Someone once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” This quote has never been more relevant and doable in today’s wired and technologically advanced world. Things like social media and the internet have opened many opportunities for anyone to combine work with play. This is great news if you’ve got a hobby you love and are really good at.
With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you may be able to turn your pastime into a money-making endeavor, and then you won’t have to work a day in your life. Here are some hobbies that can become professions.
Fashion
If you love fashion and are always up-to-date on the latest trends, you may do well as a personal stylist. Everyone wants to look great and feel confident, but not everyone has the eye for style or the luxury of time to mix and match tops, skirts, jeans, overcoats and bags every day. This is where you come in.
As a personal stylist, you can help busy professionals update their wardrobe by shopping for clothes and accessories that match their personal style. You could also prepare an outfit for them to wear every day of the week. It’s every fashionista’s dream come true to be able to bring their fashion-diva dreams to life.
Photography
Photography enthusiasts, there’s a wealth of opportunities where you can apply your talent for capturing the beauty in the world. You can offer documentation services for special events like weddings, birthday parties, and family reunions. If your specialty is still-life photography, then you can provide product photography for restaurants, food shops, and other businesses in need of marketing collaterals that feature their unique offerings.
Build your portfolio by compiling your previous works, and use this to showcase your skills and passion. When you are on photographer duty at social functions, make sure to print out business cards you can hand out to potential clients.
Home Improvement
If you are a DIY type who loves to pursue home-improvement projects like building shelves, installing floors, or fixing pipes, then you can offer your services professionally to other people. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, maintenance and repair workers earned an average annual wage of $37,670 in May 2017.
Whether you’re good with tools for locksmithing or love to build, your skills will certainly come in handy for other homeowners who have no time or skills to beautify or fix their homes. You can start small by offering your services to your friends and family and encourage them to make referrals to their own friends. Although certification isn’t required, it can give you a competitive edge over others.
Exercising
Gym rats, rejoice! You can turn your passion into a financially rewarding pursuit by offering services as a personal trainer. As someone who regularly goes to the gym, you probably have a solid knowledge of routines and exercises for various fitness goals, whether they’re losing weight or toning muscles.
Aside from doing personal research, up your game by getting a certification as a trainer. Check online for a certification program that is recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Once you have your credentials ready, you can opt to work at a fitness club or start your own business.
Gaming
Do you spend hours in front of your gaming PC, building a virtual empire or leveling up your character? Do you want to turn those hours into a money-generating activity? That’s right, you can actually get paid to play computer games.
Look for job openings online at game-developing companies, and offer your services as a game tester. You’ll be testing out hot up-and-coming games by looking for glitches in-game and giving feedback for improvement.
If you’re exceptionally talented at playing, you can also become a professional gamer, finding companies and groups to sponsor you at international competitions. Being able to travel for free and the possibility of receiving freebies like a powerful gaming laptop or other gadgets are exciting, after all.