Is it a good idea to turn a hobby into a side hustle?

(perspectives shared in a recent article in The Guardian )

A side hustle has become a part of common lingo, especially on social media.

Hybrid, part-time and gig working, coupled with the rising cost of living is leading professionals to commoditise and monetise their spare time.

The fallout of monetising one’s hobby can be a shortcut to burnout and resentment, reports The Guardian.

Cam Fairbairn, a Sydney resident, used to enjoy making preserves, as a hobby in his spare time.

He started selling Cam’s Jams at local cafes. Over a period of time, his love for making jams decreased, as he dealt with deadlines and production requirements.  18 months later, he says “I haven’t eaten jam since”.

Although there are many documented success stories, The Guardian writer Victoria Pearson says that turning a hobby into a business can ‘dull the joy’ of it.

The ever-rising cost of living and the omnipresent influence of social media has led Millenials to seek to monetise every waking hour.

Research shows that many side hustles have cannibalised hobbies.

E
The money has been good.  But with it has come burnout and resentment.  Turning Play into Work can be really Hard Work!

Besides, the money is sometimes not enough to justify the running of the business.

Meditative activities like quilting and crocheting can lose their purpose of doing the activity in the first place.

It’s important to protect the activities that uplift our mood and make us happy.

A side hustle may leave no time to plan recreation, rest and recovery.  A hobby should refill our energy levels, time, attention and concentration. If it’s draining, it has a negative effect.

This comes with a caveat.  If the gap between the passion and what you’re actually good at is small, and they are aligned, the outcome can be great.

It’s also important to find time for activities that replenish our mental resources, not just bank accounts.

I love The Guardian for such articles, which inspire us to take meaningful action in our lives.

Besides, this access to truthful news comes free, since it is often shared regardless of the ability to pay.

Here goes a 3 Cheers for The Guardian!!!