Most people have a hobby or something they enjoy doing in their spare time. Some of those people turn their hobbies into part-time or full-time jobs. Photography, crafting, fitness or whatever your hobby may be could potentially be something you could be using to make extra money or replace your day job. Some hobbies, like photography, can make you more than $65,000 a year if you commit to making it a career. Your hobby could be your pathway to a better financial standing.
Here is a closer look at some of the more profitable hobbies:
Yoga
If you are passionate about yoga, you could be using your yoga time as time to add to your bank account. You can get a relatively quick and cheap certification to be able to teach yoga, Zumba or any other fitness class you enjoy. Once you have that certification you can teach your own classes or be paid to teach others at a gym or fitness club. On average, yoga instructors make approximately $25 per hour when hired through a fitness club.
Cooking
If you enjoy cooking, think about making some extra cash using your skills in the kitchen. Open a catering company. You can sell your cupcakes, cakes, plates of food and other items for events. You will be able to continue to cook in your own kitchen and transport the food where it needs to be. Catering companies get paid, on average, $20 per plate.
If opening a catering company seems like a bit much, think about holding a cooking class to teach others your skills. Many people will pay up to $50 for one cooking class.
Web Design
Web design is an area of expertise that is in high demand. If you like to create dynamic websites, you could be making extra money by designing sites for businesses and individuals. You can market your skills in web design by sending out your resume or utilizing a website like Fiverr. Fiverr allows you to post your qualifications and people seeking someone with your qualifications will find you and hire you for a project. If the project is extensive enough, you can be paid hundreds of dollars for one website design.
Writing
Writing is a way that many people make money that they enjoy. Oftentimes websites will pay up to $100 per piece (a sizeable amount if you are writing a few articles a week). If writing is one of your favorite past times, you can find freelance jobs online through websites like Fiverr, Indeed, Freelancer, among many others.
Crafting
If you are crafty, you can make money doing what you love! Make a few items that you will be able to create and re-create quickly, take photos of them and post them to an Etsy page. Whether it be handmade blankets, jewelry, hats, scarves or gloves, you can make a significant amount of money by crafting. If it is something you enjoy, you’d be doing it anyway so why not make a few extra bucks doing it? Crafting product prices are a little less set-in-stone. However, you will want to make sure that your price will cover the expense of making the item as well as provide a little profit.
Photography
Many photography companies started out as a hobby but, if you are good at it, it can turn into a full-time job. Some photographers get booked for weddings, baby showers, couples portraits, newborn photos, etc. and get paid anywhere from $50 to over $1,000 per session. If you’ve got a good camera and a good eye photography may be a great way for you to make some extra cash.
Music
Are you musically inclined? If so, you may be able to turn it into your job. Many musicians teach lessons and work gigs at night and on the weekends. You can make a living from this hobby! Private violin lessons, for example, range anywhere from $15 to $100 per half hour, depending on the teacher’s qualifications. A music gig can pay anywhere from $50 to $400 per service (rehearsal and the concert count as separate services).
Do you have a hobby that you’ve turned into a job? We’d love to hear your story.
Photo: Flickr: Roman Boed
Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media. With a BA in journalism from Wingate University, she frequently writes for a handful of websites and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, son, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.
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