Every dad has something they love to do. Maybe it’s woodworking, photography, gaming, or even brewing the perfect cup of coffee (in my case, it’s tech)!
These hobbies aren’t just ways to unwind—they’re gateways to extra income. And let’s face it, making money while doing something you genuinely enjoy?
That’s the dream!
Take me, for example: I’m so tech-focused that I even toyed with connecting the ChatGPT API to Bolt.AI to create a CV template generator. Sadly, someone beat me to it, but it’s little ideas like this that flood my ADHD-riddled brain all day, every day.
Whether it’s crafting content for Dad Blog or brainstorming ridiculous yet oddly practical tech projects, I’m proof that hobbies can grow into something much bigger.
Turning a hobby into a hustle isn’t just about the cash (though that’s always handy). It’s about personal growth, sharing your passions, and showing your kids that creativity and hard work can pay off. My kids have seen me pour time and effort into Dad Blog, and it’s sparked brilliant conversations about resilience, passion, and the importance of following your interests.
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn what you love into something profitable, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore how to get started, avoid common pitfalls, and juggle your hustle with family life. I’ll even throw in tips on how this could boost your career—whether that’s through a killer CV or transferable skills.
Table of Contents
Start with the Hobby You Love Most
The best hustles start with passion. Think about the activities that light you up and keep you engaged for hours. Are you the go-to person for fixing gadgets? Do your friends rave about your BBQ sauce? Or maybe you’re a gaming demon—I was a Twitch’er over a decade ago, streaming gameplay back when it wasn’t quite the phenomenon it is today.
Finding a hobby you genuinely enjoy will keep you motivated—even when things get tough.
For example, a mate of mine who has a beard to die for (beard-envy is real) turned his love for grooming into a side business. He started small–making candles of all things, but quickly pivoted into making beard wax and oil. After a few viral instagram posts he had a steady flow of customers and is now absolutely smashing it.
Starting with something you’re passionate about ensures you’ll stick with it when challenges arise.
If you’re not sure where to start, think about the hobbies that excite you and have potential demand. Who knows—your next hustle might involve the whole family!
Research Your Market
Once you’ve picked a hobby, it’s time to explore its potential. Who might pay for your skills or products, and how much would they spend? Platforms like Etsy, eBay, and social media are goldmines for gauging demand.
For example, if you’re into photography or digital art, you could sell prints on Adobe Stock, offer portrait sessions, or even create a course teaching others how to take great shots.
Research helps you see what’s already working and figure out how to stand out.
Showcase Your Skills
If you want people to pay for what you do, you’ve got to show them what you’re capable of.
An online portfolio or social media presence can be a game-changer. Bake? Post your mouthwatering creations on Instagram. Into DIY? Share before-and-after shots of your projects.
This is also where transferable skills come into play. I’ve started weaving things like content creation, SEO, and even affiliate marketing into my professional story. Running Dad Blog has opened up affiliate income streams galore – my dad joke series of posts has inspired me to release a dad joke book.
Highlighting these skills on a CV (or your LinkedIn) shows employers or clients that you’re resourceful and entrepreneurial.
Monetisation Strategies That Work
There are plenty of ways to make money from a hobby. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Selling Products: If you’re crafty, set up a shop on Etsy or Amazon Handmade. For example, one dad I know sells homemade beard oil—and he’s smashing it.
- Offering Services: Got expertise in fitness, tutoring, or DIY? Start offering sessions or consultations.
- Teaching: Sharing your knowledge through online courses or workshops is a great way to scale your income. Platforms like Skillshare or Udemy make this easier than ever.
I’ve also monetised my passions by creating engaging content on Dadblog.co.uk. From affiliate marketing to sponsored posts, it’s all about finding what fits your niche. And if you’re curious, I recently wrote a complete advent series about 80’s and 90’s Christmas and it brought in over 50,000 visitors in December—because why not?
Balance Family Life with Your Hustle
One of the hardest parts of turning a hobby into a hustle is finding the time. Trust me, I’ve been there—trying to squeeze writing sessions around bedtime stories, home-ed and homework help is not an easy task.
Start small. Dedicate a few hours a week to your hustle, and if you can, look for ways to involve your kids. When I’m working on blog projects, I’ll often ask my little ones for their ideas (or use their most absurd statements for fodder)—they’re surprisingly great at brainstorming! Plus, it’s a brilliant way to teach them the value of hard work and creativity.
Celebrate Small Wins
Success doesn’t happen overnight. Celebrate your first sale with gusto, a glowing customer review, or a big milestone. I’ve learned to cherish these moments—they remind me why I started. Whether it’s landing an affiliate deal or simply connecting with a reader, every win is worth celebrating.
I love every comment I get on this website, and my first Amazon affiliate felt better than the site that was making £5k+/mo. The first e-mail subscriber was better than knowing I’ve got 10k subscribers on YouTube. It’s the first step on the ladder and that win is worth it’s weight in gold!
Hustle with Heart
Turning a hobby into a hustle isn’t just about making money—it’s about finding joy in your passion, challenging yourself to do better, and hopefully turning it into something that can benefit your family.
Whether you’re selling handmade crafts, offering a service, or sharing your knowledge, your hustle is an extension of who you are.
As you grow, think about how these skills can open doors.
Running Dad Blog has helped me expand my expertise in SEO, given me an opportunity to really deep-dive into AI (I wrote a post on whether you should teach your kids AI as well), and even hone my project management and social skills (as well as talk to other famous bloggers and celebrities)—all valuable skills I’m using to build my future.
So, take the first step. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t forget to have a laugh along the way. Who knows? That hobby could become something extraordinary.
What hobby are you passionate about?
Whether you’re gaming, crafting, or cooking up the next big thing, there’s a world of possibilities waiting. Share your ideas in the comments or connect with me on social media for more tips and inspiration. Let’s turn those hobbies into something extraordinary!