If you’re the creative type who enjoys the rewarding feeling a hard-fought project can bring once accomplished, then you’ve probably considered taking your hobby to the next level. Starting a new career centered around your true passions can be the turning point you need in your life to achieve your goals and bring some balance and meaning to your existence. Talent and skill are highly appreciated and utilized to great effect, from the largest enterprises down to the smallest online shop. As such, don’t miss the chance to put your skill to work for you.
Here are a few common DIY interests that can lead to a rewarding and fruitful career.
Contractor
If you’re handy enough with a drill and hammer to do all your own home improvements yourself, besides saving yourself thousands in contracting fees, you could be utilizing that talent to make enough to support your needs. The low overhead required to get to work is one of the most attractive draws to the contract field, as most going into the business already have the tools they need to get the job done. Additional costs to consider are state and local licensing, along with contractors liability insurance.
If you’re already doing all the work for your friends and extended family, then you may consider advertising your services to a wider audience. Before you dive head-first into the world of home improvement, though, ensure you’re following all regulations and are properly insured; a catastrophe can cost you a lot more than just your business if you’re operating outside the law. You can lose your assets or even your freedom.
Stylist
The tools of the trade are relatively simple: the real talent comes from within the mind of the artist. A good eye for style and facial structure are highly prized talents that can take you far in the salon industry. If you’re the type who is constantly toying with new hairstyles and designs on yourself and your friends, then you can transform your obsession into a job you love doing.
Work life in a salon can give you greater flexibility to work hours that better suit your needs. If you have a steady flow or a loyal base of frequent clients, then your income will only be limited by your desire to work. You will have the ability to experiment and truly explore your style, while still paying the bills. Though you’re required to operate with a license, classes to help you pass your exams and expand your knowledge are offered to meet a wide range of lifestyles and scheduling needs.
Interior Decorator
It doesn’t take much to get started in the world of interior decorating, though love and admiration for color, fabric, and furniture are definite requirements for the position. If you’re someone who is always getting compliments on your home and requests for advice, then consider moving on from your boring and pointless desk job to start a new career in interior renovation.
As a decorator, you will not be required to go through courses in a university or attain a degree like with many interior design jobs. If you choose to further your education, however, and major in interior design, you can use your experience and network as a decorator to boost your earning potential.
Software Design
In an ever-connected and tech-reliant world, the demand for people who know how to code the tools we use every day is quickly and exponentially increasing. Those who are skilled in the art of speaking to computers in a language they can understand can utilize that talent for personal gain. Corporations are always on the lookout for skilled programmers and designers with an analytical mind to come up with new tools to boost productivity and meet customer needs.
Though an extremely talented programmer can land a job without going to school, those cases are usually rare. For the majority of people, a four-year degree with an emphasis in computer science can be the key to opening doors to that dream job.
Crafting
The world of crafts/boutique gifts and personal items has really boomed in recent years, due in no small part to increased visibility of artisan workshops through the help of online commerce sites like Etsy or eBay. It has never been easier to set up an online store that can be browsed by potentially millions of unique visitors each day, and this could be just the opportunity you need to get your art career off to a good start.
Such low costs to operate a store visited by many thousands were absolutely unheard of 10 years ago, but today, you can advertise your wares for pennies on the dollar. There has never been a better time in history for the budding artist to make a living with their craft.
The world is full of opportunity for those who have a passion and skill. Those who can work with their hands to create something beautiful or who can come up with functional solutions to complex problems stand to gain from this environment. You can apply your love and experience of DIY into a full-fledged and rewarding career with the right motivation and will to succeed.