Hobby Monetization: Should You Turn Your Passion Into Profit?
- Lucie Viktorin
- 7 Minute Read
“Why don’t you monetize it?” A question that many people either hear or have already heard in their lives. Especially when it comes to the monetization of hobbies, sooner or later, it seems to be the central topic. If we don’t get asked by others, we start wondering ourselves: “Should I monetize this?” Followed by: “Am I missing out on income, freedom, a possible empire if I don’t monetize this?” Since everyone is posing the question, let’s do it one more time: Does hobby monetization really bring fulfillment or does it only take away the joy?
The Pressure To Monetize Everything
Thanks to the digitalization and commercialization of social media, it is easier than ever to monetize pretty much anything. Of course, that ease has also intensified the pressure to do so to an unimaginable extent. The current hustle culture doesn’t help either. Many business coaches seem to have a very fixed mindset on how to reach success. That includes waking up at 5 AM and spending every waking minute in a state of productivity – otherwise, you are wasting your life.
Let’s stick with this mindset for a moment – although it is highly problematic – but for argument’s sake, let’s entertain it. That means, if we are to become successful and not waste our time on this planet, we have to monetize 100% of our time. The best way to do that, without spending all of it at a job, is by monetizing everything we do, right?
So, summing up: Monetize EVERYTHING. Easy, right?
Let’s stick with this mindset for a moment – although it is highly problematic – but for argument’s sake, let’s entertain it. That means, if we are to become successful and not waste our time on this planet, we have to monetize 100% of our time. The best way to do that, without spending all of it at a job, is by monetizing everything we do, right?
So, let’s do a quick concept exploration with some practical examples:
- We wake up at 5 AM and hit the gym. We film the gym session and post it on our workout TikTok account.
- We cook. We film the entire process and post it on a cooking-focused channel.
- Then, it’s time for work. If you’re employed, film it and create witty content about the life of an employee. If you’re self-employed, share your business or lifestyle.
- After work, you hang out with a friend. Film it! Make content about the joys of friendships!
- In the evening, it’s time for your favorite hobby. Reading? Have a book account! Painting? Obviously, a painting channel – plus, don’t forget to build an online shop for your artwork. Gaming? What do you mean you’re not streaming yet? Start immediately!
- Finally, it’s bedtime. I hope you filmed your nighttime routine. And, of course, you can still make money while you sleep. Not sure how, but I’m sure you’ll find a way.
So, summing up: Monetize EVERYTHING. Easy, right?
Hobby Monetization & The Loss Of Joy
Once upon a time, hobbies were for enjoyment. Now, they are seen as wasted potential or wasted time if they don’t generate income.
As mentioned in our little concept exploration, it doesn’t matter what your hobby is, there are countless ways to monetize it. So why wouldn’t you?
As you might have noticed, all of these examples are actual ways people make money. Many have monetized their hobbies and with the help of social media they’ve had great success. I myself write for a living and it’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing. But does that mean I need to turn all my other hobbies into income streams as well?
As mentioned in our little concept exploration, it doesn’t matter what your hobby is, there are countless ways to monetize it. So why wouldn’t you?
- You paint? = Perfect! Sell your paintings!
- You play video games? = Ideal! Start streaming!
- You like writing? = Become an author and write every single day of your life.
- You go to the gym to decompress? = Share your story with others on social media.
As you might have noticed, all of these examples are actual ways people make money. Many have monetized their hobbies and with the help of social media they’ve had great success. I myself write for a living and it’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing. But does that mean I need to turn all my other hobbies into income streams as well?
For example, I love to paint. It relaxes me and it’s one of the only things in my life where I don’t feel the need to have a “perfect” outcome. Whatever I create is great in the end! I also love to cook. I love to try new recipes and experiment with different and strong flavors. Baking as well. While baking has a higher stress potential for me than cooking, I still enjoy it – especially when the banana bread turns out perfectly! So, why don’t I monetize it?
Just a few months ago, I was asked this exact question about my painting. At first, I laughed. “I’m no painter,” I said. While I like my art, I don’t think anyone would pay actual money for it. Then it got me thinking: many artists probably feel the same about their work. I used to feel that way about my writing not too long ago. So, I started wondering: Should I sell my paintings? After all, there’s an audience for everything – you just need to find it. But when I thought about it more deeply, I realized I genuinely didn’t want to monetize this part of my life. I paint for fun, for relaxation, for myself. If I turned it into an income stream, all of that would disappear. I would feel pressure to paint better, to paint more, to paint what sells. In the end, I might even lose interest in painting altogether. What was once a joyful activity, would become a stressful obligation.
