#164: It’s Not Just A Hobby.

I like those conversations. They give me a different perspective and, at the same time, remind me of the way I looked at the world only a few years ago.

«Yes, I understand, but it’s just a hobby.»

My friend had quite a strong opinion on my career path. Unsurprisingly. I could see perfectly well where he was coming from.

We used to play in the same football team nearly 30 years ago. A career as football professionals wasn’t meant to be our thing. Hence, we ended up in finance and law, respectively.

It so happend that my old football teammate and I were at the same weekend brunch event. He got invited with his family, whereas I was in charge of food and drinks. Initially, he didn’t even recognize me in my black barista apron. But then he was curious to find out more about everything I was doing.

After moaning and complaining about the ups and downs in his job as a lawyer, he made it clear that my various jobs and projects could only be defined as a portfolio of hobbies as they weren’t possibly covering my financial needs.

He was spot on when it came to his monetary evaluation. I don’t deny relying on savings to make ends meet. However, does that justify his conclusion that everything I do compares to playing an instrument every now and then, baking cupcakes for fun or watching birds on weekends?

Please don’t misunderstand me, but those are two different subjects. Acting like a professional and earning like a lawyer don’t necessarily go hand in hand.

It helps me challenge my own understanding of what I do and how I do it.

Do the industries I have stepped into allow for true professionals?

Am I doing what it takes to become a professional in those fields?

The answer to the first question is a definite yes. I am less sure about the second one, which reminds me of a statement of another friend of mine.

«How can you expect to be taken seriously on something, if you are not serious about it yourself?»

Looking at my particular case, I can see clearly now. I need to focus on acting professionally and leaving no doubt about how serious I am. Financial success as a symptom will follow naturally, one way or another.

It’s not just a hobby.

At least not for me.