Everyone has heard the saying ‘if you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life’. In today’s economy, this is often easier said than done and even seen as a privilege. As the rate of inflation and cost of living increases, many are forced to choose having an income over waiting for the perfect job. That being said, we encourage you not to give up on your dream of turning your hobby into your career. We suggest you start small, and incorporate small changes without jumping into the deep end of a new career! With these few tips below you can get started on having your dream become reality.
1 – Make a plan & assess your situation
Think about what your goals are in this journey, and ask yourself some questions. Would you like to gain extra income with your hobby, or are you looking to turn your hobby into a full time career? How many hours can you dedicate a week? Do you have any certifications in this field? If not, would it be beneficial to invest in formal education/certifications to help you succeed?
2 – Make connections
Having connections in the field are going to help you get a head start in your journey. Reach out to friends, other members of clubs you might attend, mentors, or use Linkedin to build your network. Speak with them about the steps they took to achieve their career, and see if they have some tips to help you. Networking can be a nerve wracking experience, however, it can have great benefits when seeking opportunity. Ultimately, the more you get the word out there the more likely you are to find opportunity.
3 – Plan your finances
It is important to have a good understanding of what your financial situation looks like going into this journey. Consult your monthly budget and consider the costs of increasing how often you participate in your hobby. This would be a good opportunity for you to reach out to a connection in the field who can offer advice on the costs associated with your journey. Once you have established your budget, write out a timeline of when you can achieve your goal. It is important to be realistic with your timeline, as this will ultimately be what helps you to succeed.
In summary, turning your hobbies into a career can be a fulfilling and exciting path to take. However, it is important to carefully consider the practicality, marketability, and sustainability of your chosen hobby before taking the leap into a career. By assessing your skills, setting realistic goals, and seeking advice from professionals, you can increase your chances of success and turn your passion into a sustainable source of income.