Anyone else have a hobby that has become a chore instead of fun?

[bzzzt]

My situation is probably more well suited to be in the "Anti-Mustacian Wall of Shame and Comedy" section. Anyone else have a hobby that has become a chore instead of fun?

I have a car related hobby that lately feels more like a job than a hobby/passion anymore. I have literally built my life around this hobby for over a decade. I used to live for it, wished it would eventually work itself into a well paying job. My brother literally chose his career path based on a love of this hobby and connections we've made have landed him an excellent job opportunity on top of 3 other offers. My dad lives for it. I scheduled my wedding and honeymoon around it a few years ago.

Now, I have to really work at finding motivation to do it. I have more than $40k worth of equipment to support it and countless other thousands of broken/used up parts on top of that. I used to work a full work day + commute and come home and put in another 4-8 hours with no hesitation and loved doing it. I have honestly been thinking that I would rather go insulate my crawl space than get started on the prep work for this season.

I know this is probably about as anti-Mustachian as it gets, but has anyone else ever burned out this bad when a few years ago they were extremely passionate?

[Retired To Win]

Some months ago, I was really struggling to maintain the motivation to keep doing my blog.  It had started feeling, as you said, like a stressful chore rather than a fulfilling hobby. But I recognized that the reason I felt like that was a lack of technical expertise that kept me from getting my blog to look like I wanted and do what I wanted.  I was lucky to solve this problem by finding a web designer to do the technical stuff so I could concentrate on writing and imaging.  I'm afraid your problem sounds a lot harder to solve.

Good luck.

[Faraday]

My situation is probably more well suited to be in the "Anti-Mustacian Wall of Shame and Comedy" section. Anyone else have a hobby that has become a chore instead of fun?

I have a car related hobby that lately feels more like a job than a hobby/passion anymore. I have literally built my life around this hobby for over a decade.
...
I have honestly been thinking that I would rather go insulate my crawl space than get started on the prep work for this season.

I know this is probably about as anti-Mustachian as it gets, but has anyone else ever burned out this bad when a few years ago they were extremely passionate?

Take a break. Don't do a mass exodus, just take a break. Maybe this season, maybe more. Go ahead and insulate that crawl space and don't do the prep work for this season.

I had a hobby very similar to what you are talking about, and it has a "season" which required me to travel to distant places (driving - within the US) at certain times of the year. Four years ago, I took a break to insulate my garage and the payoff by doing that has been very good.

As I learned about FIRE and mustachianism, I put that hobby on hold and am devoted 110% to mustachian pursuits. I have not stopped thinking about that hobby (still track it in the magazines devoted to it) and I know I will return to it, soon. Maybe when I FIRE.

My thinking is that once I've achieved a level of mustachian satisfaction, then I'll want the option to go back to that hobby, because I'll have the time without the fear of financial insecurity. I've kept all my parts and tools and components in the garage and there they sit waiting for me to resume. Because I insulated the garage, nothing's rusting so everything is right there, waiting.

[bzzzt]

Thanks for the input.

I've been thinking about taking a break this season. I don't want to quit, I just don't want to work so damn hard for those 7-8 months. I'm not as much of a perfectionist as that I do what I can with what I have. That usually leads to working my butt off since I don't like to just throw money at problems. Hiring someone is pretty much out of the question. I see what some people spend to have other prep the car for them and it runs into enormous sums of money.

Lately, what sounds good is still head to the events but don't bring the car. Two of the things I would miss most about quitting is all the friends I've made along the way and being able to travel to different places.

mefla: I insulated the garage rafters in early winter. Cut my heating bill by over 25%. That lead to me air sealing/insulating over the house. I guess the road to winding down car hobbies is paved with insulation... ;)

[Retire-Canada]

Lately, what sounds good is still head to the events but don't bring the car. Two of the things I would miss most about quitting is all the friends I've made along the way and being able to travel to different places.

That sounds like a good plan. See if you really miss it or not. Maybe bring a camera and document some of the cool cars/people you meet as a replacement for bringing your own car.

You've got a finite amount of minutes between and now and when you die so you don't want to spend any doing something you are not enjoying as a hobby.

