Hobbies – we all have them. In fact, we all probably have multiple hobbies. A hobby is defined as an activity done regularly in one’s leisure time. A few of my hobbies include baking, going on walks, reading blogs, relaxing on my deck, going on coffee dates with my husband, exploring Charlotte and watching movies in the evenings. Hobbies are constantly changing, too. Before I had kids, my hobbies were more focused on working out and going out, haha. My main focus wasn’t on relaxing. Now that I have kids, the word “relaxation” takes on a whole new meaning. You guys with me on that?!
Some people have hobbies that are strictly about relaxation (that’s my focus in this phase of my life), some people have hobbies that cost them money and some people have hobbies that make them money. Examples of hobbies that cost money include skydiving, hunting, playing music, boating or trying new restaurants each week. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with any of these things, it’s important to make sure that you can comfortably afford your hobby.
There are many “free” hobbies too in addition to the ones I mentioned above (I realize going for a walk isn’t necessarily a hobby…but with a 2 and a 1 year old, it’s a highlight of my day!), such as running or jogging, cooking food from scratch, hiking, reading, drawing, playing games online or volunteering. Now that it’s spring, one of my favorite hobbies is going to a park here in Charlotte, watching my girls play and then taking a long walk around the park. Most of the parks are surrounded by walking trails, lakes and of course huge, beautiful trees. This is where I feel most at peace and my happiest. My husband and I chat about our goals and dreams, the girls are usually well-behaved in the stroller as long as they have snacks and I love just breathing in the fresh air.
There are also hobbies people have that make them money. I started this blog with the full intent of making money. I’ve said from the beginning that this blog is not a hobby, but a job. Technically, though, I could define it as a hobby since it’s something that I enjoy doing. But if I say that, then I guess freelance writing and all of my other online work would be considered a hobby too because I love it so much. (Not a bad life, huh?!)
Hobbies that make you money
Hobbies that can make you money include blogging, investing, purchasing rental properties, walking dogs as a business, making crafts and opening an Etsy shop, teaching private music lessons, photography, being a fitness instructor, carpentry and more. It’s no coincidence that a lot of these “hobbies” are people’s actual jobs. Just like me and my work – freelancing definitely is a job but at the same time I enjoy it immensely. It’s true what they say – if you love what you’re doing, you’ll never work a day in your life.
Perhaps, like me, your main job is to be a homemaker. While I love freelancing, being a wife and a mom comes first in my life. It always will. While there are certain areas I could do better in – such as cooking dinner consistently – I think I’m doing a good job overall. The house is almost always clean, I play with my girls all the time (I’ve recently decided to not use my computer when they’re awake. This has made such a difference in how our days play out!!), my husband is my best friend and gets plenty of attention, and our house is slowly turning into a home through both adding decor and making memories.
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What are some of your hobbies? Do any of them make you money? Share in the comments!
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Holly@ClubThrifty says
atMy hobbies don’t cost much at all, and some even bring in money. I try hard not to get into anything with too many ongoing expenses!
Sarah Brooks says
atYup same here!! I would much rather save that money rather than spend it on a hobby!
Christina @ Embracing Simple says
atVery interesting thought, Sara! I’ve been trying to focus more on hobbies that contribute to my life in other ways too, so either ones that make me money or kill two birds with one stone.
I like going for walks (enjoyment AND exercise), as well as a few other hobbies that make me money and are also things that I enjoy.
Although I would mostly consider my blog a business as well, I also consider it a hobby that I enjoy and will hopefully make money off of eventually. I’m in the process of starting my Etsy shop too, which is another hobby I’ll hopefully make a bit of extra money off of.
Sarah Brooks says
atI can’t wait to see your Etsy shop!! I am not creative in the least…but I’ve always wanted to have an Etsy shop for some reason!!
Christina @ Embracing Simple says
atThanks! And *Sarah, haha I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to butcher your name!
Abigail @ipickuppennies says
atI like to think of the blog as a mix of a job and a hobby. In all honesty, though, it’s really a hobby. I’m not motivated enough to get it making any significant amount of money.
I have one other hobby that does cost money. But that’s why I started giving myself and my husband fun money. It’s a guilt-free way to indulge. We don’t expect it to bring returns, but we also don’t go crazy.
Sarah Brooks says
atFun money is a necessity!! We don’t have a set amount but we do get our fair share of Starbucks and other treats 🙂
Harmony @ creatingmykaleidoscope says
atI recently taught myself how to crochet via YouTube. I wanted to make a baby blanket for my newest little one, born a few weeks ago. I was just telling my husband how much I liked crocheting . . . but the yarn costs money, and how many blankets do we really need? Maybe, if I learned some more intricate patterns I might be able to sell things on Etsy, but the profit margin would be next to nothing considering how long it took to make my son’s blanket. LOL – I should just start making blankets for everyone for Christmas.