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Hobbies that make money: How to turn your hobby into a career
Over the last year or so, many of us have had more time to work on our hobbies and side projects. For others, it may have been the time where you’ve found a new pastime or activity you enjoy. But what about turning your hobby into a career? We take a look at how to make money from your hobby.
As well as providing some tips for making a business from your side project, we’ve also looked at how to find a hobby and some things to consider before you pursue it as a career.
What is a hobby?
First things first, let’s look at what we mean by the term hobby. Essentially, a hobby is an activity that you regularly do for enjoyment, relaxation or fun. Usually, a hobby is something that you do in your spare or leisure time. However, as we’ll see, it’s also possible to turn that hobby into something more structured.
This broad definition means that there are many different activities that count as hobbies. Whether it’s a popular creative pastime with lots of fellow enthusiasts and resources or a more niche way of spending your time, most people have hobbies.
How to find a hobby
If you’re looking for new ways of filling your time, there are plenty of options to choose from. As the world slowly starts to return to normal, there will be more options than ever before when it comes to trying something new.
Some considerations when looking for a hobby include: Are you looking for something more creative or active? Are you seeking escapism or tangible gains? Is there something you used to enjoy doing but haven’t had the time to keep up? Do you want your new hobby to be similar to existing ones?
Hobbies that make money
Of course, the thought of having a side hustle that makes some extra cash is an appealing prospect for many. So what are some hobbies that make money? In reality, there’s no straightforward answer – it often depends on your skill, dedication, and the market conditions.
That being said, there are certainly some trends that seem popular at the moment. We’ve picked out a few examples of hobbies that make money below:
Creative: Hobbies such as writing, design, crafts, music, photography, and other creative pursuits can lead to all kinds of side projects that make money. As a freelancer, you could easily start a blog that shows your creative skills and pitch for project work.
Tech-based: If you’re interested in coding and programming, games design, web and software development, video editing, or other tech-based skills, you might find it easy to pick up projects that pay for your expertise.
Food and drink: For those who enjoy baking, cooking, gardening, home brewing, and other culinary pursuits, you might find opportunities to sell your wares either locally or online.
Of course, these are just a few ideas to get your imagination running. In reality, if you have a unique enough idea and the passion to complete work to a high standard, you’ll often find people who are willing to pay for your craft.
That being said, picking up some casual income from a hobby is entirely different from making a business or career from it.
Hobby vs business
It’s important to make the distinction between a hobby and a business. There are several reasons for this. Perhaps first and foremost is that, depending on where in the world you are, if you’re making money from your hobby, you might need to think about the tax implications of this.
In the UK, for example, you have to declare the money you make from a hobby to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). However, there are some exceptions to this, mainly that you can earn £1,000 tax-free from your hobbies.
Another consideration is what you’re pursuing your interest for. Do you want to rely on the income you make, or are you purely in it for the enjoyment? A hobby is something that you can pick up and put down according to your schedule, while a business is something that takes time and dedication.
When does a hobby become a business?
For some people, the transition from hobby to business is a gradual and often unconscious one. What starts as entertainment can gradually end up as a side-hustle as time goes by. For others, there is a more definite transition. But from a legal standpoint, when does a hobby become a business?
In the UK, there are some ‘badges of trade’ set out by HMRC that determine whether or not your hobby is a business. Essentially, if you’re making money from it, you’ll need to declare it for tax purposes if that amount is over £1,000. Similarly, if you’re making regular transactions, repairing or modifying people’s assets, or borrowing money to fund transactions, then it’s considered that you’re ‘trading’.
Alternatively, you could go through the process of setting yourself up as a sole trader or limited company before you start selling your products or services. This can mark the start of your hobby becoming a business.
… to be continued.
—Futurelearn.com
In every society, there are people who do things their own way, regardless of what others think. Take the man who, by good fortune, acquired a beautiful Benz bus. Rather than becoming a bossy transport owner demanding daily accounts, he chose a different path. He hired a driver—but no driver’s mate. He became the mate himself. The bold inscription on the back of the bus reads: “MAN NO FOOL.”
He’s no fool, having long observed how drivers and mates conspire with daily accounts. He’s far above such tricks.
