What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Do you have a hobby? While it wasn’t a New Year’s resolution per se, I decided at the start of the year to launch a dedicated mission to find myself a hobby. An activity that I could do regularly, on weekends or in my spare time, one that was distinct from work, would also bring me joy, and make me sound a bit more interesting in the process.

While some people can rattle off several pastimes with which they fill their weekends, I’ve never been able to respond with a hobby that I truly enjoy.

Even a relatively cheap hobby like swimming will set you back.Credit: Getty Images

But I decided this needed to change. More fuel to my fire was the proven benefits of hobbies: for a person’s mental health, including finding purpose and reducing stress.

However, nearly six months into the year and despite my efforts, I am still hobby-less. And it all comes down to one unexpected, yet critical issue: I simply can’t afford one.

My earnings, $1975.80 per week, are about average according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. But, due to........

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