Make It a Business or Keep It a Hobby?

Hi,

I’m an employee earning a decent salary and am well liked by my employer. I’ve worked in Amazon businesses, retail sales, and in education. But… I’m really a creative person, and I’ve been dreaming of doing something creative on my own. Over the past few years, I’ve been dabbling in photography and video editing. It started as a hobby, and I’ve charged entry-level rates to a few friends who have asked, and really enjoyed the process. I’m wondering how to take it to the next level and turn it into a real business. Also, I can’t afford to give up my salary, but don’t see how to juggle the two. Is there any way to make this happen, or should I keep it as a hobby?

~ Wannabe Entrepreneur

I love this question! You’re clearly balancing a wonderful mix of both ambition and caution, motivation and thoughtfulness.

I’ll try to respond to all those parts of your question here, so we respect all those areas competing for space in your mind and career.

First things first: One of the best ways to determine if you should actively pursue something professionally is if you’ve been dreaming about it for years, have the natural talent, and have had people pay you for it. Since you meet all of those criteria, I’d say it sounds like an excellent idea. I believe that dreams are powerful, and if we allow them to, they can act as a vision and guide to create our future reality.