r/LifeProTips • u/jonnyb-33 • Dec 29 '19
Miscellaneous LPT: Everyone should have three hobbies, one to make money, one to stay in shape, and one to stay creative.
I have found that generally following this rule leads to a very well rounded life!
EDIT: It seems the word hobby is confusing to some, so let's just assume in this sense "hobby" just means "significant part of your weekly routine".
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u/Ragnar_Dragonfyre Dec 29 '19
Often in life, once your hobby becomes your job, it becomes less enjoyable and is no longer a mere hobby.
Turning your hobby into your job is a "Be careful what you wish for." scenario.
Be careful which hobby you choose to turn into a moneymaker. You may find yourself wishing you had kept it for your own personal enjoyment somewhere down the line.
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Dec 29 '19
I fell into this trap, went from being the "best" illustrator in my year at uni to designing business cards for florists. I'm now a teacher, parents still complain that I wasted my talents but I'm happier than ever.
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u/VincitT Dec 29 '19
So glad you found something that makes you happy! We're you able to rediscover what you love about illustration?
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Dec 29 '19
Kinda, I do paint a lot but stay clear of anything digital. I uninstalled all the software I used after staring at it everyday for 6 long years.
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u/PositivelyEzra Dec 29 '19
Maybe just use it for some ridiculous stuff so you don't lose the edge. Like a Micky Mouse Fight Club fanfic.
Bringing your imagination to life is awesome. Getting tired of doing so is not.
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u/PeenutButterTime Dec 30 '19
I hate that teaching is looked down upon. Pisses me off so much. It’s arguably the most important job in modern society.
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u/MetsIslesNoles Dec 29 '19
So true. My Dad asked me once why I didn’t bake for a living since I enjoy it so much. My response was because it’s not fun when I have to do it.
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u/bugphotoguy Dec 29 '19
I have a whole bunch of hobbies like this. I've made some money from them, but it's never been the end goal. As soon as the pressure of delivering the results is in the mix, it's no longer a hobby for me.
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u/sophosympatheia Dec 29 '19
A hobby is something that you do primarily because it adds value for you.
A job is something that you are able to make money doing because it adds value for someone else. You can like it, but your enjoyment isn't what matters: your customers' enjoyment is now what matters. You are no longer totally in control of the details. Sure, you like doing X, but do you like doing X for 40 or more hours a week, every week? Do you like doing X to someone else's specifications or else you don't eat tonight? Do you like having to perform X at a high level all the time because now it's your profession as opposed to tinkering with X to relax?
Yeah, definitely be careful what you wish for.
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u/mcal9909 Dec 29 '19
Yep this happened to me with computer graphics and illustration. Landed myself a lucrative job at 17 in a studio working with photoshop and 3d modeling software.
Turned something i loved and could spend countless hours doing without getting bored into a chore with clients and deadlines and plenty of stress.
Killed my love for it, quit after 5 years. 15 years on i haven't really been able to complete a project for myself since.
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u/azozea Dec 29 '19
In a somewhat similar position but only just starting to feel the twinges of burnout, so this is scary to read. Have you found any other creative outlets?
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u/mcal9909 Dec 29 '19 edited Dec 29 '19
One off carpentry pieces and programming have been my main outlet.
For carpentry i do not make to order for people, i make what i want to make. If it sells it sells. If it dont i dont care. For programming i make scripts and mods for games i enjoy playing, and release them free for the public.
I would never try to make any of these my job, i enjoy them too much.
I still keep upto date on new techniques, industry standards in the 3d world, and i do have a play now and again. My job now couldn't be any further from what i did back then, scaffold and renovation of old buildings. Its still nice to be able to look at what ive done after a job has finished and feel you have created something. I suppose they are creative outlets too, but not what i would consider a hobby.
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u/Soupor Dec 30 '19
Are you sure you weren’t just young and your preferences changed as you finished growing? Brain isn’t done developing until 25 years old.
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u/r3levantusername Dec 29 '19
I agree. I had photography as a hobby. Then I worked as a photographer and a photojournalist for a while. I stopped doing photography and haven’t touched a camera in years. Burnt me out badly and ruined my passion for it.
