From Side Hustles to AI Partners: The Evolution of Work for Solopreneurs

Time Travel: 2015, 2025, 2035

Photo by Microsoft 365 on Unsplash

The way we work has undergone a seismic shift in the last decade — and it’s only going to get more radical.

For solopreneurs, the future of work is about redefining what work means in a world dominated by AI, automation, and decentralized systems.

In this article, we will time-travel through 2015 and 2025 to uncover how work has evolved — and how you can stay ahead of the curve.

2015: The Rise of the Side Hustle

• The Gig Economy Explodes: Platforms like Uber, Airbnb, and Fiverr made it easy for anyone to monetize their skills or assets.
• Remote Work was Niche: Only 3.7% of the U.S. workforce worked remotely half-time or more.
• Social Media as a Career: Influencers and content creators began to emerge, but it was still seen as a risky career path.
• Freelancing Grew: Freelancers made up 35% of the U.S. workforce, but they often struggled with inconsistent income and lack of benefits.
• Side Hustles: Many people started side hustles to supplement their income, from driving for Uber to selling handmade goods on Etsy.