-- Vik

[big_owl]

I've raised moths as a hobby for about 28 years and every year is the same.  Start out gangbusters in April/May...by August I'm sick and tired of spending an hour a day after work with the caterpillars out in the 95deg temps and sweating.... by September they're all pupating and I'm breathing a sigh of relief.  Then by February I'm back to reading the same damn moth books I've been reading for 20 years dreaming about how I'm going to do this or that better and more efficient and dreaming of what species I'm going to hunt down during the next season.  Come early spring like right now I can't wait to get started...and the cycle starts again. 

So my savior is winter since I'm forced to take time off from the hobby.

[2ndTimer]

Putting the work on hold this season and just going to the events sounds like the way to go.  Next year you will either be aching to get back to it or you won't and then you can think about it again.

[Heather in Ottawa]

Yup. For me, it was bike racing. I love my bikes, and I'm pretty competitive. When I got better at it, I was accepted onto a team that was (too) serious about it, and it gradually sucked the fun right out of the whole experience. Gradually enough that I barely noticed, though, and I had some pretty cool experiences along the way that kept me going. The hobby turned into a job, with lots of travel and expense eating up almost every weekend, unpleasant "bosses" (the team managers), pressure to perform turning my formerly fun bike rides into work, and putting me into dangerous race situations that I wasn't ready for and that made me nervous. What a sense of freedom and relief when I quit. I took a whole year to just not ride my bike much (except for transportation), and now I'm rediscovering the fun again.

I think my lessons out of that were that 1) I need to have fun on my own terms 2) don't be a perfectionist and know when to call it quits, 3) don't get pressured by other people into doing things that go against my own inclinations (the travel and expense that came with racing WAY more than I was interested in and at too high of a level, in this case) and 4) don't waste time hanging out with people you don't enjoy spending time with.

[I'm a red panda]

My hobbies seem to cycle in 5-7 year periods.  Everything I burn out on, I pick back up again sooner or later. 

I will not monetize my hobbies- that really makes it a chore.

[Bateaux]

I was a volunteer fireman for several years.   I spent countless hours  training and running calls.  They promoted me to captain and that would require even more time and personal expenses.  I turned in my gear a few weeks after the promotion.  That was a little over a year ago.  I'm much happier now.

[Stlbroke]

Sometimes while fishing and after not catching anything all day I contemplate throwing all my gear in the water and going to a bar. 

[asauer]

Yep.  For me it was writing.  I LOVE fiction writing.  I would put in 3-4 hours after work no problem.  But, after a really busy year of writing a number of short stories and a novel, I'd burned myself out.  The last month of editing the novel was brutal, I didn't even want to look at my computer anymore.  So, when it was done I took a break.  I didn't write more than 1 story for an entire year.  Then one day, I thought, hey, I have a story idea and sat down to write it.  Now, I'm glad to be back at it and am pacing myself a bit better.

[RetiredAt63]

You sound like me and gardening - much as I am moaning about this winter, I like the break.  By February I am looking at seed catalogues and by March I have some things started - but every November I am so glad to put the gardens to bed.

Pure curiosity - What kind of moths?  The only "domesticated" moth I can think of offhand is silkworms.

I've raised moths as a hobby for about 28 years and every year is the same.  Start out gangbusters in April/May...by August I'm sick and tired of spending an hour a day after work with the caterpillars out in the 95deg temps and sweating.... by September they're all pupating and I'm breathing a sigh of relief.  Then by February I'm back to reading the same damn moth books I've been reading for 20 years dreaming about how I'm going to do this or that better and more efficient and dreaming of what species I'm going to hunt down during the next season.  Come early spring like right now I can't wait to get started...and the cycle starts again. 

So my savior is winter since I'm forced to take time off from the hobby.

[DLJ154]

I played tuba throughout high school and decided to study music performance in college.  After a bachelors, masters, and beginning a doctorate, I realized my hobby had become work that I did not enjoy any more.  I dropped out of school, got a new job, and didn't touch the tuba for over 5 years.

