Millions of Americans wake up, go to a job for 8 or more hours, and then come home and watch TV until their minds go numb. For them, it may feel like this is a purgatory they can’t escape, but that’s not true. Your job isn’t the only place you should be putting your energy. If you can find other interests to pursue outside of your work, you’ll start to feel invigorated. What’s wrong with having something you do just for the sheer fun of it?
You Need A Balance
Nobody loves every aspect of their job, but if you find yourself hating it and dreading every moment – it may be time to get a change of scenery outside of work to help you refocus. Careers alone can’t fulfill you, and if you expected that you may be left feeling bitter. Finding other ways to get fulfillment will help you become happier, appreciate and even enjoy your job, and give you a more balanced life. Even if you already love your job, which increases productivity and overall performance, it shouldn’t be the only thing you enjoy daily either.
Pursuing interests outside of work offers a multitude of benefits. They can reduce stress, keep you sharp, increase fitness, and make you a well-rounded individual. If you have a specific passion, try pursuing it outside of work to great lengths. Even if it is something you’re bad at, getting to do it frequently should help you enjoy your average week more.
Don’t fall into the trap of pursuing a “busy” lifestyle and a career with oppressive hours just because other people think it’s good and that you should do it too. Feel free to pursue interests that have nothing to do with your work! If it makes you extra money that is great, but it’s okay for it to not be productive in and of itself.
Why Bother?
Activities outside of work help you develop new skills, relax, and get plugged into a community with similar interests. What do you care about? What do you enjoy? What’s something you want to do that you haven’t been able to yet? Answering those questions can help you identify things to experiment with in your immediate future.
Some of the greatest minds in human history were artists, engineers, scientists, and inventors all at the same time. Playing with other interests can help balance you out and give you ideas which make you better at other aspects of your life – including your career. Pursuing them in addition to your job can certainly help you come up with creative solutions. Most people were probably told to focus on one path and specialize, but there is something to be said for rounding yourself out a little bit too. It may even bring opportunities you didn’t anticipate being possible for you.
Not Sure Which Interest To Pursue?
For those of you who aren’t sure which interests to pursue, here are some tips to help.
Remember What You Liked Growing Up
Everyone had something they loved doing when they were a kid that got lost in the day-to-day struggles of life. Trying to recall your favorite tidbits might help you rekindle an interest in a long-lost pastime.
Ask People Close To You What They Think
While other people may not always be the best judge, if there are people who know you well it may be a good idea to ask them what seems to make you the happiest. It’s likely they’ll surprise you with something you didn’t even think about!
Don’t Worry About The Money
Ignore the financial aspect while brainstorming. This is trying to determine what you really like – regardless of what it costs or how little it provides. Worrying about money can happen after you figure out what strikes your fancy. There are often cheap alternatives and surprising ways to monetize pastimes if you want, so don’t cross anything off your list just because you aren’t sure how the finances will work out. The main goal is to just enjoy yourself with this. Besides, just about anything can make money once you’ve taken the time to master it – if that’s important to you.
Check Out Some Courses
What is something you’ve always wanted to learn? It’s likely you can enroll in a course for it nearby or online. You’ll be surprised at how many people are able and willing to teach you about almost anything.
Brainstorm Even More
Take some time to ponder what you might like doing. Try to brainstorm until you have two or three solid ideas. If you can think of one thing you undoubtedly want to do, even better!
Now that you know what you want to do, or have a couple of options to consider, here are some ways to follow through:
Talk To Someone Who Already Does It
These people will be the best contacts, as they’ll have tons of tips & tricks to help you get started. People are often looking for excuses to share their interests with others, so you should be able to find help easily.
Check Out Some Blogs On It
The internet makes it easy to connect with communities and read articles about any sort of topic. Find a few bloggers that write about your interest, look at their insights, and see if you can be a part of that community.
Worry About Money – A Little
If you need to save a little to pursue this, do so. However, few things will require a large up-front cost. If it does, you may be able to rent equipment and space somewhere in your local community. For example, if you want to try out metalsmithing it is possible there is an area nearby for you to rent the equipment and take beginning lessons. Usually it is cheap and sometimes it is even free (except for the course). If this is something you really want to make some spare change with, get creative with monetization tactics. Remember, the primary reasons for doing this are to have fun, relax, and round yourself out.
Get Started Now
With that being said, start as soon as possible. Don’t be overly picky and spend ages planning or theorizing about the best way to spend your time – find something and try it out. If it doesn’t work, it’s okay to try something else out!
Indecision May Be Normal
If you feel pulled in a million directions, that’s fine. It’s perfectly natural for a curious mind to want to experiment with tons of different activities. Trying something isn’t the same as putting your life savings or all spare energy into it. Trying something is just that – trying. You don’t lose anything by getting your feet wet and deciding you don’t like it. It’s even a pastime in and of itself to just learn new skills. As long as you’re realistic about how much you can put into each activity, you’ll be fine.
Here Are Some Examples To Get You Started With A Few Options
- Learn a new skill every couple of weeks – as you get better at each one, write up cheat sheets, guides, or tutorials and sell them online. Then, move on to the next skill you want to learn.
- Try experimenting with woodworking and carpentry. Not only can it be practical, but if you have an artist’s touch there is a huge market for that as well.
- Paint! Not only is it an art form, but you can always sell some of your work to make space for your newer and better pieces.
- Volunteering can also broaden your horizons and give you a sense of fulfillment, whether it is at a local church, homeless shelter, or something entirely different.
- Photography, like paintings, can be an art and sold for a quick buck too – if you’re really into it, you could always break into photography for events.
- Writing not only makes you a better communicator, but there are a million and one ways to make a difference by doing it. Write a blog to help others, a novel, poetry, journaling, the possibilities are endless.
Conclusion
The world is big – it’s okay to want more out of it than just a career. What interests have you forsaken because of your busy life? What are you excited to learn more about? Let me know in the comments! For more content like this, and a free budgeting template and financial goals worksheet, be sure to sign up for the Bitter to Richer newsletter.
