THE ROLE OF SIDE HUSTLES IN SUPPORTING THE FINANCIAL NEEDS OF ECONOMICS EDUCATION STUDENTS DURING THEIR STUDIES

Abstract

The financial needs of students are an increasingly compelling subject for study, as not all students share the same economic circumstances. While some students receive full financial support from their parents, others strive to cover at least a portion of their personal expenses independently. This situation prompts students to seek alternative sources of income without neglecting their academic responsibilities. One increasingly popular approach is the "side hustle"—a business venture or secondary job pursued alongside one's primary activities to generate extra earnings. This study aims to analyze the role of side hustles in supporting the financial needs of Economics Education students, while identifying the associated benefits, challenges, and management strategies. The research employs a library research methodology, gathering and analyzing information from scholarly journals, books, and other relevant literature concerning students' side business activities, financial management, and the balance between work and academic commitments. The findings indicate that side hustles can serve as a source of additional income to cover educational expenses, such as transportation, daily living costs, internet access, books, and academic supplies. Beyond providing financial support, these activities also foster the development of skills in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, communication, decision-making, and personal responsibility. However, engaging in such activities presents several challenges, including limited capital, income instability, fatigue, and the difficulty of balancing business pursuits with academic requirements. Consequently, effective management requires careful financial planning, the tracking of income and expenses, the prioritization of needs, and efficient time management.  The study concludes that side hustles can serve as an alternative strategy to support educational finances while providing students with practical economic experience, provided that a balance is maintained between business activities and academic responsibilities.