A couple of months ago, I heard of a local brass band that had an opening.  I started practicing and was surprised how quickly the skills came back.  I also realized I enjoyed playing again, even practicing on my own, when I'm not forced to do it and make a career out of it.  Now I rehearse with the band once a week, play a couple of concerts a month, and practice when I feel like it.  I think if you let your hobby go, eventually you may decide you miss it, and you will find a way to work it into the life has replaced.

[Bob W]

My situation is probably more well suited to be in the "Anti-Mustacian Wall of Shame and Comedy" section. Anyone else have a hobby that has become a chore instead of fun?

I have a car related hobby that lately feels more like a job than a hobby/passion anymore. I have literally built my life around this hobby for over a decade. I used to live for it, wished it would eventually work itself into a well paying job. My brother literally chose his career path based on a love of this hobby and connections we've made have landed him an excellent job opportunity on top of 3 other offers. My dad lives for it. I scheduled my wedding and honeymoon around it a few years ago.

Now, I have to really work at finding motivation to do it. I have more than $40k worth of equipment to support it and countless other thousands of broken/used up parts on top of that. I used to work a full work day + commute and come home and put in another 4-8 hours with no hesitation and loved doing it. I have honestly been thinking that I would rather go insulate my crawl space than get started on the prep work for this season.

I know this is probably about as anti-Mustachian as it gets, but has anyone else ever burned out this bad when a few years ago they were extremely passionate?

Not to be too personal but you might want to have your testosterone and vitamin D levels checked and take some steps to modify your diet and Vit_D supplements.   Aging and hormone changes can do all sort of things to "passion."

My own experience is with camping,  hiking and canoeing/kayaking.    I used to enjoy these activities and did maybe 4-8 short excursions a year in warm weather months.  My wife has really gotten into to the point where 3 years ago we camped over 45 days.   The packing, setting up,  tearing down, unpacking,  organizing etc. really burnt me out.    I now try to keep these trips down to a reasonable amount and require DW to do all the heavy lifting if she wants to go.   We had a wonderful time just sitting on the gravel bar with the kids this weekend and only packing lunch and a few misc.   DW often refuses to pack once she found out how much effort I was putting into it so I think we will be back to 3-6 short camp outs a year with maybe a couple of day float trips. 

[bzzzt]

Without quoting a lot, I'll just summerize.

I've actually been fairly unhappy with it for a couple years. I'm a typical Type-A workaholic. The hobby was an awesome outlet when I was living with my parents and didn't have the responsibilities of home ownership and parenthood. I learned, read, and worked on something I love and gained more than I would have if I went to school for it. I'm going to butcher a Good Will Hunting line: I didn't spent hundreds of thousands on an education, I got it for $5 in late fees at the public library.

Now, that's not to say that it isn't still expensive. I absolutely have to monetize it or I'll end up at the end of the season with maxed out credit cards like some of the people I know. Hell NO!

Anyway, the first "bad" year was the year I bought my house. There ended up being tons of projects I had/wanted to get done to suit my needs and everything for the hobby ended up being last minute "I'll sleep when I'm dead" work. I was actually relieved when the season was over. Right after that, work kicked up to 60-70hrs/week + 2hr round trip commuting for 4 months. Then my wife and I found out we were expecting which led to more house work which I wasn't able to complete before the season started. I ran a shortened season and spent the last month before my son's arrival in project "Hair on Fire" mode. While my wife was still off on maternity leave, I insulated the garage. Which led to insulating the house attic, which stretched to a 3-month project as she went back to work and we adjusted our responsibilities. Just finished that a week ago and now it's season prep time (actually behind but I was only planning on running a short season again).

After reading it written out, maybe I just need to not be so Type-A because none of that even includes any of the projects that weren't noteworthy or general maintenance.

Not to be too personal but you might want to have your testosterone and vitamin D levels checked and take some steps to modify your diet and Vit_D supplements.   Aging and hormone changes can do all sort of things to "passion."

