I have a paid job that I could be great at, but I choose not to be.

Anonymous

May 12,2023 at 1:07PM UTC

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I have a paid job that I could be great at, but I choose not to be. It's extremely demanding, emotionally, but I've achieved the most I can- multiple times- and never been given the opportunities or roles I should be, to lead. In my spare time, I've taken on something that doesnt currently pay, but I'm fantastic at and have rose to meteoric heights professionally and it has much more potential than my paid job. I feel like if I keep striking and making gains, in a concentrated way in this "new hobby", it could ultimately take me EVERYWHERE. Or I can stay lackluster and dividing my time up (poorly) between things I love, and things I am completely uninspired to do. Advise? Because for real, we do all actually NEED money. And I do fear getting "stuck" like I am in my current position, in an unpaid one.

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AnonymousMay 12,2023 at 1:14PM UTC
I'm a big advocate of doing what you love. I've spent way too many years in demanding roles that go nowhere...When I volunteered at certain places, I not only enjoyed it (and excelled) but it gave me the obvious skills I needed. Do NOT get stuck! It's an awful place to be (sometimes inevitable, however). Can you that part-time and work FT that gives you flexible schedule and pays the bills in the meantime (as a server, CSR rep, etc.)?
AnonymousMay 12,2023 at 1:23PM UTC
I've been working 25+ years., some jobs that were very unfulfilling and demanding. I finally saved a bit and I'm at the point where I have to give it a try on my own. I feel the most ready to make the change and also not ready at all. But I have solid plans and ideas and I'm going for it. I really hope you find a way to do that thing you love. Can you start doing it on the side? Don't wait as long as I did.
Sara Kathleen J JonesMay 12,2023 at 1:47PM UTC
If you never give the all to something you will never know. There's no harm in trying, as long as you burn no bridges so that you have an out.
AnonymousMay 12,2023 at 3:46PM UTC
It's much easier to reach meteoric heights when you aren't paid. I would consider keeping your paid position (even though they don't see your leadership abilities) until you can establish a revenue stream via any other avenue.
I think it's patience and commitment that will propel your career and earnings forward.
AnonymousMay 12,2023 at 6:53PM UTC
This sounds like a good solution for now. Lots of people are unappreciated in their jobs except for their paycheck and derived satisfaction from something else that they do in their spare time. Why do you think blue collar communities have so many bowling and softball leagues?
AnonymousMay 13,2023 at 1:30PM UTC
Maybe your "hobby" can turn into something? We all have to start somewhere! A baker once started in the residence kitchen baking cupcakes, then came referrals, brick and mortar store, etc.
Keep your ears and eyes open and keep up the good work!!
Do what makes you happy and see how it continues to grow.
NatMay 13,2023 at 3:12PM UTC
Follow your passions, figure out a way to make it work and get paid
AnonymousMay 16,2023 at 12:21PM UTC
Your new "hobby" helps you accomplish what you can't on your job you should stick with it. It's like you are giving yourself a raise. And, if your new "hobby" is trading then I need a mentor. ?
Diane J HuffMay 16,2023 at 12:41PM UTC
Go for it! If this hobby can be turned into something with financial gain, then see how to make that happen. It may take a while but it’s always worth it to pursue something that is more fulfilling. But, and here’s a thing, early in my life I turned my hobby that I loved and was passionate about into my career…and I hated it. Not that I didn’t love doing it anymore - I never lost the joy of what I was doing - but once I tied financial strings to it and my livelihood, it became a job. And there’s always pressure and intensity when you have to earn. Like you said - we all need money. And the pressure of making money off something that was once an escape for me made it very bittersweet. Just keep that in mind. I’m not discouraging. I’m just hoping you will go into the situation with realistic expectations. Good luck!
AnonymousMay 16,2023 at 3:40PM UTC
I love this, and I'm very happy for you!
Why don't you start creating an avenue to make an income from the hobby so that you can finally move away from the job you don't like and spend your time doing what you enjoy? Or is it that you're struggling with figuring out how to do that? Otherwise, you're in a win-win situation here!
If you don't mind, I don't mind checking out what it is you're doing and we can see how to make it earn.