Part 1 of 2
Depending on who you ask, our current financial situation is nearing the bottom, but ready to turn around, going from bad to worse, or on the express train to the economic apocalypse. Regardless of where it’s headed, you need a distraction, something to keep your mind off dwindling retirement accounts, and inflated grocery bills.
Now, more than ever, you need a hobby, something to ease the stress of a workweek, something you plan on Monday, look forward to on Wednesday and DO on Saturday.
A hobby, you say, but where do I get one? What will it be?
A proper hobby meets certain criteria, which I just so happen to have for you right here.
1) A proper hobby is not restrictive and can be done anywhere. For example, you like to deep-sea fish. Very nice, but it requires a sea, and water depth is an issue as well. Not a proper hobby. Fishing is a proper hobby.
2) A proper hobby should fit into your budget. Some of us might like to sail in immaculate boats, across pristine blue seas for our hobby, but if we’re worse off financially because of the hobby, well, that defeats the point. This is a good time to mention that if your hobby requires large amounts of income for upkeep, it’s just not proper. After an initial investment (within your budget) your hobby should be relatively cheap to do.
3) A proper hobby should, if done correctly, have potential to earn extra income. Sewing, while not a hobby I would enjoy, isn’t terribly expensive to do and doesn’t have to be done at home while watching Wheel of Fortune. And you can sell your creations to further the hobby.
4) A proper hobby should be able to incorporate family and friends, and allow you to make new ones, or be done alone should you so choose. Proper hobbies are all about flexibility.
I know some of you are thinking, HEY, bank robbery would be a great hobby, and it fits all the criteria. Well, there are one or two more guidelines left.
5) A proper hobby must be legal. Adding legal woes to an already long list of worries wouldn’t be much fun, plus the hobbies available in prison are a considerable downgrade.
6) A proper hobby shouldn’t get you killed. Juggling chainsaws is probably out of the question.
You still might not have any idea what to have as YOUR hobby. To help you, I’ve listed a few. Try one… if you like it, make it your new hobby. If you don’t, think up your own.
Walking, jogging, running, fishing, fantasy sports, biking, cooking, bird-watching, hiking, collecting (rocks, stamps, trinkets, shells, etc.; the cheaper the better) sewing, drawing, painting, hunting (make sure it’s legal) dancing, kayaking, juggling, learning local history, meeting people, wildlife viewing, geo-caching, making fun of Gov. Palin (wink wink).
The list, while not extensive, should give you a starting point. I chose photography as my proper hobby. What will yours be?
In Part 2 of “How to avoid thinking about our messed-up economy” I’ll send you on a mission with your hobby.
Brian Rueb is a north state writer, photographer and educator. Click here to see more of his photography.
