When journalist Abbianca Nassar began gaining traction as a freelance ghostwriter and brand strategist, she decided to make the leap into self-employment after losing her full-time job last year. What started as a side hustle quickly became her primary source of income. Now, however, she worries that artificial intelligence could eventually undermine that work.
In an interview with Business Insider, Nassar said some of her clients are building proprietary AI tools, while others have asked her to revise content to ensure it cannot be mistaken for machine-generated writing.
At this point, AI has neither improved nor diminished her work. Still, she sees it as an unavoidable presence in her profession.
“My biggest fear is not adapting and then being left behind,” she said.
Nassar’s experience reflects a broader concern. As AI adoption accelerates, both full-time workers and side hustlers face potential disruptions. Staying adaptable has become increasingly important.
AI is already reshaping freelance earnings
Roughly 42 million Americans have a side hustle, according to the Gig Economy Data Hub. For some, it is their main source of income; for others, it supplements a full-time job.
Research from TurboTax shows that 45% of side hustlers earn less than $500 per month, while 27% make $1,000 or more. More than half rely on that income to pay regular household expenses.
As AI tools become more sophisticated, some freelancers are already seeing reduced demand and lower earnings. A 2023 study from Washington University in St. Louis found that AI adoption coincided with measurable declines in freelance work.
After the launch of ChatGPT, writing-related jobs on Upwork fell by 2%, while monthly earnings dropped by 5.2%. Designers and artists experienced even steeper declines following the release of image-generation tools like DALL-E and Midjourney, with job volume falling 3.7% and income decreasing 9.4%.
TurboTax has identified freelance graphic design as one of the most in-demand side hustles in certain regions. But as companies increasingly turn to AI for design needs, many professionals in the field may find it harder to maintain steady income.
Protecting a side hustle in an AI-driven economy
Side hustles often provide critical financial support. They may help cover bills, reduce debt, fund savings goals, or create discretionary income.
Given their importance, it is natural to want to safeguard that work. Still, the reality is that AI will likely affect some side hustles more than others as businesses adopt automation and develop in-house tools.
At the same time, AI can also be an asset. Used strategically, it can automate repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, help identify new opportunities, and streamline proposals or client outreach. For some workers, this may translate into higher productivity and increased earnings.
The key takeaway is that AI is not going away. Learning how to use it effectively—rather than resisting it—can be a competitive advantage. Freelancers who master relevant tools may be better positioned to attract and retain clients.
It is also wise to strengthen skills that technology cannot easily replicate. Creative thinking, strategic insight, interpersonal communication, and nuanced judgment remain distinctly human advantages.
For those whose side hustles are especially vulnerable to automation, developing a backup income stream may provide added security. Jobs that require physical presence or hands-on service—such as pet care, delivery work, ridesharing, or handyman services—are less susceptible to AI disruption.
Finally, careful financial planning is essential for anyone who depends on side-hustle income. Prioritizing essential expenses, trimming discretionary spending, and building an emergency fund can provide a buffer during periods of uncertainty.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 71% of Americans worry AI could permanently eliminate jobs. While that concern is understandable, having a contingency plan and a financial cushion can make potential career pivots far less daunting.