Staying in Control of Your Hobby
Having a hobby you love can be a source of joy — but it can also become too much.
Your hobby doesn’t have an end.
It’s there when you want to work on it — and it’s still there, even if you take a break from it for weeks or months or years.
But in the same vein, you might get too caught up in your hobby. You might be tempted to turn it into your side hustle instead of a passion project. You might unintentionally abandon friends or responsibilities because you’re dedicating so much time and energy to your hobby.
These tips will help you find the sweet spot of committing to your hobby but not letting it consume you.
MONEY
Every hobby will take as much money as you throw at it.
You, on the other hand, do have a limit on how much money you can spend.
While we aren’t a place for financial advice, we can confidently say that you should not live beyond your means in general, but especially when it comes to your hobby.
Set a monthly budget for your hobby after you’ve already budgeted for necessities (rent, utilities, bills, etc.).
Consider if each piece of equipment, tool, or hobby-related gadget is a want or a need. Focus on your needs.
TIME
When your hobby transforms from something that fills your time to something that takes over your time, you’re entering a difficult point in your hobby journey. It’s one thing to plan to do your hobby, but it’s another to plan your normal life around it.
Hobbies can become an addiction. And no addiction is good for your health.
Are you now sacrificing time you once shared with friends and family?
Are your relationships now strained because your commitment to your hobby?
Is your performance at work being affected?
If you’re answering yes to most or all these questions, it’s time to slow down. Your hobby is not going anywhere.
A hobby is not your job.
You’re Not Meant to Make Money
Social media and a very capitalistic culture have glorified side hustles.
We’re not against side hustles. In fact, financial literacy and independence is very much aligned with the core principles of having a hobby.
But they are not aligned with what a hobby is.
To pursue a hobby in an effort to make money is the exact opposite of what a hobby is meant to do. It’s meant to be an outlet, a reprieve, a passion.
A hobby is supposed to be relaxing and fulfilling experience that takes you away from work.
If you’re attempting to make money, then do not deceive yourself, this is not a hobby.
To keep your hobby, you have to remove the idea of making money.
Your Body Has a Limit
A lot of hobbies involve movement and physical activity. And if you do one of those hobbies, chances are, the physicality is a big part of why you enjoy it. But allow yourself to rest and take a break, whether you are injured or simply tired.
Perseverance is always something to be admired, but in the case of a hobby, there’s no reason for you to sacrifice your long-term health for a moments gain. Running a 5K with a sprained ankle or pushing yourself to the point of pain is not worth it.
Take it easy and listen to your body, it’s the only one you have.
Give your body rest to recover between outings.
If something hurts more than usual, stop immediately and address it.
If you’re doing a hobby with others, make sure everybody is following safety precautions and looking out for each other.
