Careers are dead. Here's how people are making money in 2025

Updated May 1, 2025, 5:14 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast / Skyye Ndlovu

Careers are crumbling, side hustles are booming, and polygamous workers are cashing in on this. Heres what you need to know to survive.

There was a time when getting a good job, climbing the corporate ladder, and retiring on a decent pension was the blueprint for success. In 2025, though, that picture looks very different.

A recent article by The Independent painted a sobering picture of today’s job market, and it hit home for many people.

A 37-year-old marketing strategist spent over 15 years building her career. She was just about to land her dream role as a creative director when she realised something.

“The world has changed. Achieving your dreams just isn’t enough anymore.”

Honestly, she’s right.

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The death of the traditional career

For years, the formula was simple: work hard, climb the ladder, retire comfortably.

However, in today’s market, job security is shaky, AI threatens to replace roles overnight, and the cost of living keeps rising.

Even if you do manage to save, most people are priced out of property ownership, and pensions aren’t what they used to be.

This growing uncertainty has forced people to take matters into their own hands. That’s where passive income comes in.

What is passive income?

Passive income is money you make with little to no ongoing effort. It’s not about working more hours but about setting up income streams that earn for you in the background.

In the past, this usually meant rental properties or investment portfolios – things typically reserved for the wealthy.

Now, it’s taken on a whole new life. Apps, digital platforms, and asset-renting services have made it possible for regular people to jump in.

This could be something as simple as renting out your car when you’re not using it, renting a spare room, or even letting a neighbour hire your pool.

There’s also affiliate marketing, YouTube channels, selling eBooks, and much more.

The rise of the “polygamous worker”

Another trend The Independent highlights is the emergence of the “polygamous worker”. These are people juggling multiple remote jobs under the radar.

Some are using work-from-home culture to hold down two or three jobs at once, while others focus on passive income streams to supplement their 9–5.

While this sounds sneaky, it reflects a deeper issue: people simply don’t trust the job market anymore.

Gen Z, in particular, have never believed in the idea of a “job for life”. Instead, they prioritise flexibility, working to fund their side hustles and income streams.

The dangers of passive income hype

Of course, where there’s money to be made, there are always people selling shortcuts. TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are flooded with influencers promising to help you make thousands through passive income “hacks”.

Some suggest selling eBooks, buying vending machines, or running faceless YouTube channels.

Financial experts like Alex King, founder of Generation Money, warn against falling for get-rich-quick schemes.

“If these income streams were really making them so much money, would they be telling thousands more people about it?” he asks.

Basically, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Why does it still matter?

When done right, passive income isn’t just about making extra cash, it’s about financial control.

In a world where jobs feel unstable and pensions uncertain, it offers people a sense of independence.

Whether you’re a Gen Z freelancer or a Gen X professional eyeing retirement, having multiple income streams can make you feel more secure.

If more people learn how to manage and multiply their money responsibly, it could eventually level the financial playing field for everyone.

ALSO READ: China just unleashed an AI that doesn’t need you

So, the traditional career path isn’t what it used to be. With the rise of AI and the rising costs of living, the modern worker must be adaptable, multi-skilled, and increasingly focused on building income beyond their day job.

Now, passive income isn’t exactly a magic bullet, but it’s quickly becoming a necessary tool for financial survival, and perhaps, freedom.

If you’re considering it, remember to be smart, be sceptical, and invest time in learning how money works.

It's becoming clear that this isn't just a trend, it’s the future.