I used to love writing. I used to love doing my own and other’s makeup. I used to look forward to planning out content and taking photos. I used to get giddy at new product launches. So on and so forth. But then I was convinced, that since I’m good at these things, I should be making money off of them and I agreed.
Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong for getting paid for your labor. I live by the mantra of #PayBlackWomen because we are rarely seen as product producers that deserve fair compensation for what we create and are too often offered exposure or courtesy products worth far less in value than what it is that we do.
Over the past couple of years we have been inundated with poorly thought out “business plans” of how to turn your hobby into a side hustle. However, we see how well that’s worked out for many just by reading their product and customer service reviews. And don’t get me started on the “you work a 9-5 for the man, but won’t work 24/7 for yourself” hot takes on the soc meeds. Just roving packs of Everest College late-night commercials telling you a steady paycheck and benefits is for bums while sitting at their desk that they just clocked in to, presumably for the man.
While I don’t have any flack for 9-5, Monday – Friday, Federal holiday having off jobs; I actually would prefer to have one, but if you’ve been reading my blog and my Patreon you will see why that just hasn’t been a feasible option for me. I also don’t take issue with people who own businesses and have side hustles because THEY want them. I do take issue with how capitalism, low wages, and outrageous costs of living have made so many people think they are going to become the next Madame C.J. Walker or Warren Buffet, and how they look down on people doing and creating just for the enjoyment of it.
True story: I did it. I made my hobby my side hustle/ main hustle and it’s not the wave. It has actually been the furthest thing from wavy. I dread sitting down to write. Even something lighthearted and fun feels like a chore. I still do it because I refuse to waste the money, time, and effort I put into this website. I also have shit to say sometimes and Twitter and Facebook aren’t always the best forums. I also have hope that whatever rut I’m in right now, I can get out and this will be fun again. And by “this” I mean blogging, makeup, being on top of mental health advocacy. But right now I’m in the realm of feeling like a failure because I’ve only made pennies off blogging compared to others despite having the space and opportunity to be good at this, and I also really suck at holding down a regular job for more than a few months.
I say all this to say. Stop pushing your friends to turn their hobbies, the things that give them joy in this clusterfuck we call life, into money-making ventures when that’s not in their heart. The best that could happen is that they make money and it doesn’t become a ball and chain, but the worst that can happen is that they invest time and money into it, it goes ai-ight, but they no longer have a “thing” just for themselves that evokes joy.
To wrap this up nicely: Let me people enjoy things.
