Most people don’t realize how important it is to be very good at something and they go by their day complaining about how terrible their job is and so on.
For those of you who are struggling to make the most of their workplace, we have an idea that will change your life for good: find something you’re really good at, become a pro and turn that hobby into a real job. Of course, it might take a while to get everything started, but we’ll tell you what you need to do first.
1. Sewing
Be Your Own Fabulous Designer!
This may sound like a woman’s job, but if you’re skilled, why not try it? First of all, you’ll need to purchase some cheap fabric (we recommend that you start with the $1 per yard fabric from fabric.com and then move on to something more expensive), to download patterns online and to buy a sewing machine. Don’t spend too much money on it, try to get a used one.
It doesn’t matter how old it is, as long as it’s running. You can start by selling your products on etsy.com if renting a place is too expensive for you!
Online classes: craftsy.com, professorpincushion.com, creativebug.com
2. Crafting
Turn Old Items into Pure Gold!
If you think crafting is about gluing glitter to everything you can find, you couldn’t be more wrong! Imagine how many things you could accomplish if only you knew how to use carpentry tools: all those ingenious chairs, tables and benches that are waiting for you to bring them to life!
Plus, you can find out how to become a good crafter online, without spending a lot of money: all you have to do is download an app or watch clips online. It will take you a lot of time and practice to become a real crafter, so be patient: you may ruin a few supplies until then, but it’s all worth it! Wouldn’t you like to have your own little craft store? We bet you would!
Online classes: creativelive.com, craftclassesonline.com, michaels.com
3. Photography
Let People See the World Through Your Lens!
The good thing about this is that you don’t even have to have a very expensive camera. After all, the most iconic pictures ever have been taken with rudimentary cameras, so there’s still hope. We suggest that you start with what you have and look for interesting subjects, from your family and pets to weddings you are invited to.
In fact, you can ask a friend to let you take pictures for their ceremony, if you feel confident enough. Plus, you can check out online clips to find out more about exposure, lighting and so on when it comes to photography.
Another idea would be to become a fan of the Bored Panda community and always be up to speed with what other people are taking pictures of. In time, you can specialize and actually do this for a living!
Online classes: photographycourse.net, iphotographycourse.com
4. Baking and Cooking
Delicious Food Will Never Go Out of Business!
Just as a suggestion, you can start small, following our Everyday Food board on Pinterest and go from there. Start with soups, juices, then brownies and cupcakes and move on to the complicated recipes after you’ve mastered the easy ones. Once you’re confident in your skills, send small samples of your work to local companies, markets, salons etc. and tell people you actually take orders.
If you have a teen to help you with the delivery, you’re all set to go! Eventually, you can cut a deal with a relative that’s getting married and actually cook and bake all the goodies for the wedding! Of course, you are going to need some help, so enroll your kids, your husband or your best friends!
Online classes: wilton.com, kingarthurflour.com, aibonline.com
5. Knitting and Crocheting
From Plain Yarn to Creative Sweaters!
Before you roll your eyes and say that this is for old people, just think about how much you love your cozy sweaters during winter or how expensive a certain knitted blanket was at the local store! Imagine that you could create those things yourself! There are numerous tutorials on YouTube that teach you how to knit, in case you don’t master this skill already.
We suggest that you start sending samples of your work to bloggers and to let them know that you are taking orders, just like we recommended for the food hobby! Sometimes, a blogger can do more for you than a whole stack of fliers, so think about it! Of course, knitting a blanket will probably take you a few months, so you may want to combine that with sewing or choose to use your crochets for furniture decorations. Start a Pinterest account, create boards and pins with your work and let everybody know what you’re capable of!
Online classes: anniescatalog.com, knittingheretic.com, knitfreedom.com
6. Writing
Who Says Words Don’t Mean Money?
Yes, this is a real possibility! There are many companies who need people to test or write reviews for their products. In fact, you could win a considerable amount of money just by leaving comments on blog posts or writing the blog posts yourself.
Platforms like Freelancer.com, Upwork.com, and XPlace.com are an incredible source of opportunities for people who need a job and are also very creative when it comes to writing. Not to mention that you can start your own blog and share your life experience with other people. In the meantime, checkout the three websites we recommended and see which one suits best your needs.
Online classes: writingclasses.com, universalclass.com, writers.com
7. Gardening
Beautiful Plants for Beautiful People!
And no, we don’t mean you can start mowing your neighbor’s grass! We mean that, if you love flowers and know pretty much everything about daisies, roses, gardenias and so on, you should probably think about turning this into a business. After all, all you have to do is buy some seeds and water the plants regularly.
If you have a big backyard that doesn’t look very good, you can turn it into your perfumed laboratory! Plus, you won’t have to worry about the unaesthetic look of your backyard! Start sending samples of these flowers to local restaurants, companies, and event rooms and so on. Let them know you are available for collaboration and your clients will soon show up!
Online classes: my-garden-school.com, bhg.com, gardening123.com
8. Home Design
Remodeling Homes Has Never Been More Fun!
We’re sure you thought about this at least once in your life! Mixing and matching pieces of furniture is no easy task, but if you feel up for it, why not! Just to boost your confidence, we recommend that you watch Dear Genevieve, a TV show about home decoration that will take your breath away! Plus, you can actually get an online diploma if you attend classes. Not all of them are for free, but we really think education is something you should invest in!
With your new-found knowledge, start designing your own fabric and furniture, if this is what you want, or simply ask your friends to let you do some work on their homes, just to give you a solid start. Ask them to be very honest when giving you their feedback, and if everything is going well, move on to decorating wedding venues and corporate buildings!
If would help to have your own website, a professional email address and a blog to tell people more about your work. But let’s start small: decorate a room of your choice in your own home and write down all the issues that you’ve ran into. You’ll know for sure if you are truly meant for this or not!
Online classes: theinteriordesigninstitute.com, thedesignacademy.com, interiordezine.com
9. Storytelling
Encourage Everybody to Follow Their Dreams!
If you think being a published author really isn’t for you because you are not talented enough, you should probably test that theory before knocking down a valid opportunity. You could start a blog and publish bedtime stories, for example.
Or you could look into public speaking (there are a few YouTubers everyone loves just because of their ability to tell a story, which is no little thing). Why not try to make that creative side of yours known to the entire world?
Online classes and inspiration: storytellinginstitute.org, writersstore.com, wwu.edu
10. Spending Time with Kids
Having Fun with the Little Ones Could Bring You Serious Money!
Start simple, by baby-sitting kids, read books to prepare for the task and in time you’ll be able to open a day care! Also, you could become a teacher, although that will only allow you to teach them and not really connect with them. We believe that every hobby can be turned into a very profitable business or at least a long term job.
Online classes: redcross.org, youthonline.ca
Follow your dreams, educate yourself and always look online for help. There are many sites willing to give you a hand, so what are you waiting for?