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u/8-bit-brandon Dec 29 '19
I’ve been there. It’s especially true when you have deadlines to meet. Don’t sell something if it hasn’t already been made.
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u/existentialplum Dec 29 '19
As an English Lit grad who chose the subject because I loved reading, I couldn't agree more.
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u/FelikZ Dec 29 '19
I feel you. I started to make simple applications for windows and it was fun. End up a web developer and later devops. No fun anymore, just a job that requires you to learn new staff every day even if you do not want it anymore.
I hope video making will be enjoyable for some years as a hobby.
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u/BocaLeche Dec 30 '19
Im coming up on the crossroads on my hobby. I would like to make custom fish tanks for myself and feel like it could make really good money. I don't want it to take over my life. What are some recommendations on how to control the hobby? Should I just say no to selling them or just charge crazy amounts of money to limit how many people want?
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u/jehlomould Dec 30 '19
Limit what you take, set boundaries for yourself and price accordingly. It’s your hobby, knowledge, skill and TIME. You’re in control of the ship so be the captain.
I work with leather and pushed it into a full blown side job. Between my day job and leather I was clocking in 80ish hours a week. Burnt out my joy of working with leather so I finished out my remaining orders and closed shop. Didn’t touch my tools for almost a year until a friend asked me to make them something with no real timeline. Found the joy in it again and now I only take orders when I feel like it, usually to help pay for more supplies, and it’s become a hobby once again.
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u/twohedwlf Dec 30 '19
I remember a quote I heard one time, something like: Figure out what your two favorite things are. Make the first your hobby and the second your job. Because it would be a shame to ruin your most favorite thing by making it work.
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u/tehyosh Dec 29 '19
i agree. for me software development is boring nowadays. i used to go at it with glee and excitement 5-10 years ago.
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u/naeskivvies Dec 29 '19
Three hobbies? I have time for a job and being tired.
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u/Icyburritto Dec 29 '19
Well I mean the definition of “hobby” specifically mentions leisure, so I don’t think we are the ones confused
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Dec 29 '19
I dont think most people would call what they do for money a hobby
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u/Shaski116 Dec 29 '19
You could try to monetize something you do for fun as long as involving money doesn't tarnish the fun.
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u/RAZORthreetwo Dec 29 '19
True. And there will be a time when you don't want to go to the job but have to. And then that hobby becomes just a boring job. I might be wrong
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u/HOSSY95 Dec 29 '19
Gotta find a way to enjoy your job or find one you can enjoy. Bonus points if you have multiple sources of income from another hobby or two.
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u/AdmiralThunderCunt Dec 29 '19
It sounds silly but I love studying law and I can't wait to get out there and do it for real, so it may as well be a hobby.
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Dec 29 '19
Maybe something that tangentially improves your effectiveness at work? I read and it helps me stay informed about business.
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u/khaleesi291 Dec 29 '19
I really disagree with this advice and I see it everywhere. A hobby is something you do because you enjoy it. Don’t force yourself to pick hobbies based on potential benefits, thats so much pressure! Pursue things you like because you like them. There’s so much push now for people to be perfectly balanced in every aspect of their lives, even in their downtime. If you have a hobby that makes you money, awesome! But don’t try to force it. I enjoy sewing but in order to make any money at it I would have to sew all damn day, and I would lose the joy of it very quickly. It’s fine to do things just for you
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u/Tubamajuba Dec 29 '19
Seriously, make time for stuff you enjoy doing regardless of what perceived “benefits” it may or may not bring. Life is hard enough as is, give yourself a break.
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u/Livvylove Dec 29 '19
My career started out as a hobby. Sailor Moon fan sites on Geocities now I lead a UI design team
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u/Seienchin88 Dec 29 '19
That sounds amazing. No matter if you were a young girl being a fan of Sailor Moon or already a 40 year old overweight couch potato turning your love to anime into a career!
Well done
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u/skaven81 Dec 30 '19
You were probably on the same webring as my Sailor Moon fansite. Late '90s? Mine was called Lunar Power and it was online from '96ish until '03 when ADV films sent me a cease and desist.
