Do you have any regrets turning your hobby into a source of income?

No.

I do wonder if I hadn't turned it into my career, if I would still love it.

Attempting to turn painting into income may have been the worst idea I've ever had.

No, not at all.

I tend to chase passion more than money, which probably is a bit naive.

I would have done it for free.

I'm Rima Grace, and welcome to This Is Uncomfortable.

A couple years ago, I picked up a new hobby.

I started crocheting, which is like a cousin of knitting.

Before long, I was spending my nights making these little stuffed animals for the babies

in my life.

But after a few months, after the yarn started piling up, this little voice started creeping into my head.

What if you tried to sell these?

I can't tell you if this was an original thought or osmosis from my algorithm, you know, that

constant nudge telling us we're doing it wrong if we don't turn our hobbies into second paychecks.

That it's foolish for us to leave money on the table, money that can go towards our bills or a dream house, or so we can finally get rid of our student loans.

And all of this, it made me think about what it says, that even our quiet joys, the things we do

just for ourselves, don't feel safe from that pressure. So this week, I really want to know,

is it actually possible to turn what you love, to turn a hobby into a side hustle without hollowing

out the joy? Stay tuned, by the way, till the end of the joy.

Stay tuned, by the way, until the end of the episode to hear how you all answered this question.

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