My own experience is with camping,  hiking and canoeing/kayaking.    I used to enjoy these activities and did maybe 4-8 short excursions a year in warm weather months.  My wife has really gotten into to the point where 3 years ago we camped over 45 days.   The packing, setting up,  tearing down, unpacking,  organizing etc. really burnt me out.    I now try to keep these trips down to a reasonable amount and require DW to do all the heavy lifting if she wants to go.   We had a wonderful time just sitting on the gravel bar with the kids this weekend and only packing lunch and a few misc.   DW often refuses to pack once she found out how much effort I was putting into it so I think we will be back to 3-6 short camp outs a year with maybe a couple of day float trips.

I've thought about getting checked out, but most of my burnout is tackling too many things on my own. I should get a work up just to make sure I'm in good health though.

I can relate to your camping experience. My hobby has a time suck range of 50-300hrs of prep work for every weekend depending on what broke/wore out/needs attention if you want to be in the hunt for the win... and I don't like to lose. It's hard to find people to help once they realize the time commitment.

[GuitarStv]

I think that passions tend to be somewhat cyclical.  The beauty of a hobby is that when you're burned out on it you can step away for a few months.  Usually you'll find that you come back to it more excited than ever!

[Forcus]

I have a car related hobby that lately feels more like a job than a hobby/passion anymore.

Haha, this is exactly the way I've become for the same hobby. I used to come home from work, drink 6-12 beers, and do 8 hours of cutting, welding, painting, what have you. Well I stopped drinking which I discovered was what made wire wheel spikes poking in your skin, the fumes, etc., bearable. Realized I mostly was building stuff to show off and since I don't really care (or care less over time) what people think, what was the point. Oh and the other fun thing, disassembled vehicles take up 4x more space than when they are together.

It sounds like though you are talking about drag or track racing? I've heard of people getting burnt out on that because of the prep time that goes around it. They get back in to it by "downgrading" to a less demanding but still fun version of the sport. I don't have the time or equipment to do track days but I will substitute autocrossing in and it serves my needs.

[bzzzt]

It sounds like though you are talking about drag or track racing? I've heard of people getting burnt out on that because of the prep time that goes around it. They get back in to it by "downgrading" to a less demanding but still fun version of the sport. I don't have the time or equipment to do track days but I will substitute autocrossing in and it serves my needs.

Yep, wheel to wheel club racing. I got out of drag racing due to the lack of seat time and insane costs of engines. Autocross has the same problem as drag racing for me, not enough seat time. Autocross also has the negative of having to stand in the sun for 4-6 hours shagging cones when it's not your run group.

I actually have another chassis that SHOULD have less prep work, but it needs about 750-1000 hours worth of prep to be track ready. 1st world, non-Mustachian problems... come on FIRE, then I'll have more time to spare.

[powersuitrecall]

Wedding photography for me. 

I learned a ton and captured some great moments.  It started to lose it's magic after a couple of years.  I took a break and discovered that I'd rather have my fingernails torn off than go back to that nonsense. 

Now I photograph my kids :)

[LiveLean]

Collecting sports memorabilia.

I did it avidly from age 6 through late 20s. I purged a bit in my early 30s. Now in my mid-40s, I'm selling the rest. (Thankfully my stuff is old enough to be worth at least something.) When I think of the stuff that either I collected or some member of my family did -- Lionel trains, Hummel figurines, Coca-Cola memorabilia, beer cans, etc. -- I realize what a colossal waste of time it is, to say nothing of living in the past.

[Bob W]

Bzzt,  you are way too busy!  I got tired just reading you list!

[big_owl]

You sound like me and gardening - much as I am moaning about this winter, I like the break.  By February I am looking at seed catalogues and by March I have some things started - but every November I am so glad to put the gardens to bed.

Pure curiosity - What kind of moths?  The only "domesticated" moth I can think of offhand is silkworms.

I've raised moths as a hobby for about 28 years and every year is the same.  Start out gangbusters in April/May...by August I'm sick and tired of spending an hour a day after work with the caterpillars out in the 95deg temps and sweating.... by September they're all pupating and I'm breathing a sigh of relief.  Then by February I'm back to reading the same damn moth books I've been reading for 20 years dreaming about how I'm going to do this or that better and more efficient and dreaming of what species I'm going to hunt down during the next season.  Come early spring like right now I can't wait to get started...and the cycle starts again. 

So my savior is winter since I'm forced to take time off from the hobby.

