Turning Your Passion Into a Career

Turning Your Passion Into a Career

That neat little hobby of growing herbs in your backyard to add more selections to your spice cabinet can turn into a profitable business, netting you a living wage. The somewhat autobiographical tome that you have written regarding your eccentric grandfather might be the next American novel, but more importantly, this venture might be the beginning of a budding writing career. One way to become passionate about your occupation is to turn a passion into career. Most who find themselves fortunate enough to work in a field that they find interesting do so because they have honed this craft while enjoying it as a favorite pastime.

Earning a living by choosing an occupation which motivates you to work diligently is not difficult when you have a multi-step plan in place.

1. Because thought precedes action, it is important that you start researching the occupation. Explore the topic and make a list of questions related to working in this field. Talk to experts to get career guidance. For example, a person might research novel writing if he or she loves to read. Alternatively, an individual might wish to become a librarian and enjoy being surrounded by books all day long.  While writing for a living does not necessarily require years spent in college, to be a librarian and serve as a resource for other people, an individual would need at least a master’s degree. For direction, all that person needs to do is research jobs for library science graduates to see if the education is worth the investment. The key point is to turn thought into action.

 

2. Knowing whether you can make a living from turning a hobby into a career is crucial. Research and then calculate whether you could realistically generate income to support yourself. Some traditional occupations will produce enough income, making them worth the effort and the necessary education. For example, gamers who spend countless hours playing online might enroll in a software development program to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Programs such as the one offered through Maryville can assist future software developers with earning an advanced degree in less than a year. This is not the case with all hobbies turned careers, though. Those who are not able to earn a large enough salary to support themselves might work on their craft on a part-time basis by spending a couple of hours after work or on the weekend.

 

3. Even though you are an expert in your field, networking and connecting with other people can help your business grow. Find those who share the same interests and set aside time in your work week to meet with them socially and exchange information regarding the passions that you share. This group of people might be a support system for you and can be the backbone of your burgeoning career or business.

 

4. After deciding to turn your hobby into one that is income-earning, create a checklist with deadlines while remaining flexible as you tackle each task on the list. Making a checklist helps you remain organized, but more importantly, it keeps you on track. As each item on the list is checked off, the craft that you have only dreamed about making a profession will take shape and form.

 

5. If you do not have a hobby per se, then research fun, interesting occupations that would offer you the opportunity to earn a living. Some common hobbies that can be developed into a viable career include:
   1. photography – a person could use their love for the art of photography to generate income.
   2. crafting – if you like making pottery, quilts or other handcrafted items, then there is always a market for specially made pieces.
   3. exercising – imagine spending your work day in a pair of compression leggings while being active. If you are an athlete or just love sports, then you could actually earn a degree in sports exercise science to become a physical trainer.
   4. making and editing videos – even if you do not see yourself as the next great Hollywood director, you can actually make a good living in this venture.
   5. construction – in this field, you could develop a business by helping people with their home improvement projects.  

Ultimately, in setting out on any adventure, you will be faced with risks. In the case of turning a hobby into a career, most of the risks are financial. Do not avoid stepping into a new career that motivates and fuels your passion to work because you fear failure. Instead, embrace failure, because it can provide the feedback that improves your work.