Many of us have hobbies that we are passionate about and wish we could pursue full-time. Imagine a world where financial security is guaranteed, and you have the freedom to spend your days doing what you love most.
A lot of people have this dream, and here are some of the hobbies they would pursue if they could quit their jobs and have financial security.
1. Being Happy
“I’m actually retired and living on a modest pension, debt and mortgage-free so I am now able to pursue my hobby of being happy.”
Living a life filled with happiness is the ultimate goal for someone retired. Their days are spent indulging in activities that bring them joy, such as reading the news, experimenting with new recipes, attending art classes, and enjoying a good night’s sleep without the interruption of an alarm.
2. Opening a BBQ Shack
“I’d probably move to the mountains and open a BBQ shack.”
Dreaming of a simpler life, this one envisions relocating to the mountains to operate a summer-only BBQ shack. This no-frills establishment would offer a laid-back dining experience under canopies.
3. Costume Making
“I actually did this.”
For this one, the art of costume making turned from a side hobby into a full-time profession. Having sewn since their teenage years, they now craft costumes for WDW, fulfilling a lifelong passion.
4. Woodworking
“Woodworking. It is a very useful skill.”
Woodworking is not just a skill but a creative outlet. It offers the opportunity to craft personal items, innovate new designs, redecorate living spaces, and create heartfelt gifts for loved ones.
5. Growing Pepper Varieties
“Growing hundreds of pepper varieties. I started growing a few plants and have slowly added to the amount every summer. I get geeky about growth and getting maximum growth without using chemicals. I would love to have a small farm and just work it daily.”
A passion for horticulture drives one to cultivate hundreds of pepper varieties. Their dedication to organic growth and maximizing plant health without chemicals showcases their commitment to sustainable farming.
6. Learning Languages
“Learn all the languages.”
The world is a vast and diverse place. For one, the dream is to learn as many languages as possible, opening doors to new cultures, experiences, and connections.
7. Writing
“I would love to write all day every day. It would give me time to make something that wasn’t a steaming pile of garbage.”
For a budding author, the dream is to spend each day immersed in the world of writing. With the freedom to create without constraints, they hope to produce work that is both meaningful and impactful.
8. Traveling & Scuba Diving
“I would just travel, anywhere and everywhere. I would love to spend a year or more living in a place and then move on. I would spend a lot of time near or on the ocean as well so I can scuba dive.”
The allure of adventure calls to one user, who dreams of traveling the world, living in different places, and exploring the ocean depths through scuba diving.
9. Race Car Driving
“Race car driver. No hobby is more financially insecure, so assuming that is taken care of… I can’t imagine anything better.”
The thrill of speed and competition fuels one’s dream of becoming a race car driver. Inspired by Steve McQueen’s famous quote, they believe that “Racing is life, everything before or after is just waiting.”
10. Opening an Art Gallery/Patisserie
“I’d open an art gallery/patisserie. I’d buy and sell local artwork. Talk about art all day. Eat macarons. Bake croissants. I’d die happy, for sure.”
Art and culinary delights combine in one user’s dream of opening an art gallery and patisserie. This venture would support local artists while providing a space for patrons to indulge in delicious treats.
11. Session Guitar Player or Sideman
“I would be a session guitar player or maybe even do some sideman stuff.”
Music is a universal language, and for an aspiring musician, the dream is to share their talent as a session guitar player or sideman, contributing to the creative process and bringing music to life.
12. Starting a Farm & Selling at Farmer’s Market
“I’d love to start my own little farm and sell stuff at a Farmer’s Market every weekend”
A love for agriculture and community drives one’s dream of starting a small farm and selling their produce at local Farmer’s Markets, contributing to the local food movement.
13. Comedy
“Comedy.”
Laughter is the best medicine, and one person dreams of spreading joy through a career in comedy, entertaining audiences and brightening their days.
14. Voice Acting
“Voice acting.”
The world of voice acting offers a unique opportunity to bring characters to life. For one, this is the dream career, allowing them to contribute to storytelling in a meaningful way.
15. Running an RPG/Board Game Store
“Run an RPG / Board game store.”
For a gaming enthusiast, the dream is to run an RPG and board game store, creating a space for fellow gamers to gather, connect, and enjoy their shared passion.
16. Starting a Used Book Store
“Start a used book store.”
A love for literature and a desire to preserve the past drives one’s dream of opening a used book store. This store would not only offer a wide selection of used books but also specialize in the restoration and sale of rare and out-of-print editions.
17. Blacksmithing & Opening a Restaurant
“I’ll become a blacksmith. I love the idea of making swords, axes armor, and all sorts of cool stuff. Also, I would love to open a restaurant. Both would be great.”
One dreams of a dual career as a blacksmith and restaurant owner. Crafting weapons and armor while also running a restaurant may seem like an unusual combination, but for this user, it represents the perfect blend of their passions.
The Desire to Pursue Hobbies as a Career
According to research conducted by Europe’s number one sports retailer, Decathlon, 50% of people wish they could pursue their hobby as a full-time job. This indicates a significant trend among the new generation of workers.
The top hobbies employees would consider taking up as a career included caring for animals or children (30%), outdoor pursuits like camping (27%), team sports like football, cricket, or rugby (25%), and individual sports like tennis, golf, cycling, or swimming (24%).
Crafts like knitting, sewing, or card-making (19%) and indoor pursuits like writing or computer games (17%) were also desired hobby careers.
The Challenges of Turning Hobbies Into Careers
Despite the desire to turn hobbies into careers, only 3% have actually done so. The main barriers include not knowing where to start (39%), financial concerns (37%), fear of not earning enough to support their lifestyle (26%), and the cost involved (26%).
Additionally, 21% felt too settled in their existing career to make a change, and 16% thought changing careers would be too difficult.
The Rewards of Pursuing Hobbies as Careers
The rewards are significant for those who have successfully turned their hobby into a career. Almost three-quarters (70%) of people said it made them happier than before, and 60% stated that their hobby job is fulfilling and rewarding. Only 10% said it has been stressful.
While many people dream of turning their hobbies into full-time careers, the reality is that only a small percentage actually do so.
The barriers to making this transition are significant, including financial concerns, fear of failure, and feeling too settled in an existing career.
However, the rewards are substantial for those who overcome these challenges, leading to increased happiness and fulfillment. Ultimately, pursuing a hobby as a career may be a dream for many, but with determination and a well-thought-out plan, it can become a reality.
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- Read: “I’m just not built for a 9-5 no matter what it is”- Woman Ready to Quit New Job After Just 4 Days
Sources
- fenews.co.uk/skills/50-of-people-long-to-pursue-their-hobby-as-a-full-time-job/
- reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/6rcx2u/if_you_could_quit_your_job_and_pursue_your_hobby/
This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
