They say that if you love what you do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. But… they also say that if your hobby becomes your job, you might stop enjoying it as a hobby.

So which one is true?

The truth is, both can be. Personally, I’ve always believed in doing what you love. Working just out of obligation isn’t fun—and trust me, it takes years off your life (speaking from experience).

When I started Unika Estudio four years ago, I was thrilled at the idea of spending my time on something I was passionate about. However, I soon realized there were aspects I hadn’t considered—though I don’t regret it for a second. 🖤

Here are some lessons I’ve learned along the way that I think are important for anyone considering taking this step:

Things to consider before turning your passion into your profession

✦ 1. Pressure can change the dynamic

When your passion becomes your main source of income, financial pressure can radically change how you perceive that activity. What was once purely a source of joy and relaxation can become a source of stress if not managed properly.

✦ 2. Balancing passion and business

Sometimes, managing your passion as a business can dilute the passion itself. You need to balance the creative and emotional side with the practical and commercial side. You might find yourself spending more time on administrative tasks than actually practicing your hobby, which can affect your overall enjoyment.

For example, imagine your passion is photography. At first, you’re excited about making a living taking photos. But as your business grows, you realize there’s so much more to do beyond shooting: promoting yourself on social media, replying to client emails, managing contracts and invoices, updating your website, and countless other tasks. Suddenly, you spend more time in front of a computer than behind your camera.

The key is to find balance—this might mean delegating certain administrative tasks, setting aside dedicated time for practicing your craft, or finding creative ways to combine both sides. In my case, I handle everything myself, but I organize my tasks and schedule carefully so nothing drains me or affects my creativity.

✦ 3. Professional responsibility

When your hobby becomes your job, you also take on a professional responsibility to your clients. Now you must meet expectations such as deadlines, service quality, and client communication.

Basically, you’re no longer doing it just for fun—you’re doing it to meet your clients’ needs.

✦ 4. The need to keep learning

Even when you’re doing what you love, it’s crucial to keep learning. Don’t get stuck in the same routine—things change, and if you don’t keep up, you fall behind. Stay updated on the latest trends, tools, and techniques to keep your work exciting and relevant. The more you learn, the more ways you have to stay inspired in your daily work.

In summary…

Turning your hobby into your job can be exciting but also full of challenges. The key is to know yourself, understand what you really want, recognize the implications of combining passion with work, and take on the professional responsibilities. If you decide to take the leap, enjoy it to the fullest—and I wish you great success!