There’s something special about people who do what they love for their job. Unfortunately, for many of us 9-5 office slaves or stay-at-home moms, we aren’t exactly leaping for joy every time a task comes along. If you’re in a work rut and spending more time wondering why you can’t just make a substantial career out of the activities you actually like, you’re not alone. Whether it’s fashion, beauty, writing, fixing or crafting, here are a few tips that can help you on your way to turning your favorite hobby into a profession:
Evaluate if you really want to make your hobby a job.
The thought of going to yoga as your job may seem like a good idea, but think about the actuality of why you love it in the first place. Is it because it’s an escape and a safe place where you can distress from real life? If so, turning it into a lucrative job and adding all the elements of stress that go into running a business probably isn’t the best route to take in this scenario. Also think about if your hobby is something you want to put deadlines on or sell at a price. If you can, however, see yourself putting even more heart into making it work as a profitable cause, then go for it. This is your chance to focus your passions and skills into something you already really love.
Choose an avenue to monetize your hobby.
There are so many different avenues you can take in order to make a living off of your hobby. For example, if you have a passion for beauty products, lotions and soaps, Amway is a platform that supports entrepreneurship and provides the network you need to sell these products. Or perhaps you have a knack for making hats or crafting elaborate paper flower decorations—Etsy, an e-commerce website is a go-to for unique custom-made items, and a place where people all around the world could purchase your masterpieces. Social media is another way to monetize your hobby and especially appealing for writers, lifestyle influencers and comedians. Say you have a passion for fitness and nutrition, share how you go about achieving it at an optimal level through a blog or on a Pinterest board. Or if you’re a writer or comedian, social media platforms like Youtube, Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook provide a way for your material to go viral and for you to share what’s on your mind.
Figure out your business plan.
Once you’ve decided to take your hobby to the next level and how you’ll to make it profitable, it’s time to start planning. This is where you’ll need to think about every logistical detail that goes into what you do and how exactly you’ll go about doing it in order to make money. For instance, if your hobby is attending Bar Method classes and you can envision yourself teaching class, the first step is talking to the studio owner to express your determination in becoming an instructor. More likely than not, the owner will be prompted by this eagerness you’ve shown and direct you in how to go about training. You’ll create a timeline with goals and milestones to reach in order to do what you love to do all the time. Additionally, you’ll want to plan out the financials, considering any and all costs related to training, materials, marketing and other needs for supporting your newly professional habit.
Be persistent and open.
Not a lot of people seriously make their hobby a profession. And there’s a reason for this—it’s not easy. But if you are persistent and intent on accomplishing this goal in life, you can create your own job that suits you. Be open with others and share what you’re trying to do. You’ll be surprised at the amount of support you might receive, and friends and family will most likely try to help in any way possible when they see your dedication. This could even mean investor backing that could help your dreams come to fruition. At the same time, putting yourself out there makes you vulnerable to criticism. Learn to take it, and use it as constructive feedback that may actually be used to improve your path of action.
Having a niche interest, hobby or skill can make for a fruitful career. You’ve always done it like it’s your job, so why not make it so? Take the necessary steps and you’ll be on your way to the dream job you never imagined could be a real one.
Jennifer Thayer is a technology writer from Southern California who loves finding ways technology can make life easier. She enjoys sharing her tips and tricks with readers. Follow her on Twitter.