by Jessica Oaks
If you are currently stuck in a dead-end job that leaves you feeling unfulfilled and drained at the end of the day, it might be time to make some changes in your life. There are many things that you can do to recapture your old spirit, some of them work-related, some of them not. You could start (and stick) to a new diet. You could start socializing and making new friends. You could rearrange your furniture and donate old home items and articles of clothing. Or perhaps more to the point, you could look for a new job.
Here are things to consider if you would like to turn your passion into a career:
So Why Turn Your Hobby into a Career?
It’s a valid question. After all, isn’t there the risk that you will take something you love and turn it into something you hate? Well, that’s certainly a glass-is-half-empty way of looking at things, but for many others, the opposite is true. As the old cliché goes, if you do what you love, then you never work a day in your life. Pursuing your passions or hobbies is a way to interject energy, enthusiasm, and even fun into your daily routine. Even if you don’t make a lot of money, if you genuinely love going into work every day, does it really matter how much you’re making? Pursuing your hobbies as a career has the potential to improve your psyche, sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, and quality of life.
Speak to Someone in the Field.
To get started, speak to people in the fields you wish to pursue. When it comes to starting a new career – whether as an employee of an organization or as your own business owner – the value of mentorship cannot be overstated. A mentor can show you the ropes, guide you in the right directions, answer questions based on experience rather than theory, and serve as a crucial and much needed support system. To get started in your new career, first consider looking for someone who can act as a mentor. If you find the right person, you can open all new doors, and gain access to all new opportunities.
Alternatively, should you really want to get started right now, do research on what positions or job opportunities might exist in the fields you are interested in. In some cases, you may find that there are ample opportunities for employment, while in others, you may find that entrepreneurship is the way to move forward. For example, if you love talking to people and have always considered yourself a salesperson at heart, companies like Amway might be a good fit for you. Or you may find e-commerce platforms like Ebay and Etsy allow you to earn a living selling your own goods. The key is to talk to the right people and find opportunities that work for you. Then pursue those opportunities with dogged determination.
Remember to be Flexible & Persistent.
The odds are good that there are going to be ups and downs during your career transition. You probably won’t make a lot of money to begin with. And you may need to take a position that is only tangentially related to the position you truly want to be doing. That’s okay. So long as you take your first step and start heading in the direction that you ultimately want to go, you can rest easy knowing that you’re doing all of the right things. Being flexible can give you the patience and wherewithal to find your way in your new career, and in the end, allow you to hone in on the very thing that you want to be doing.
Of course, being flexible is one thing. It also pays to be persistent – even tenacious. Because you will likely find that you have to work harder than you have in a while, if only because you’re starting an all-new routine, learning to overcome all-new challenges, and building an all-new network of colleagues. Being persistent and tenacious can see you through difficult times and allow you to overcome hurdles along the way. If you have confidence in yourself and a steadfast vision for what you want to do, you will find that persistence comes naturally. But it’s important to remember that even if you do have doubts, even if you aren’t confident, it’s important to power through.
If You Can’t Do It, Get Paid to Write About It.
Have you considered writing about your passions? If you can’t turn your hobby into a career, at the very least, you may still be able to monetize it by writing about it. Whether you start your own blog and earn money through advertising, or find a publisher that specializes in your interests who will pay you for your contributions, writing about the things you love and getting paid for it don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Start out by looking for outlets that cover your interests – the odds are good that you already know of several. Email them, inquire about writing opportunities, and submit an article or two. If that doesn’t work out, you can always self-publish; with Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, and other social platforms, getting your content seen and read is easier than ever.
Jessica Oaks is a freelance journalist who loves to cover technology news and the ways that technology makes life easier. She also blogs at FreshlyTechy.com. Check her out on Twitter @TechyJessy.
