As the cost-of-living crisis continues to squeeze households across the UK, new data from side-hustle platform Prograd reveals that young people in Scotland are turning to online jobs in growing numbers, both to stay afloat and get ahead.
In Scotland, Prograd users are clocking an average of 15.16 hours per week on side hustles, a figure that places them among the most active regions in the UK.
This “hustle time” refers to the time spent per user on income-generating activity tracked through the platform, highlighting just how much effort young Scots are putting in beyond traditional jobs or education.
With thousands of users in Scotland using Prograd’s tools to find side income opportunities, the data suggests a clear trend: young Scots are increasingly diversifying how they earn money in response to rising prices, rent, and bills.
Surveys, Gaming, and Cashback Top the Hustle Charts
The most popular side-hustle in Scotland is paid surveys, this is followed by:
- Gaming
- Cashback
- Free trial sign-ups
- Financial tools
This mix of side-gigs shows a generation that is not only digitally savvy but also keen to maximise spare time with low-barrier, accessible income streams that can be done from a phone or laptop.
Scotland Punches Above The Rest Of The UK
Compared to regions with larger populations, Scotland’s 15.16 average hustle hours stack up competitively:
- Higher than the South West (14.23), South East (14.69), Wales (14.75), and East Anglia (14.81)
- Close to the North East (15.16) and North West (15.53)
While London leads in overall user count and max hustle hours (16.73), Scotland’s performance is impressive given its size, showing strong engagement and a rising appetite for independent financial action.
Digital Earning is the New Normal
Prograd’s data reflects broader national trends of Gen Z workers embracing flexibility, financial literacy, and non-traditional forms of income. From cashback apps to survey platforms and trial offers, the side-hustle economy is now an important part of how young people navigate economic uncertainty.
“Scotland’s young adults are showing resilience and adaptability in the face of financial pressure,” said a Prograd spokesperson. “They’re not just working harder, they’re working smarter. These side hustles may seem small individually, but collectively they represent a major shift in how young people approach earning.”
About Prograd
Prograd is a personal finance platform that helps young people discover and manage income-boosting opportunities.
From side hustles and cashback to savings tools and financial education, Prograd gives users the resources they need to build financial freedom, one gig at a time.
