by Cree McCree
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- “What do you do?” Good question. For young adults juggling multiple gigs, the answer is anything but straightforward. Dubbed “sidetrepreneurism” by MTV/Viacom, wearing many different hats in the marketplace has become business as usual for multicareerist Millennials (Forbes.com, 19 July 2012).
- Whether they work multiple jobs simultaneously or sequentially, freewheelin’ Millennials are building portable skill sets. 22% predict that their careers will traverse six or more employers, while just 28% expect to hang their hats at three or fewer companies.
- While some businesses still frown at side hustles, others are tapping young employees and interns for fresh ideas. Viacom’s Scratch program and MasterCard’s YoPros both embrace the kind of cross-pollination that sidetrepreneurs bring to the table.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- They may live in “interesting times,” as the old Chinese curse puts it. But Millennials aren’t wasting time whining or shaking their fists at the gods. They’re creating their own opportunities wherever they find them, switching hats like fast-change artists while branding their resumés.
- By 2020, 46% of all US workers will be young adults, according to the Young Entrepreneurs Council. Smart companies will move forward into that future by letting Millennials lead the way.
RESOURCES
