Should Your Hobby Become Your Business? 4 Questions to Ask Yourself
Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life.
We've all heard the advice: “Do what you love, and you'll never work a day in your life.” But is turning your passion into a profession always the right move? Let's dive into this question with a personal story and some practical advice.
The Baker's Dilemma
My best friend's daughter is a remarkable baker. Every time we get together, she brings something delicious that makes our mouths water. For her, baking is more than just a skill—it's a stress-relieving outlet from the demands of raising a young family.
She's often contemplated turning this passion into a side business once her children start school. But here's the catch: when you monetize your passion, it can quickly transform from a relaxing hobby into a list of tasks that need to be completed.
The Hobby vs. Business Dilemma
If you're reading this and see yourself in a similar situation, you might be on the cusp of a significant decision. Consider these statistics:
93% of people believe hobbies are crucial for maintaining mental health and work-life balance.
Yet, 40% of Americans have a side hustle.
Hobbies aren't just fun activities for many of us. They're our pressure release valves, creative playgrounds, and sources of joy without strings attached.
While the idea of turning a passion into profit is enticing (and I'm all for it when it makes sense), it's not the only path to building a business. More importantly, it's not the right path for everyone.
4 Questions to Ask Yourself
So, how do you know if you should keep your hobby as just that—a hobby? Ask yourself these four questions:
Does the thought of making money from your hobby fill you with excitement or dread?
Can you imagine doing your hobby on a deadline, or for a demanding client?
Is your hobby currently your main stress outlet?
Do you have other outlets if this one becomes “work”?
When I posed these questions to my baker friend, she realized that being obligated to bake and baking for the sheer joy of it land on very different points on her personal joy meter.
Still Unsure? Try This.
If you're still on the fence after pondering the above questions, here's a practical approach:
Do a test run: Work for one client or sell a few items.
Set a deadline: Decide upfront how much time you want to dedicate to this experiment.
Reflect afterward: How do you feel about the experience? Did you turn a profit?
The Bottom Line
Remember, not every hobby needs to become a business, and not every passion translates into a profitable venture.
So the next time someone suggests you turn your hobby into a business, take a deep breath. Ask yourself these four questions to determine if that's really what you want.
Over to You
What about you? Do you have a hobby that you deliberately keep separate from your professional life? How does it serve as a release for you?
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