSchool.com offers paths to new income without quitting. 'Everyone craves more money and options,' he notes, emphasizing asset-building over gigs—stories of $200 passive mornings.
He distinguishes hustles from gig economy short-term work, focusing on scalable ideas. Loper suggests the 'Side Hustle Snowball': cover expenses with side income first. 'Don't aim to replace your salary overnight.' Guillebeau lists 99 starter ideas. As Cassera says, just swirl!
Related: Embrace yourself with these 13 motivational quotes