Primarily native Giant Silkmoths and Sphingids.  Hyalaphora, Actias, Citheronia, Eacles, Callosamia - the usual suspects.  Funny story, so for the past 20 years or so I've been trying to find this one type of sphinx moth that I hadn't seen since I was about 10 years old.  For years I've been cultivating the flora in my yard, much to my wife's dismay, in the hopes of finding this particular caterpillar.  Well last year one afternoon my wife and I were sitting on our front porch having a drink and I noticed some caterpillar poo under one of my "cultivated" vines.  Took a closer look and bam, there was one of the caterpillars, just a couple feet from my front door.  Was a pretty fun afternoon.

[Metta]

I've had this happen a couple of times. The first was with gaming. We used to host large game nights a few times a week at our apartment. That went on for a few years and then the pressure of always having people over, always having to make food and clean up began to really make me cranky. So we stopped. When we started again we limited the gaming to just people we like, games we like, and hosting no more than 3 times a month. I'm happy with that. I enjoy it again.

The second time it happened was with belly-dancing. I took it seriously, ended up in a bellydance troupe (despite having no natural ability) and it ate my life. It turned something that had been enjoyable into a job that had me crying after every practice because I was learning so slowly (no natural ability, remember). It sent me into such a spiral of misery that I left it and haven't done it, or any form of dance, for many years. I may do it again someday. On my own terms. Without joining a troupe. I still like my fellow troupe members and they sometimes invite me to join them for casual dancing. Maybe someday. Or maybe I'll just learn to drum so that I can participate without the pressure. (Bellydancing is a surprisingly expensive hobby. I spent thousands of dollars on costumes and dance accessories.)

[Metta]

You sound like me and gardening - much as I am moaning about this winter, I like the break.  By February I am looking at seed catalogues and by March I have some things started - but every November I am so glad to put the gardens to bed.

Pure curiosity - What kind of moths?  The only "domesticated" moth I can think of offhand is silkworms.

I've raised moths as a hobby for about 28 years and every year is the same.  Start out gangbusters in April/May...by August I'm sick and tired of spending an hour a day after work with the caterpillars out in the 95deg temps and sweating.... by September they're all pupating and I'm breathing a sigh of relief.  Then by February I'm back to reading the same damn moth books I've been reading for 20 years dreaming about how I'm going to do this or that better and more efficient and dreaming of what species I'm going to hunt down during the next season.  Come early spring like right now I can't wait to get started...and the cycle starts again. 

So my savior is winter since I'm forced to take time off from the hobby.

Primarily native Giant Silkmoths and Sphingids.  Hyalaphora, Actias, Citheronia, Eacles, Callosamia - the usual suspects.  Funny story, so for the past 20 years or so I've been trying to find this one type of sphinx moth that I hadn't seen since I was about 10 years old.  For years I've been cultivating the flora in my yard, much to my wife's dismay, in the hopes of finding this particular caterpillar.  Well last year one afternoon my wife and I were sitting on our front porch having a drink and I noticed some caterpillar poo under one of my "cultivated" vines.  Took a closer look and bam, there was one of the caterpillars, just a couple feet from my front door.  Was a pretty fun afternoon.

This sounds like an amazing hobby! I love the casual way you toss off "the usual suspects". I had never even heard of people rating moths, much less that it is a hobby with "usual suspects". What do you do with the moths once you have raised them?

[big_owl]

You sound like me and gardening - much as I am moaning about this winter, I like the break.  By February I am looking at seed catalogues and by March I have some things started - but every November I am so glad to put the gardens to bed.

Pure curiosity - What kind of moths?  The only "domesticated" moth I can think of offhand is silkworms.

I've raised moths as a hobby for about 28 years and every year is the same.  Start out gangbusters in April/May...by August I'm sick and tired of spending an hour a day after work with the caterpillars out in the 95deg temps and sweating.... by September they're all pupating and I'm breathing a sigh of relief.  Then by February I'm back to reading the same damn moth books I've been reading for 20 years dreaming about how I'm going to do this or that better and more efficient and dreaming of what species I'm going to hunt down during the next season.  Come early spring like right now I can't wait to get started...and the cycle starts again. 

