For most of us, a job is something that we pick rather than something that picks us. Our choice is usually based on sensible factors such as job stability, compensation, and overall desirability of a company. If we’re lucky, we enjoy the work and our co-workers.
But how many of us would really be doing the work if we weren’t paid for it? No matter how engaged you are while writing a press release or preparing a deposition or cleaning somebody’s teeth, would you really be doing it on your own time if you didn’t have to?
The answer for most people of course would be, no. Regardless of how much you might like your job, there are probably many other ways you’d rather be spending your time if money were of no concern.
We’re all born with innate talents and interests. The luckiest among us have turned their passions into careers. It’s easiest to do if your interests segue nicely into a clearly defined career path. For instance, all those computer nerds who’ve gone on to lucrative careers in Silicon Valley.
But for the rest of us, it’s not so clear. After all, how can one’s love of comic books, surfing or pickling, for instance, lead to a full time career? The honest answer is, it might not. And it would be careless to impulsively quit your job and pursue your love of pickling if you haven’t planned or considered it carefully.
But the law of evolution is about playing on your strengths. If you want to really grow as person and thrive professionally, you need to excel at what you’re naturally good at. Rather than a job, it needs to be a passion. Or dare we say, a calling.
So how do you turn your calling into something that can pay the rent? Start with what you naturally love doing – for fun, not necessity. Then, slowly explore ways to turn it into a job you love.
Make a List of Your Interests and Skills
Perhaps you haven’t given your favorite pastimes a name. But if it’s something you seek out naturally and do passionately, then it’s a hobby. This could be anything from riding horses to baking bread to collecting antique radios to researching obscure Cajun music. Putting it down in writing not only helps to remind yourself of what interests you, it also helps to legitimize it in your mind.
Next, take an inventory of your skills. Don’t limit it to hard skills such as things like data management or social media marketing, but also soft skills such as the ability to make friends or motivate a group. Also include skills outside the traditional workplace environment such as fluency in other languages, athletic skills or sewing ability. Matching your interests with your skills can often lead to innovative ideas you might not have thought of before.
Determine its Marketability
Once you’ve figured out what you’d like to pursue, ask yourself if your hobby is truly business worthy. Does it satisfy a growing demand or fulfill an unmet need? Can it eventually provide a comfortable living? If it’s an interest that’s too obscure then no one will care. But if it’s too common or obvious, it will just get lost in the crowd.
Do Your Research
Go online to see how others are putting their hobbies to good use. Is there room for another player or point of view? Examine trends in your industry and study how other similar businesses have become successful. Figure out how you’ll promote your product or service and to whom.
Start out Slowly
In order for a hobby to turn into a full-time job, you need to start thinking of it as a part-time job (while keeping your day job, of course). Make a commitment to spend a specific amount of time working on it each day. Although you’ll eventually need to ramp up the time and resources, the great thing about turning a hobby into a career is that you can test the waters slowly.
Simplify Your Goal
Don’t try to be too many things to too many people. The most successful entrepreneurs know that having a clearly defined product makes them stand out. Try to specialize in one thing. For instance, if it’s crafting you’re interested in, try to focus on a specific area of interest such as quilting or knitting. Adding more just muddles your brand.
Be Flexible
You may start out pursuing one avenue, only to find that another road leads to a better place. The exciting thing about pursuing a new business venture is watching it evolve and crystallize into a clearly defined product or service. As long as you remain true to your original concept, be prepared to adapt.
Be Authentic
Finally, remember why you are doing this. Of course everyone wants to be successful and conquer the market. But the very best products are those that were created from the heart. Most consumers have a pretty good nose when it comes to authenticity. And if they sense that the product was conceived for purely financial reasons, they’ll tend to mistrust it and look elsewhere. Let your passion be your guide and you’ll be happier and more successful.