Domestic Pragmatism
Then there’s the married man enforcing his own version of the division of labor. One morning, he decreed he would handle all daily market shopping because he suspected his wife was “tearing chobo.” Earlier, he had claimed the kitchen ladle as his own, citing dissatisfaction with the portion sizes compared to his “chop-money” contributions.
From that day, he became the chief cook, while his wife became the steward. When the soup was ready, she would call him to allocate the meat. He called it “domestic pragmatism.”
The Dancing Kiosk
Consider a couple who ran a kiosk and, to protect their goods from theft, chose to sleep there each night. Last week, during heavy rains, they were asleep when the downpour started. Both began dreaming they were dancing at a jamboree—an uncanny simultaneous dream.
When they awoke, reality hit: their kiosk was afloat, doing a Michael Jackson-style dance in the floodwaters. They were lucky to survive. Others were not so fortunate.
That Tuesday, 24 residents of Accra lost their lives in the heaviest rains in 59 years. Property was destroyed, animals drowned, and the city experienced its worst traffic jams ever.
Floods and “Neck Insurance”
During the rains, waist-deep waters forced residents to become human transport, carrying others for a fee. I was spared, though I imagined my weight would have made “neck insurance” a must!
The aftermath left offices soaked, radios swimming on carpets, and workers struggling to salvage belongings. My office radio survived after drying, perhaps imbued with some holy-ghost luck—it seemed to walk on water.
A Call for Action
Mr. Nat Nunoo-Amarteifio, AMA boss, later appeared on the air to explain the floods, citing rising sea and lagoon levels. While informative, action is key. Years of warnings by veteran journalist Tom Dorkenoo—a man of prophetic environmental insight—have highlighted Accra’s vulnerability to floods. Two years ago, he outlined the risks, and the warnings proved accurate.
It is not enough for authorities to merely announce intentions to address drainage issues or unauthorized buildings. They must act decisively to prevent recurring disasters. Floods, property losses, and fatalities are preventable with proactive planning and strict enforcement of environmental regulations.
The Lesson
The saga of the dancing kiosk reminds us of human resilience, absurdity, and tragedy. While humor can lighten the story, the underlying message is serious: Accra’s flood challenges require urgent, sustained action.
Let us hope future rainy seasons bring fewer dancing kiosks and more effective city planning.
By Merari Alomele
Spectator
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Starvation is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors, including food availability, economic stability, and government policies. Understanding the mathematics of starvation involves analyzing calorie requirements, food distribution, and nutritional needs to ensure individuals receive sufficient sustenance for survival and health.
Calculating Nutritional Needs
To understand the scale of starvation, it is crucial to determine the daily caloric requirements of individuals based on age, sex, weight, and activity levels. For example, populations like that of the Gaza Strip require a specific number of calories per person per day to prevent malnutrition and starvation.
Food Distribution and Availability
Equally important is assessing food distribution and availability. This includes calculating the total food needed to meet nutritional requirements and ensuring it reaches those in need. In Gaza, Israel controls food inflow and determines the number of calories Palestinians require. However, the actual amount of food allowed into the territory often falls far below minimum nutritional needs.
Consequences of Inadequate Food Supply
Inadequate food supply leads to severe consequences such as malnutrition, starvation, and death. For instance, between March and June, Israel allowed only 56,000 tonnes of food into Gaza—less than a quarter of the territory’s minimum needs during that period.
Global Perspective
Starvation is not unique to Gaza. Millions worldwide face food insecurity due to conflict, climate change, and economic instability. Understanding the mathematics of starvation enables policymakers and humanitarian organizations to devise strategies that target the root causes of hunger effectively.
Key Factors Contributing to Starvation
- Poverty: Lack of resources limits access to sufficient food.
- Conflict: Wars disrupt food production and distribution networks.
- Climate Change: Extreme weather reduces agricultural yields.
- Economic Instability: Market fluctuations hinder access to food.
Addressing Starvation
Combating starvation requires addressing its underlying causes:
- Food Aid: Provide sufficient, targeted food assistance to those in need.
- Economic Support: Promote economic stability to improve access to food.
- Conflict Resolution: Resolve conflicts to restore production and distribution networks.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Adopt sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term food security.
In conclusion, the mathematics of starvation underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to food insecurity. By understanding nutritional needs, calculating food distribution, and tackling the root causes, societies can work towards a future where hunger is no longer a daily threat.
BY ROBERT EKOW GRIMMOND-THOMPON
Spectator
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