According to recent research, college students are selling some pretty wild stuff just to make ends meet. And while we’re all for a side hustle, there’s probably a better way than putting your old roommate’s jeans on Poshmark.
Julia Haber, Co-founder and CEO of Home From College (H\FC), is flipping the script on side hustles with her campaign “Sell Your Skills, Not Your Stuff.” Her company is making major waves in NYC and LA with IRL wild postings, even tapping Micky Gordon, Zoe Apple, and Andrew McKenna to share their “I did what for money?!” stories.
We sat down with Julia to talk about ambition, hustle culture, and why your late-night resume panic scroll might be over for good.
“Sell Your Skills, Not Your Stuff” is such a bold statement. What message are you hoping it sends to students?
We kept seeing this disconnect: students with real skills and talent were stuck in survival mode instead of building mode. "Sell Your Skills, Not Your Stuff" is our call for students to recognize their actual value. The message is simple: You don't have to choose between making money and making progress toward your future. You can do both.
You found some creative ways students make ends meet. What was the most surprising side hustle story you’ve come across?
One student told us she was making decent money pretending to be someone's girlfriend at family events—like hired arm candy for awkward family dinners and weddings. She was incredibly personable and great at reading social dynamics, which are actually valuable professional skills. That's when it clicked for us: Students are already entrepreneurial and skilled; they just need better outlets for those abilities.
How do you think Gen Z is redefining what it means to “make it” in college and beyond?
Gen Z has completely abandoned the linear career ladder concept. "Making it" used to mean climbing from entry-level to executive at one company. For Gen Z, it's about building a portfolio of experiences that align with their values. They want to work on projects they care about, with flexibility to pivot, and with companies whose missions they actually believe in. They're not chasing corner offices; they're chasing meaningful impact and personal growth. Success is measured by fulfillment and freedom, not just financial milestones.
Why do you think this messaging resonates so deeply?
It's authentic to their experience. So many students have a "you did what for cash?" story, whether it's driving for delivery apps between classes or selling random things online. The campaign doesn't judge these hustles; it celebrates the resourcefulness while pointing toward something better.
Can you tell us about how you are helping students build toward long-term careers through H\FC?
H\FC flips the traditional recruiting model. Instead of students trying to fit into rigid job descriptions, we help companies see students' authentic skills and potential. A student who's been running a successful Instagram account isn't just "social media savvy.” They understand brand voice, audience engagement, content strategy, and analytics. We surface these real capabilities and match them with companies doing work they actually care about. It's not just about getting a job; it's about starting a career path that builds on their existing strengths and interests.
What would you say to a student who’s feeling stuck in the side hustle spiral?
First, give yourself credit for being resourceful. That hustle mentality is actually a superpower in the modern workforce. But then ask yourself: "What am I learning from this experience that I can use later?" If the answer is nothing beyond "how to make quick cash," it's time to pivot.
Look at what you're naturally good at in your side hustles. Are you great at customer service while driving for Uber? That's a transferable skill. Are you crushing it at social media? That's marketing experience. The goal isn't to stop hustling—it's to hustle smarter.
