She Strengthens

Rediscovering the Joy of Hobbies

As students, our lives revolve around more than just academics. We have a vibrant existence outside the classroom, where we pursue our passions and connect with like-minded individuals. We can explore new languages, create art, or engage in thought-provoking discussions. These activities bring us together, forming tribes bonded by shared interests.

The Shift to Adulthood

However, upon entering the working world, our “extracurricular activities” often take a backseat. For many, especially women, it seems like a choice must be made between career and personal relationships. We tend to identify ourselves with one aspect of our lives, neglecting other essential facets of our personalities.

The Rarity of Hobbies

It’s unusual for adults to have rich hobbies unrelated to personal relationships or professional gain. Most people’s primary activity becomes socializing at bars or restaurants, spending money and catching up with friends. This phenomenon affects both men and women, but it’s more pronounced among women.

Cultivating Hobbies

I’ve always been fascinated by the importance of maintaining hobbies. Between the ages of 18 and now, I’ve been part of various meetup groups, taken classes, and learned new skills. My latest endeavor is a dinner party club, where we’ll share recipes and culinary backgrounds. These hobbies provide an excellent cost-to-reward ratio, and it makes sense – as students, we couldn’t afford to frequent restaurants, so our social hubs revolved around shared interests.

The Power of Hobbies

When I was a broke student, I immersed myself in French-language meetups, phone calls with my grandmother, and language exchanges. This passion eventually led me to move to France, where I became fluent and seamlessly integrated into the culture. Perfecting my French started as a cost-effective way to meet people, but it transformed my life.

The Challenge of Adulthood

Now, with more disposable income and a social circle focused on “going out,” I’ve struggled to maintain my hobbies. I’ve taken dance classes, but it’s harder to motivate myself to attend free events. I’ve attempted to pursue Spanish, but it’s easier to opt for socializing at bars instead of attending affordable Meetup events. This costs me money and the richness of new experiences.

Reclaiming Free Time

Recently, I’ve made a conscious effort to spend less on restaurants and lose weight. As a result, I’ve gained ample after-work free time, which I’m using to explore new hobbies. I’m looking to replace expensive socializing with meaningful activities, and I invite others to join me.

Embracing a Multifaceted Life

The key is to view our lives as we did in school – full of diverse sections, each representing a facet of our personality and skill set. By doing so, we can save hundreds of dollars a month, discover new passions, and unlock a more fulfilling existence. It’s time to break free from the constraints of adulthood and rediscover the joy of hobbies.