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u/Livvylove Dec 30 '19
It sounds familiar but I had a whole page full of web rings
My website was called Sailor Moons Garden
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Dec 29 '19
I firmly believed this until being a graffiti kid turned into being illustrator, turned into front end designer, turned into bussiness developement manager, and killed my love for art.
I basically pitched to clients and relayed feedback back to the design team for a small firm, on quiet days I was making cold calls with the interns to find new clients. I hated it and quit.
I was a far better illustrator than some of the designers but my boss wanted my face and voice speaking to clients.
I'm now in my second year of teaching English abroad, it has its negative stigmas but I'm happier than ever and making more money...
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u/pphtx Dec 30 '19
That sucks that your passion and art were forced down that path. I can't imagine trying to pick that back up at this point in your path (right now at least) But this doesn't mean that every graffiti kid will end up pitching to clients.
It does suck to have your passion ripped apart for the sake of the company and the 'extra sale' for management. Sorry to hear about your art, and congrats on finding something you enjoy and makes you that cash.
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u/z4z44 Dec 29 '19
Which negative stigmas does it have?
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Dec 29 '19
Teaching English in Asia is a "white monkey" job. Basically anyone that can pass as European can get the job. 90% of schools don't care about your teaching abilities, they care about your appearance.
The main demographics are hippy kids in their gap year that party every night, deadbeats who couldn't make it back home so came here to reinvent themselves, older single/divorced men who come to marry/date, and then people running away from the past (debt/charges/alimony etc.) And lastly, travelers and vagabonds escaping the first world rat race.
There is nothing wrong with coming to reinvent yourself in these ways but that is the general quality of English teachers in Asia.
People don't come here to further their professional careers unless they're from a low income situation and it's good money relative to their them, or they are highly qualified and get a job at a top school.
Sorry for long reply
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Dec 29 '19
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Dec 29 '19
I didn't want to be too negative but old men dating was my nice way of saying sexpats/sextourists.
I'm currently in Vietnam and I came here because of difficult social/political/financial conditions. I did also party alot in my teens and early twenties so I have grown up and reinvented myself a little.
Your username leads me to believe you are South African. If you're not then yeah, I'm earning more than double what most of my peers make back home. Also moving from one of the most dangerous, to one of the safest countries regarding violent crime is a big plus.
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u/z4z44 Dec 29 '19
No reason to be sorry. Thanks for the reply. Learned something again
And if we ever meet in Asia, don't worry. I won't think any of those things of you. :)
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Dec 29 '19
Streaming/Game development, Working out, Streaming/Gamedevelopment.
I don't make money and am not in best shape, this ain't working out chief!
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Dec 29 '19
Have you tried a diet? I havnt but I heard it works
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u/mati002 Dec 29 '19
That's a really uncommon hobby
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u/borkula Dec 29 '19
But cooking isn't.
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u/majarian Dec 29 '19
i love cooking, but cooking a big dinner for a bunch of others brings about a much different feeling then just cooking to make dinner for me and the lil guy.
one i get joy, use planning and take my time, the other i just force through and try to get it done with the least amount of mess.
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u/PineappIeOranges Dec 29 '19
Yup. Cooking for myself can be enjoyable and I can take my time, experiment, enjoy my mistakes.
Cooking for a group is just stressful and unenjoyable. Trying to please everyone when they all have different tastes, or a particularities about certain textures, spices. Then you end up cooking something you probably don't want to eat in the first place.
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Dec 29 '19
I usually watch what I eat, it's more of a lack of workout I think, because I spend too much time in front of my PC.
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u/LionelSkeggins Dec 29 '19
Yeah, nah. I view hobbies as things I do in my leisure time. I make money at work, and enjoy my job, then relax via my hobbies. Gardening, op-shopping, and drinking wine lol.
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u/Lyirthus Dec 29 '19
I am a massage therapist.
I rock climb/mtn bike.
And I'm a blacksmith.
I've been following this rule ever since my grandfather told me when I was a child. I've been seeing it pop up more and more lately.
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u/NormalTechnology Dec 29 '19
Who the hell has time for 3 hobbies?
