this post was submitted on 10 Jun 2024
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Hi everyone. I am feeling like I've lost any direction after getting laid off earlier this year (was working as an analyst in telecom and very recently landed a much lower position in healthcare data entry due to necessity). I already have several hobbies but I am either burnt out on them or they have lost their luster (similar to how life has lost its luster for me this past 6 months).

I would really love to learn a new skill, preferably using my hands to create something while challenging my brain. I'm willing to take classes, study, practice, and buy some equipment required for the skill.

Please tell me about your skill/hobby that gives you purpose. I've kind of exhausted google search which always returns the same 20 or so craft suggestions like "make custom invitations for weddings", and while that sounds good for someone, it may not be good for me.

Current hobbies: Music composition and gardening,

EDIT: trying to move away from hobbies that involve me sitting in front of a computer. I already do that way too much.

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[–] HipsterTenZero@dormi.zone 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

You're on Lemmy, why not try your hand at contributing to an open source project that catches your interest?

[–] CanadaPlus@lemmy.sdf.org 2 points 1 year ago (3 children)

I really want to get into casting, because it's crazy how much stuff you can make. Machining too, but that requires a lot of equipment. If you want to use metal casting to make machining tools, David Gingery's works are a classic.

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[–] Greee1911@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Sales. If you want to starting make really good money without a masters or PhD. Learn sales. Get a bdr type role. Even part time and get some experience. After that you can start making 6 figs within a few years.

[–] Crashumbc@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

While I agree you can make good money in sales. I think it takes a certain personality and a tough skin to handle the job well. It can be an extremely stressful work environment.

[–] Corno@lemm.ee 2 points 1 year ago (6 children)

Does art interest you? I personally really love drawing!

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[–] Nomecks@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)
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[–] cosmicrose@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I recently got into video game development, and I’ve had so much fun, and it’s given me some much-needed meaning. I’ve solved problems unique to my game using programming skills as well as game design skills, and it feels meaningful because i can send it to my friends and they can enjoy it without needing to appreciate any of the technical aspects. I get to be creative about how people I care about can have more fun. It could also involve your music composition hobby, since every good game needs some music and sound design! I’m a programmer for my day job so most things I do there are only meaningful to other programmers, and the problems I solve there are incredibly boring ones.

Edit: I saw your comment about being burnt out on programming, and I totally understand that. That happens to me frequently. I enjoy programming as a hobby when I’m not burnt out so we’re kinda in different boats there. There are lots of skills involved in making games and the variety has really refreshed me, though I’ve still gotten sick of sitting at a computer while working on it.

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[–] late_night@sopuli.xyz 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Drawing. It's seen as a skill reserved for an elite few, but in reality anyone can develop it. I learned it at school from lessons very similar to how Peter Gray teaches it (see this book for example on the Internet Archive).

All you need is a pad of paper, a few pencils and an eraser. And then sketch away, plants, people, landscapes, characters, whatever you want to explore.

[–] Shocker_Khan@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Definitely a good idea. I've never been talented in drawing or painting, but that doesn't mean I can't develop it.

[–] mannycalavera@feddit.uk 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Feeling lost and with no direction, what skill should I learn?

You could go into teaching?

[–] Shocker_Khan@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Yeah, when I was younger, I could always see myself as a teacher. The truth is, its not enough money and being more of a "jack of all trades" type, I don't have any expertise in anything to be able to teach someone else effectively. At least that's how it feels to me.

[–] folekaule@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

What about volunteering? Usually no credentials or experience is required. You get out of the house, get to be around people, and you get the satisfaction of feeling like you are doing something useful, which is rewarding in itself.

It could be anything. You have all kinds of organizations wanting volunteer help: social outreach programs, churches, scouts, clubs, etc. See if anything local catches your interest.

[–] Shocker_Khan@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

I'm already on the board of directors for a non-profit on a volunteer only basis. I have a passion for charity, but its pretty slow going sometimes. Its kind of lost its luster like everything else.

[–] mannycalavera@feddit.uk 1 points 1 year ago

I don't have any expertise in anything

Nonsense, sounds like you're more than qualified to teach.

[–] Volkditty@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Do you live in an area where you can go sailing?

[–] Shocker_Khan@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Heh, unfortunately no. I was born and raised in Ft Lauderdale, but now reside in Missouri... so no where near water, lol.

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[–] intensely_human@lemm.ee 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

If you become a plumber or electrician it will satisfy your desire to create with your hands while challenging your brain. It pays decently good and keeps you in shape too.

As an electrician you’ll start off paid low for a year or two as a laborer, but in four or five years I think you’ll be a trade professional making good money and doing useful work.

[–] Shocker_Khan@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

Thanks! I have a tour scheduled next week for a trade school for their electrician program. I'm not 100% sure if I have an interest in it, but it has the traits I am looking for. Being useful, having a purpose, working with my hands, etc. I will see how I feel after the tour.

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