Is Balance Possible? Monetizing Hobbies Without Overdoing It
To come back to our original question: Does hobby monetization bring fulfillment or does it take away the joy? Or is it possible to create a balance?
My honest answer: It highly depends! Ask yourself: Are you considering monetization because you genuinely love what you’re doing and see it as a sustainable career path or has the pressure of monetization gotten to you?
Let me be clear, I don’t believe the desire to monetize your hobbies is bad at all. In fact, I think it’s amazing that more people than ever before can make money doing what they love. However, I also believe that we’ve turned a toxic corner along the way, where the mindset of “everything must generate income or it’s not worth doing” could end up stripping away the happiness we aim for.
Whether you can create a balance depends on your motivation. As I mentioned, I’ve always enjoyed writing. I wrote stories long before I entered the workforce and the idea of making money through writing had always lingered in my mind. Yet, there were times I hated it. Why? Because I started considering subject matters that I believed had a higher potential for clicks, instead of writing about things that actually interested me. I stopped writing for a while altogether. I thought, “Maybe writing isn’t for me after all.” Only when I returned to writing about topics I genuinely cared about did I rediscover the joy it brings me to put my thoughts and ideas on paper, or in this case, on the screen in front of you.
My honest answer: It highly depends! Ask yourself: Are you considering monetization because you genuinely love what you’re doing and see it as a sustainable career path or has the pressure of monetization gotten to you?
Let me be clear, I don’t believe the desire to monetize your hobbies is bad at all. In fact, I think it’s amazing that more people than ever before can make money doing what they love. However, I also believe that we’ve turned a toxic corner along the way, where the mindset of “everything must generate income or it’s not worth doing” could end up stripping away the happiness we aim for.
Whether you can create a balance depends on your motivation. As I mentioned, I’ve always enjoyed writing. I wrote stories long before I entered the workforce and the idea of making money through writing had always lingered in my mind. Yet, there were times I hated it. Why? Because I started considering subject matters that I believed had a higher potential for clicks, instead of writing about things that actually interested me. I stopped writing for a while altogether. I thought, “Maybe writing isn’t for me after all.” Only when I returned to writing about topics I genuinely cared about did I rediscover the joy it brings me to put my thoughts and ideas on paper, or in this case, on the screen in front of you.
How To Monetize Your Hobby In A Sustainable Way
If you’re considering monetizing one or more of your hobbies – whether as a career shift or an additional income stream – it’s crucial to start with your own mindset about the matter. Which means it’s time for ✨self-reflection!✨ Ask yourself:
a) Who am I doing this for?
b) If no one paid me for it, would I still enjoy doing it?
c) Is this something I truly love or is it just a passing idea that might fizzle out?
Regardless of what your conclusion will be, it’s still important to keep some hobbies purely for fun. The current hustle culture might try to convince you otherwise, but you are not a machine. You need actual time to decompress – even from work you enjoy.
a) Who am I doing this for?
b) If no one paid me for it, would I still enjoy doing it?
c) Is this something I truly love or is it just a passing idea that might fizzle out?
Regardless of what your conclusion will be, it’s still important to keep some hobbies purely for fun. The current hustle culture might try to convince you otherwise, but you are not a machine. You need actual time to decompress – even from work you enjoy.
As you can see,
it’s perfectly acceptable to do things just for fun! Not every passion needs to be profitable, despite what some people may say. Sometimes, we can just be passionate beings – without the constant hunt for money. That said, as someone who has monetized two hobbies herself, I hope you’ll successfully monetize yours if that’s the right path for you!
And if you liked this article, I’ll be honored if you’d support the monetization of my own hobby and took a look at some of my other written pieces, for example on the debate about home office or check out my other blog WitchyWanderlust for some travel stories and tips.
Enjoy!
And if you liked this article, I’ll be honored if you’d support the monetization of my own hobby and took a look at some of my other written pieces, for example on the debate about home office or check out my other blog WitchyWanderlust for some travel stories and tips.
Enjoy!
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