This archive report was first published on 14 December 2019.
As a generation, we're often told to pursue our passions and do what we love. But the truth is, not everyone has the luxury of doing so.
For many of us, our careers are like arranged marriages – we may not be head over heels in love with them at first, but we grow to appreciate them over time.
Our salaries may not be growing as fast as we'd like, but we have benefits like paid time off and flexible working hours.
However, some people are not satisfied with this arrangement and want to be happy. They want to quit their careers and pursue a hobby as a business, thinking that it will be a lucrative venture.
But the reality is that a hobby is not the same as a business. It's informed by the novelty and romance of discovery, and it's not a viable plan B for making a living.
Many people have fallen into this trap, quitting their careers to pursue a hobby as a business. They're told that they're being brave and taking a risk, but in reality, they're often struggling to make ends meet.
It's not just about being happy; it's about being smart and making informed decisions about our careers and finances.
As a certified accountant and former financial auditor, I've seen many people make this mistake. They're so caught up in the romance of their hobby that they forget about the practicalities of running a business.
So, be careful not to fall into this trap. Separate your career from your hobbies, and remember that your career feeds your bank accounts, while your hobby feeds your soul.
And always be mindful of the ogre in all of us that's hungry for happiness – don't starve him with your short-sighted choices.
