Why? Hobbies are things you choose to do; activities that you're good at and enjoy doing. A hobby is a window into what you love and do most naturally, which are all important components of a career where you'll flourish.
According to J.K Reynolds, an expert business coach “… the earlier we are able to observe our personal tastes as they show up in hobbies, the more powerful a lead these things will provide in steering us to meaningful professional and career choices”.
Ways to monetise a hobby
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You make ask yourself “who's going to hire someone who loves making, for example, beaded jewelry.” Good question. Don't wait for someone to hire you. Start your own business. That may be the best way to incorporate your hobby into your career. Those with hobbies that involve creating things, i.e. jewelry, clothing, or pottery, may do well to sell those items on their own.
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Let's say that running a small business isn't for you. You can still turn your hobby into a career, but you may have to get some formal training. Let's go back to the person who loves making beaded jewelry. That person probably knows the latest jewelry styles, has an understanding of what styles look good on different people, and also is skilled in using the tools of the trade. He or she could go to school to learn how to be a jewelry designer. Alternatively, that person could become a jewelry buyer for a department store or a salesperson in a jewelry store. He or she could also learn to become a jeweler by taking courses at a trade school or by learning on the job.
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Teach others to do what you love- teach piano lessons, a language, offer cooking classes, if those are your passions. You can do this by teaching through a college or continuing education program, by creating your own classes, or by creating your own webinars.
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Speak or write about your hobbies- hobby related how-to topics, historical perspectives, and compelling stories, are all of interest to enthusiasts. And you could get paid to do it.
It is important to keep in mind that not everyone is going to wind up being a star following a well-loved hobby into a professional setting.
We can't all be football players, real estate moguls or entertainers. However, what's certain is that if we follow our natural interests, we will give ourselves the best chance at career success.
More and more people are turning their hobbies into jobs, a fulfilling way to make a living and spend more time at home, close to family.
Indeed most entrepreneurs say the secret of their success is that they did something they are passionate about, so why not give it a go?
