Almost everyone has a type of hobby that they turn to for relaxation or passing the time. Whether that is knitting, going for a walk in nature, or taking photos of your cat, it’s something you do purely for the fun of it. But what happens when you find yourself short on cash and need to make some extra income? Can you sell those cat photos?
It is possible to turn your hobbies into a money-making business, but it will depend on the type of hobby you pursue and also how much time you’re willing to dedicate to it.
Some Hobbies Should Be Just For Fun
The word hobby is defined as “an activity done regularly in one’s leisure time for pleasure”. The word “pleasure” is important here, as hobbies should be fun activities that help you relax, and not a stressful undertaking to make a profit.
For that reason, it is important that you seriously consider whether you want to turn your hobby into money. When your favorite passion becomes a way to make money, you may lose all the joy you experience when you’re doing it.
For example, if you enjoy online gambling, then why not just do it for the fun of it? When you consider esportinsider.com’s casino security information, you will see there are plenty of safe and reputable online casinos that offer hundreds of games. These games should be enjoyed in your free time, and not be pursued as a way to make money from gambling.
Once your hobbies become a means to an end, you lose all the benefits associated with regularly practicing a hobby, including:
- Reduced stress
- Improved mood
- Better cognitive functioning
- Mindfulness and staying present
- Boost in creativity
- Social connections
Hobbies You Can Generate Income From
As mentioned, there are some hobbies that have more potential to generate income than others, so those wanting to turn their passions into a side hobby need to think carefully.
Woodworking
Woodworking is quite a popular hobby, and an increasing number of homeowners want unique furniture or decor items that can’t be purchased at IKEA. If you enjoy the slow pace of woodwork, then you can create bespoke pieces made to order, or find your signature item and make duplicates to sell. You can market your products online on social media marketplaces or at local markets where people can see and touch what you have created out of wood.
Craft brewing or distilling
Lovers of craft alcohol are turning their patios and garages into craft breweries and distilleries. If you’re one of those who brewed their own beer during 2020 and still enjoy the occasional home-brewed drink, then you are onto the perfect hobby to make money from. The craft beer market is valued at $28.8 billion in the US, making up 24.7% of the total US beer market. There is clearly a desire from beer drinkers for something unique.
It will take a small investment on your part to get the correct brewing (or distilling if you want to make gin or whiskey) equipment, but once you get going, you can sell your drinks, given you have the correct permits and licenses.
Thrifting and upcycling
Who hasn’t seen a DIY video on social media where the person is cleverly transforming a thrifted item into something completely new? There is a growing demand for unique, sustainable products, and a little creativity can go a long way.
Upcycling has a low barrier to entry, as you can find affordable second-hand products both at thrift shops and online. You will then just need to visualize how you can transform it and ensure you have the right tools for the job. You can start small and make jewelry from buttons and tote bags from old jeans, or transform dated furniture pieces into modern bespoke bookshelves and cabinets.
Cooking or baking
There’s no need to be the next Martha Stewart to turn your love for spending time in the kitchen into a side hustle. Baking is an easy one, as there is always a market for homemade cupcakes and cookies, whether it is for your neighbor’s kid’s birthday or for a bridal shower.
If you have a knack for cooking, then you can start a small catering company that crafts unique menus for each event.
There are also niches within this hobby, like making protein-rich snacks or dog biscuits. Simply find what you enjoy making, and start marketing your delicious eats.
Writing
If you can string a sentence together in a way that makes sense, you can probably turn your writing into a gig that pays. Starting your own blog can be rewarding and may result in advertising revenue if you get enough readers, but it is not the only way to make money with your words.
You can promote your services as a content writer on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, allowing you to do freelance writing for companies as and when they need it. You can also ghostwrite fiction books, craft scripts for YouTube videos, or self-publish a book through Amazon.
Other options
The list of hobbies that can bring in extra money is only limited by your own initiative. Some other hobbies to consider include:
- Illustrations: If you can draw well in person or digitally, you can advertise your skills to create logos, book covers, or marketing materials.
- Gardening: Is your garden thriving? Why not repot some plants and sell them at a local market? You can also create social media channels where you share tips and advice.
- Calligraphy: Penmanship is a desired skill and can become a lucrative business. You can sell invitations and cards as well as create custom signs for brands.
- Gaming: Twitch streaming has made it possible to make money from playing video games.
One thing to keep in mind with all these hobbies is that you should never lose the fun of doing them. Although making money would be an added benefit, hobbies should be enjoyed. Once they become too stressful to pursue, you should reconsider your business plan and perhaps take a break for a while.
Also Read: Amy Osmond Cook: A Strategic Leader Pioneering Marketing Solutions
