Embracing Hobbies for the Joy of It: Why Not Every Passion Needs a Paycheck

In today’s hustle culture, it feels like every hobby needs to have a dollar sign attached. Every time a super cool DIY craft is uploaded to TikTok, there are hundreds of comments saying "you should sell these"! And it's like you can't just upload videos for fun - you have to be a "content creator".....(screams internally).

But what if I told you that some hobbies are just as fabulous when they aren’t monetized? Yep, I’m talking about doing things just because they make your soul happy, not your bank account! Today, I’m spilling all the tea on why embracing hobbies without monetizing them is a trend we all need to jump on!

1. Rediscover Pure Joy

Remember the simple joy of doing something just for the fun of it? There’s something magical about not worrying about turning a profit or tracking metrics. Hobbies are a chance to let your hair down, mess around, and experiment without any expectations. For me, this means things like posting videos to my TikTok. I love "vlogging" my outings with family and creating fun edits to share with family without the goal of it being “monetize-able.” Being able to watch these memories is rewarding enough!

2. Say Goodbye to the Pressure

Let’s be real: the moment we add a dollar sign to our hobbies, things start to change. Suddenly, it’s about deadlines, growth, and—oh, the horror—competition. But when we embrace a hobby just for fun, it feels like we’re kids again, with zero pressure to be the best or the most “productive.” For me, photography is my no-pressure escape. I love capturing moments whenever I'm out and not caring if they’re Instagram-worthy (because honestly, half the time they aren’t!). I’m free to experiment editing, and if it turns out to be a disaster, no biggie!

3. Creativity for Creativity’s Sake

Not every piece of art needs to be sold, and not every doodle needs an audience. I love event decor and making my family gatherings extra special, and for a while, I thought, “Maybe I could do this for a living.” But then I realized, why not just let my creative side out without expectations? Creative freedom is so refreshing when there’s no audience to please—only yourself.

4. Deepen Your Connections

Believe it or not, hobbies can also be a way to connect with friends and family. Think about it: you can spend time with your loved ones without feeling like it has to “pay off.” For example, Raynal and I love watching football together. We’re not out there looking to start a sports podcast or YouTubers; it’s just us, enjoying each other’s company and the sport. It’s these simple moments that are worth more than any sponsorship could offer.

5. It’s a Form of Self-Care

Hobbies are one of the ultimate self-care tools, and sometimes, they’re even better when you’re not looking for a return on investment. I’m talking cozying up with a good book, spending hours on a puzzle, or even learning a new language just because it sounds fun! There’s no shame in diving into something just for you. I recently got into journaling, not as content for my blog, but just to process my thoughts. It’s become my little oasis of reflection, without the worry of how it might look to anyone else.

6. Freedom to Try (and Quit!) New Things

When you embrace a hobby without monetizing it, you’re free to jump from one thing to the next, guilt-free. No one’s holding you to it! Maybe you try pottery, realize you’re not into it, and move on to knitting without a second thought. I recently tried my hand at making candles, and let me tell you… it was not my thing. But you know what? I’m not obligated to keep going. I can leave the candle-making to the pros and move on to something else without a single regret!

7. The Beauty of No Deadlines

Let’s face it: deadlines can be stressful, and once you start making money off a hobby, those deadlines sneak in. But when it’s just for you? If I take a few weeks to finish something, who cares? It’s your own personal project, and it doesn’t have to be perfect—or finished anytime soon!

8. Keep the Passion Alive

There’s nothing worse than turning a passion into a chore. When we start monetizing everything, it can lead to burnout and losing that initial spark. By keeping some hobbies just for fun, we allow ourselves to hold onto the passion and excitement that made us fall in love with them in the first place. I’m all about those Sunday afternoon baking sessions, just me, a kitchen full of flour, and my latest cookie recipe. It’s these moments that keep my love for baking alive, without any worry about profits or perfection.

In a world that’s all about side hustles and “grind culture,” let’s remember that some things are perfect just as they are. Not every hobby needs a revenue stream—sometimes, the reward is in the joy it brings to your heart. So go on, try something new or pick up an old passion. Do it for you, and enjoy every moment of it! 💖