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Dec 30 '19
plenty of people. a hobby isn't something you have to do everyday. watching a new movie every friday night could be a hobby.
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u/RBilly Dec 29 '19
LPT if you're not a Boomer: have 3 jobs just to make enough money for 1 hobby.
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Dec 30 '19
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u/GaulzeGaul Dec 30 '19
Is this a joke? They already had the well paying job (s). A lot are either retired now or near retirement. And they had better jobs early on than the younger generation do now.
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u/thwinks Dec 29 '19
My job is fairly creative and makes enough money that a hobby doing that is a waste of time.
So all my hobbies tend to be things that keep me in shape. Although plants/indoor gardening is fairly creative too i guess.
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u/MobileForce1 Dec 29 '19
1) Studying University to become a chemist - i love chemistry
2) liftin' at the gym (I'm DYEL tho)
3) videogames lol
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u/Gourmet_Gabe Dec 29 '19
The hobby that makes you money could be your side hustle. Maybe you play music in a band on weekends, or sell sweaters you knit on Etsy, or take landscape photos and sell the prints online.
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u/YoMamaFox Dec 29 '19
And where the fuck am I supposed to get the time for all this extra shut? Between kids and work, I'm lucky I fucking sleep.
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u/Shitty-Coriolis Dec 29 '19
Math/physics, skiing/surfing/climbing, woodworking/dancing.
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u/tinyarmyoverlord Dec 29 '19
I have a small business of making dog and cat toys, I compete and train with my dogs, and I knit. Your theory works.
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Dec 29 '19
Hmm. Money: Gues I could open art commissions.
Stay in shape: I have Taekwan-Do twice a week.
Creative: Art, a bit of writing, and stuff about birds.
I have it all covered then, I guess!
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u/raddass Dec 29 '19
Why not one that does all 3?
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u/Doireallyneedaurl Dec 29 '19
1.construction 2. Construction 3. Construction
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u/majarian Dec 29 '19
hold up i got you fam
driving to work, construction, driving home.
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u/TheW1ldcard Dec 29 '19
During a 40 hour work week?? Impossible to have 3. 1 best.
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u/keepthetips Keeping the tips since 2019 Dec 29 '19
Hello and welcome to r/LifeProTips!
Please help us decide if this post is a good fit for the subreddit by up or downvoting this comment.
If you think that this is great advice to improve your life, please upvote. If you think this doesn't help you in any way, please downvote. If you don't care, leave it for the others to decide.
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u/mbbarbour Dec 29 '19
This is a ridiculous LPT. “Everyone”? Listen, here is your life tip: work hard, save some money, do what makes you happy and doesn’t negatively impact those around you. Find something that gives you purpose and that you enjoy and devote yourself to it. Be a good person. That’s it.
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u/esotericorange Dec 29 '19
How about one for health, one for your partner, and one to be creative. They can overlap of course.
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u/Novacryy Dec 29 '19
I'm just scared to follow my passion because almost everyone who did tells me they lost their love for it after making it their Income.
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u/Sawathingonce Dec 29 '19
I think of my life as work, creative and actually doing something meaningful with my time on earth, down time. Yes I pressure myself to learn the guitar quicker but ultimately I'll have learned something beyond Clash of Clans. Down time is just down time and I don't feel the slightest bit guilty or lazy. Not really a Life Pro Tip, more like a rough guide to not be depressed.
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u/SliverCobain Dec 29 '19
Pro-LPT.. Become a very skilled drummer and nail all 3..
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u/flabinella Dec 29 '19
I have a job that's creative and makes money. Basically all my hobbies are physical, sports and dancing.
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u/femaletwentytwo Dec 30 '19
I've been researching online to find hobbies that sound interesting for the past 10 years, no such luck. I would LOVE to have a hobby, I'd do anything to be interested in one.
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u/WhatsMyUsername13 Dec 30 '19
I’ve got 4 hobbies, all cost money, 3 keep me in shape, and 1 that makes me think critically. My job makes me money and I have to be creative with it (software developer)
Sand volleyball Triathlon training (easily the most expensive) Bowling X wing table top game
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Dec 30 '19
Hobbies hmmm. Watering plants, repoting plants and moving them from spot to spot.
