How to Turn Your Hobby Into a Career

Many of us spend 40-60 hours a week of our lives being miserable or just okay. So for those who may be wondering how they can get out of this rut and do something they love, we turned to life coach Christine Hassler for the answer.

Question: How can I take a hobby or something I love doing and turn it into a career or something I actually get paid for?
Great question; it’s one that I get asked frequently. I will get into it but, first, consider this statement:

1. “If I was doing my hobby all day and it turned into the thing that paid my bills, I am absolutely positive that I would still enjoy it as much as I do now.”
If you agree with the above statement, without any doubt, then proceed to statement two. If you are at all thinking “hmmmmm….” then read closely. If your hobby is your way to “zone out,” consider how it would change if you introduced the responsibility of it supporting you. This question stems from my own experience. In 2003, my primary hobby was yoga. So, I thought, “Well, I do not really like my current job. Why don’t I turn my hobby into a career?” I quit and became a personal trainer and yoga teacher. Three months later, I realized I made a big mistake. My former place of solace and joy had become my “daily grind.”

I share this as a gentle warning, not to deter you. “Follow your passion and money will follow” is often true, but it is not solely navigated by our hobby.

2. “I am absolutely sure I want to turn my hobby, my passion, into a job that supports me. What do I do?”
Unfortunately my crystal ball is in the shop, so I cannot give you the exact answer, but the most important thing to do first is clarify your intention: Do you want a career where you can get paid to do your hobby OR do you want to start your own business? If it’s a job, then start looking in the fields that correspond with your hobby. Research, network and create a resume that is tailored to your area of interest. My sense is that this is a no-brainer answer so I am going to focus on the entrepreneurial route.