Should My Hobby be My Career?

It's a question that seems to chase us like an overzealous seagull at a seaside chip shop: "Should my hobby be my career?" You know what I'm talking about. That thing you do when you've clocked out from the daily grind when the boss isn't looking or when you've got a spare moment between walking the dog and attempting to decipher the enigma that is your tax return. I mean, who wouldn't want to turn the thing they love into the thing that fills their pocket? It sounds like a dream, doesn't it? Well, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let's dig into this fascinating conundrum together. 

There I was, a young lad, not a care in the world, with an alarming affection for collecting and cataloging buttons. You heard it right - buttons. The shapely round ones, the square ones, some metallic, some wooden, some covered in fine fabric.

You get the picture. Every button had a story, and I was the self-appointed custodian of their tales. It was a hobby. It was fun. It was... a handful. But should I have turned it into a career? Started a button museum? Penned a series of riveting button-themed novels? That's the million-dollar, or in my case, the million-button question.

You see, when you're thinking about transforming a beloved pastime into a full-blown job, there are some crucial factors to consider:

Passion vs Pressure

It's one thing to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park; it's another to be obliged to do it daily, in rain, sleet, or a mid-summer heatwave, while mapping every single shrub and pebble for a comprehensive guide to city parks. The pressure of turning a passion into a livelihood can sometimes squeeze the joy right out of it. Like trying to make a gourmet meal out of instant noodles, you might just end up with a soggy mess.

Profitability

Let's face it, not all hobbies can keep the lights on or put food on the table. As much as I loved my button collection, I doubt it would have fetched me a fortune unless there's a secret society of button enthusiasts out there willing to part with their money for a peek at my stash. In which case, please get in touch.

Market Demand

So you've got a talent for crafting origami unicorns. Fantastic! But is there a market for it? This isn't to say that you can't carve out a niche for yourself. After all, someone out there is making a pretty penny selling pet rocks. But it's a good idea to check if there are enough like-minded folks who share your enthusiasm and not just a good economy type of enthusiasm. 

Could your pet rock empire survive a recession?  When I cashed my free government covid check I was buying flatscreen TVs for rooms I didn't have, and the second time I saw the word recession in the news I started canceling every pork-fat recurring monthly charge I could convince my wife we didn't need.  "Hey honey, I canceled our internet service but good news... I hacked the neighbor's password".

Skill and Experience

Loving something doesn't necessarily mean you're good at it. I adore the violin, but my attempt at playing Paganini’s Caprice No. 24 sounds more like a cat caught in a ceiling fan than a masterpiece. Turning a hobby into a career often means upping your game, investing in training, and embracing the reality of constant improvement.

But, don't let this list of considerations make you as jittery as a caffeinated squirrel. The notion of making your hobby your career isn't all doom and gloom. Far from it. Here are some reasons why it might just be the best thing since cream cheese and jam on toast:

Job Satisfaction

Imagine waking up each morning brimming with excitement to start your workday. That's what happens when you do what you love. It's like being on a permanent vacation, except you get paid and you might even be able to work from anywhere now that you are your own boss.  But how does one find this magical vacation-work land of satisfaction?  Well, there are career tests and assessment quizzes designed to show your list of best careers but you have to know yourself well enough to answer the questions about who you are honestly.  And - don't take the personality tests that tell you generalities like who to date or what type of "morning person" you are... assess your personality at work. 

Authenticity

People can tell when you're passionate about what you do. It shines through like a beacon in a foggy harbor. And this authenticity can lead to more engagement, a better reputation, and even higher earnings. It's like cooking with love – everyone wants a piece of it.

Innovation

When you're working with something you love, you're more likely to push the boundaries, to think outside the box, to go the extra mile. Just like that bloke who thought combining peanut butter and jelly was a good idea. And look where that got us.

Resilience

Let's face it, all jobs come with setbacks. But when you're doing something you adore, you have that extra bit of grit to keep going. It's like being stuck in a marathon – sure, you're tired, you're sweaty, but you're also wearing a spiffy outfit, and there's a medal waiting for you at the end.

Remember my button-collecting obsession? Well, it turns out that my affinity for collecting and categorizing wasn't about the buttons themselves. It was about the stories they held, the histories they represented. So, did I become a professional button collector? No. Instead, I turned my love for stories into a career in writing. It was a hobby that had the passion, the profitability, the market demand, and the skills to match.

As we reach the final stretch of this grand adventure, I want to leave you with a roadmap. Think of it as your trusty GPS guiding you through the labyrinth of turning your hobby into a career. It's not quite as exciting as a treasure map, but I assure you, it's just as valuable:

Deciphering the Market

Ask yourself, "Are there enough folks out there willing to part with their hard-earned cash for my delightful crocheted cat sweaters?" Understanding the lay of the land, the hungry competitors prowling about, and the potential gold mines is key to making your hobby a sustainable career.

Penny Pinching and Planning

Now, I won't pretend this will be as fun as planning a vacation to the Bahamas, but charting out your financial course is crucial. How much will you need to kick things off? How much to keep the ship sailing smoothly? And do you have a lifeboat of funds to save you from any stormy weather?

A Dose of Reality

Look, it's easy to dream of rolling in dough as the world's first professional pillow fort architect, but it's vital to temper those dreams with a little reality. Understanding the potential earnings, the lifestyle that comes with it, and the fact that success might be more of a marathon than a sprint is crucial.

A Little Dip Before the Plunge

Before you commit your whole heart, soul, and bank account to your hobby-turned-career, why not try it on for size? Start small, like a side gig or part-time endeavor, to see if it fits. It's like trying the soup before you order the whole pot.

There's even a chance you'll hate working for your new boss - YOU. So, baby step your way to finding out if you even want to want work for yourself.

Growing Pains and Gains

As you evolve from a hobbyist to a professional, there will be changes, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly but with more spreadsheets. Be prepared to learn new skills, from marketing to customer service, that will help your career take flight.

Keep the Flame Alive

Just as you wouldn't let the spark in a romance die, don't let your passion for your hobby fade. Keep some of it just for fun, engage with other enthusiasts, and continue learning and exploring. It's the secret sauce that keeps the joy in the journey.

Lean on Me

Don't be shy about seeking help from those who've walked this path before. Their wisdom, advice, and support can be your guiding star. Plus, it's always good to have a few friends when you're embarking on an adventure.

So, should your hobby be your career?

Well, like a cat deciding whether to go in or out of a door, it depends. It depends on you, your hobby, and a host of other factors. It can be the best decision you ever make, or it could leave you longing for the days when your hobby was just that – a hobby.

And if you ever find yourself mulling over your button collection at two in the morning, wondering if it could be your next career move... well, you'll know you're in good company.

Whether you choose to embark on this adventure or keep your hobby as a treasured pastime, remember the words of the great philosopher, Ferris Bueller: "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." So go forth, look around, and don't miss a moment of the joy that your hobby – or career – brings you.