Sometimes it can feel like the old refrain “Do what you love!” belongs in another era. Often we end up working in area that matches what we studied in college, or just falling into a job, which can feel like settling.
But there are people out there who are doing what they love, and they almost always got there by doing one thing: figuring out how to make money through a hobby or some other activity that they truly enjoy. The only thing better than a steady salary is a steady salary doing something that doesn’t feel like work.
If making money by doing what you love sounds like a dream come true for you, following these steps might make it a reality.
Think About What Hobby You Can Monetize
The first step to making money from your hobby is identifying your hobby. Sure, this sounds like common sense, but ask most people their hobby and they’ll offer up one or two things (writing, graphic design, website building) that they really love to do and could probably monetize. But usually there are additional activities (cooking, gardening, photography) that we forget because they so enjoyable that they don’t feel like work at all. If you’re good at something like this, consider adding them to your list of potential ways to make money.
Start by Thinking Small
Making money off your hobby is a gradual process, and this is a good thing. You may really love cooking, but does that mean you’re ready to open your own restaurant? Not necessarily. However, if cooking is the hobby you’d like to turn into a business, think about offering catering services for small events and gatherings, or creating something tasty that can be packaged and sold at gourmet food stores in your area. Once you’ve made some money and learned the ropes, you can think about doing something like starting your own restaurant.
Teach People to Do What You Do
Teaching is another option that can be hugely rewarding. Now, as with our previous point, we’re not talking about getting a job at a university or opening your own institute. Instead, think about offering your services as a one-on-one offering. If you’re a talented guitarist, start giving music lessons out of your living room. If your Japanese cooking skills would have a lifelong Tokyo resident singing your praises, consider teaching others what you know.
Don’t Give Up
Making money from your hobby is a gift, not a privilege. If your first efforts at making money off your hobby don’t pay off, think about how you might earn money doing something else you love.
You might also want to ask your friends for advice. It can be hard to parse our own talents, but a close friend or family member may think of something else—your fluency in Spanish, your party planning skills—that you could build a small business around.
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