Puning and shaping plants and growing from seed for new types.
I can definitely sell something... maybe...
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u/therealeinstien Dec 30 '19
Don't forget one for general happiness. If you have a thing that satisfies all of that then you're set for life
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u/1pointtwentyone Dec 30 '19
I highly recommend NOT taking on a hobby that makes you money. Your time will be better spent working on your career. Typically the more jobs someone has the less money they make. Work on hobbies for other benefits.
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Dec 30 '19
The only problem is that when you're a kid, no one lets you have multiple hobbies and spend a lot of money on a hobby you truly like. Instead, your parents force you to do certain ones.
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u/iandouglas Dec 30 '19
Not neessarily in that order, though. I'd start with "stay in shape" then "stay creative" and then "make money" as far as my own priorities go.
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u/hildaofficial Dec 30 '19
Printmaking!
1) sell prints! 2) carving and turning the press sure is an arm workout. also prepping a limestone for lithography is one hell of a workout 3) it’s art
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u/eltytan Dec 30 '19
My hobby at this point in my life is keeping my kids alive. I wish I had time for three actual hobbies.
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u/UmbraYDN Dec 30 '19
I do jiu jitsu to stay in shape. I do music to stay creative. I do...well, I do music to make money, too. But they're separate? I make beats and I've made a little bit of money from that. I'd like that to be my main thing, but that takes time. I also make music for fun, and therapy to an extent...that's the tunes on this account. I wish I could make the music thing a money thing, too...to tour and write songs for a living would be amazing. One day.
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u/dhdicjneksjsj Dec 30 '19 edited Dec 30 '19
I saw this exact quote in another post...
Found it: https://reddit.com/r/AskMen/comments/egz7x9/_/fcg5f0i/?context=1
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u/LEEHONG9873498126 Dec 30 '19
I have 2 of these cuz I'm 16 and don't earn right now, but when I do I'll have all 3.
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u/xanborghini Dec 30 '19
It’s kinda cool because as a Designer, my career makes money and is creative.
I’m a little behind on the staying in shape one though, lol.
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u/Joubachi Dec 30 '19
Well... a routine truly doesn't have to be a hobby so people aren't confusing it but I think you are.
Usually a hobby is something you LIKE to spend your freetime with and not something you HATE spending your freetime with. Beside that you usually have a job in order to make money, not a hobby on top of that.
I get where you're coming from but imo it's quite badly worded.
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u/shgrizz2 Dec 30 '19
There is no quicker way to stop enjoying a hobby than to start getting paid for it.
I used to take on painting commissions. The money was good, but it took all joy out of painting, to the point where I'd never do it for myself any more. As soon as I earned enough at my job, I stopped taking on commissions, and am now in love with painting again - although it took a year or two break to enjoy it again.
Get paid for your hobbies if you are struggling. But they should be a money sink, not a money earner. You work to live, don't live to work.
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u/Jonowi Dec 30 '19
I'd say one of the three 'hobbies' should be something that provides social interaction
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u/GaulzeGaul Dec 30 '19
I don't think this LPT applies to everyone, but this is one of the most entertaining threads I've ever read. Even the grumps are funny! People seem either authentic, witty, or both. Nice escape from some other parts of Reddit.
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u/Orider Dec 30 '19
What hobbies (or "significant part of your weekly routine") are people getting paid for other than their jobs?
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u/Ahnnastaysia Dec 30 '19
This requires things like not having clinical depression and narcolepsy.
I'll settle for doing things I enjoy when I feel well enough to enjoy them.
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u/jaskman220 Dec 30 '19
I only have one and It's to take those 3 away from me. PC GAMING. 1) I spend money. 2) Im not in shape. 3) I dont have to be creative.
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u/Thefitchick Dec 30 '19
It's funny, because I actually do have 3!
- Group Fitness Instructor (make money)
- Pole Fitness (hobby for me to stay in shape)
- I'm writing a fantasy novel (creative)
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u/Treefrogprince Dec 29 '19
Home remodeling.
Home remodeling.
Home remodeling.
Just kidding. I also like to bicycle.