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Thoughts on becoming self-employed and making a living off my passions? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) by monovergent@lemmy.ml to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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My performance is passable and my motivation is mediocre at work. I swear it was my dream job at some point, but I can't help but feel like it's become a slog. It makes my family proud and pays the bills comfortably though.

It's only recently settled in me that laziness isn't the word for it. I've found that I'll work my ass off for something if I'm genuinely and deeply passionate about it. Like the hobbies that cut into my time for sleep.

This has lead me to frequently daydream about "following my passions" and becoming self-employed instead of sticking with the conventional, safe career I previously envisioned. Living a life that brings me more joy. I've fantasized about making and selling gadgets. Perhaps becoming a content creator to promote those gadgets. All the things that bring me joy, but I have little time to do alongside my current job.

But I only have so much saved up and I'm lacking connections with those who have more resources. And in this economy, I don't know when I'll have another chance at my current job if I end up realizing that it was better. Will monetizing my hobbies inevitably ruin them? The grass looks greener on the other side, but will I go back to thinking the same once I'm on the other side? Or have you or someone you know pursued a genuine passion, made it a career, and never looked back?

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[–] OhVenus_Baby@lemmy.ml 10 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

I have monetized all of my hobbies it is something I naturally do. I have been self employed my entire life aside from odd jobs.

Does it kill the passion? Somewhat but not in the way your thinking. That being said it opens a lot of doors to dive deeper into your passion and interest as well if you keep the flame alive. It's all goal orientated.

What kills the hobbies are the pressure to perform even when your back is against the wall. Like when you have bills to pay and you rely on that money to survive that is what kills the drive for the hobbies. You start to do things for money, rather than pursuing things based on interest. This will taint your drive if you let it. But if you have strong enough passions it won't kill them outright, more of burn you out on them until you grow in revenue passed the needs of life or give up and go back to a job. Once you make enough to survive fully at your own comfort level. Then that opens you up mentally again for the joy because the pressure is mostly gone and then you can utilize the monetary gains to reinvest in the hobby you love but on a grander scale, it opens your mind to options/dreams.

You shift from what you have to do, to what you can do.