Raise your hand if you’re a multi-passionate entrepreneur! 🙋🏼♀️
If you’re raising your hand, chances are that you want to try so many things and have already thought about how to monetize them. I’m the same way.
And while I want to do all the things, I also want to do none of the things. I want to create and make an impact, but I also want to sit on my couch and watch Gilmore Girls (again…). I’d be willing to bet that you can relate to this too.
I’ve often had the desire to work more with my hands. Maybe try some crocheting or leather work. That desire has also been filled with thoughts of how I could start a store and sell these products as well. I then go from curiosity to stress. Your inner child becomes your outer adult.
So here’s a reminder for you (and me!) that we can and should have hobbies that aren’t monetized. Here’s why.
It becomes work
Trying to monetize a hobby makes it work rather than relaxation.
The hobby itself may not become more work, but the mindset behind it shifts the narrative around that hobby. While you may still love the hobby, it now becomes a to-do in your schedule instead of an optional release. The downtime is now filled with another strategic activity.
The activity itself also takes on a new level of focus. Rather than creating for the joy of creating, you now have to hold yourself to a higher standard. The quality now needs to be up to par to sell. You also may start creating what consumers want to buy rather than what you want to create.
A mindless hobby becomes a strategic endeavor.
It detracts from your focus
While it’s great to have a creative outlet from your main entrepreneurial venture, monetizing your creative outlet now means you’ve at least slightly split that focus from your main venture to your side hustle.
The difference is nuanced but significant. When a hobby is simply a creative outlet, it is optional. When customers and clients become involved, a new level of accountability is present. While the clients of your main business are still your focus, you cannot neglect the customers of your side hustle.
At this point, you’re probably saying that you devote time to your hobby each day anyway, so you may as well make some money. That’s all well and good as long as you continue to allow yourself an outlet to relax and recharge.
You do you!
That being said, we’re all different! I’m not saying you can’t have multi-faceted lines of business. If you’re passionate about and good at multiple things, go for it! My Godmother has a full-time hospitality job, is an artist, and is also a wedding officiant. She loves each of these and rocks at all of them!
This post is simply meant to serve as a reminder for those of us who want to do all the things that we don’t need to put pressure on ourselves to monetize all the things. If you’re monetizing your hobbies so you can feel productive with your free time, pause and reflect on why you may feel this way.
It’s more than okay for us to rest and replenish our energy stores. In fact, it’s necessary for us in order to live a balanced and joy-filled life. If monetizing your hobby feels aligned, go for it! If monetizing your hobby brings stress, don’t feel obligated to make it a business.
If you’ve considered writing a book as a creative endeavor but are focused on some of your other entrepreneurial quests, I can help with that! You can get started by scheduling a free chat with me using the link below!
Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences with those who may find them relatable and helpful.