What happens when our joyful activities become another way to make money? In an era defined by hustle culture and rising living costs, many people feel pressured to turn their hobbies into side-hustles.

The gig economy has made this monetization easier than ever. A growing share of work now takes place through short-term, flexible, remote and freelance contracts. Digital platforms like Uber, TaskRabbit, Rover, Skip The Dishes and Etsy make it simple for people to monetize their hobbies.

For some, these opportunities offer flexibility or a way to supplement income in an expensive economy. But they can also turn activities that once provided relaxation into yet another source of productivity.

Hobbies can bring joy, well-being and focus to our busy lives, but so many of us don’t have one. If you’re ready to replace scrolling with stitching, or hustle with horticulture, The Hobby Starter Kit (a new series from Quarter Life) will help you get going.

When a hobby becomes a job

I learned this first-hand when a hobby I loved became part of my livelihood. During graduate school, when I was barely making ends meet, I became a certified fitness instructor to earn money from activities I loved: yoga, running and weightlifting.

What I didn’t realize was that the joy I once found would quickly turn into burnout. I no longer exercised for fun; instead, it was a means to an end and my body grew exhausted. I was precariously employed by multiple employers and was driving across town at........

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