Side Hustles of Working Students

Written by Mikylla Ryza Dela Cruz, March 27, 2025

Have you ever met a young individual who is earning as much as, or even more than, adults? Do you wonder how they manage to balance school and work while turning their passions into profit? Or perhaps you are one of those young professionals who are making it happen today?

Maybe you are one of those who stumble upon posts on social media about “a day in the life of a working student,” “the struggles of being a working student,” or “student sa umaga, working sa gabi.” These posts highlight the growing number of young people finding ways to not only support their education but also create opportunities for themselves. The rise of working students and young entrepreneurs is not just a trend, but a clear shift in how youth today are reshaping their future.

Gone are the days when young people were expected to focus solely on their education and wait for financial support. Today, more and more young people are finding creative and practical ways to earn a living, all while studying. Whether it’s through small businesses, freelancing, or managing side hustles, young people are proving that they can pursue their dreams and earn money at the same time. Balancing school and work is no small task, but today’s youth are showing incredible determination and creativity in doing so. Rather than being discouraged by the demands of both school and work, many see these challenges as opportunities to grow and build resilience. According to the World Bank, a growing number of young people take on jobs while studying, not just to financially support their education but to develop skills that will prepare them for the future. This trend reflects how today’s generation is embracing independence and demonstrating the ability to tackle life’s challenges head-on.

In the Philippines, this resourcefulness is particularly evident. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) reported in 2020 that about 70% of college students combine studying with part-time jobs. Despite the pressures of managing both, these students show adaptability, hope, and a strong desire to improve their lives. A study by Jones et al. (2022) also emphasizes how managing time and dealing with challenges play key roles in their success. These behaviors prove that today’s youth are capable of creating a brighter future for themselves, despite the obstacles they face.

Courtesy: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSrLgRJjx/

This video is just one example of how today’s young people are using technology and social media to create, promote their work, and earn just like adults. E-commerce platforms, online communities, and digital tools give them an easy way to turn their creative passions into businesses. Whether it’s freelance work, crafting, or tutoring, the opportunities to earn and gain experience are more accessible than ever.

By balancing both education and work, these young individuals are not only supporting themselves but also developing life skills that will shape their futures—skills like time management, responsibility, and resilience.

Another example is Quinn Vilanueva, a second-year college student at the University of Caloocan City, who balances her studies while working at a fast-food restaurant. Quinn is learning how to manage being a student, an employee, and a daughter all at once, showing that with the right mindset and a lot of determination, it’s possible to juggle school, work, and family. But it’s not always easy. For Quinn, balancing her responsibilities often means less time for herself. The stress of meeting school deadlines while working a job can be overwhelming. It’s not unusual for her to feel drained or to have to give up some personal time just to keep up with everything. Quinn’s experience really puts into perspective what it’s like to balance school, work, and family. While it’s clear she’s managing, it also shows that this kind of balance comes with its own set of challenges.

But let’s also not forget the viral line… “MA, ANONG ULAM?!”

Geraldine Olmos, also known as “Neneng B,” is another example. At just 15, she started selling hotdog sandwiches in Quiapo to help support her family. Her business quickly became popular, and her catchy line “Ma, anong ulam?” became a viral sensation on social media. Some people find it funny and inspiring, while others think it’s exaggerated and insensitive.

Courtesy: TikTok

Despite the mixed reactions, Geraldine keeps working hard, balancing her studies and her business. She dreams of becoming a police officer and is determined to finish her studies while continuing to support her family. These stories show how young people today are using their creativity and independence to create opportunities for themselves. Whether it’s through work, business, or both, they are proving that with hard work, they can achieve their goals and make a difference in their families’ lives. The rise of working students and young entrepreneurs is changing how we see what’s possible at a young age.

How about you? Have you ever felt inspired by this growing trend of today’s generation, or perhaps felt the pressure of balancing multiple responsibilities? As these young individuals redefine success through their hard work and determination, can YOUth really make it? Can YOUth redefine success for themselves and others?