So my savior is winter since I'm forced to take time off from the hobby.

Primarily native Giant Silkmoths and Sphingids.  Hyalaphora, Actias, Citheronia, Eacles, Callosamia - the usual suspects.  Funny story, so for the past 20 years or so I've been trying to find this one type of sphinx moth that I hadn't seen since I was about 10 years old.  For years I've been cultivating the flora in my yard, much to my wife's dismay, in the hopes of finding this particular caterpillar.  Well last year one afternoon my wife and I were sitting on our front porch having a drink and I noticed some caterpillar poo under one of my "cultivated" vines.  Took a closer look and bam, there was one of the caterpillars, just a couple feet from my front door.  Was a pretty fun afternoon.

This sounds like an amazing hobby! I love the casual way you toss off "the usual suspects". I had never even heard of people rating moths, much less that it is a hobby with "usual suspects". What do you do with the moths once you have raised them?

There are some species of giant silkmoths that most everyone knows - the Luna moth or Cecropia moth come to mind.  These are what I'd consider the usual suspects.  Sphingids are less well known other than the ubiquitous "Tomato Hornworm", and there are a lot of silkmoths that are less known  to your average joe such as the Anisota or Hemileuca.  For the native local species I usually just let the females go once they've deposited enough ova for me to get the number of caterpillars I need.  Several species I raise are in high demand and I operate as a supplier to an online seller and fill ova orders that he has for customers in the US.  This nets me anywhere from $500-$1k per year.  Enough to pay for the hobby and then some but definitely not FIRE money.  Once I FIRE I intend to up my operations a little bit - depending on how much foliage avilaability I have at that time.  June-August are a lot of work, far more than taking care of a dog or cat. 

[jba302]

I think every hobby I have ever done is like this. I have a hard time being in the range of average doing most things. Going to a gym? Nope, powerlifting training. Hey want to try rock climbing? Sure, but instead of having fun once a month we should train 3 days a week plus buy some grip training gear and study routes all the time since 7's are boring and 12's are fun. Video games? Only if there's a 14 hour raid every weekend (everquest is a game I should have never touched). Then I get super burned out and slog through the ages long transition of hobby-to-job until I have to just stop entirely.

Buying a house didn't kill this, but it redirected a lot of the energy into useful channels. Now I get super focused on something like how to build a retaining wall, research the hell out of it, and now at the end of summer I'll have finished up a 150 foot retaining wall for 10% of the professional quote.

What I've found is that I just need something for my mind to chew on outside of work since my desk job does not provide the physical / mental combination that I really enjoy. When I get burned out on a house upgrade task (somewhere after 1000 hours of research but unfortunately before completing the project) I can move on to something else, or limit my slog time to the one project. Luckily my current thing is woodworking, and wood just kind of sits there if you aren't working on it, so it's really easy to chew on something for a while and walk away if frustration / something else catches my time.

[bzzzt]

Glad to hear from everyone that I'm not the only one who has suffered from hobby burn out.

Bzzt,  you are way too busy!  I got tired just reading you list!

That is the realization that I've come to over the last 5 months since my son's arrival. I found MMM almost 4 months ago and wish it didn't take me until then to realize that I could buy my freedom a lot sooner than typical retirement age. My wife going back to work has really driven the stake home that while I don't hate my job there are many other things I would rather do with my time.

[Forcus]

It sounds like though you are talking about drag or track racing? I've heard of people getting burnt out on that because of the prep time that goes around it. They get back in to it by "downgrading" to a less demanding but still fun version of the sport. I don't have the time or equipment to do track days but I will substitute autocrossing in and it serves my needs.

Yep, wheel to wheel club racing. I got out of drag racing due to the lack of seat time and insane costs of engines. Autocross has the same problem as drag racing for me, not enough seat time. Autocross also has the negative of having to stand in the sun for 4-6 hours shagging cones when it's not your run group.

I actually have another chassis that SHOULD have less prep work, but it needs about 750-1000 hours worth of prep to be track ready. 1st world, non-Mustachian problems... come on FIRE, then I'll have more time to spare.

So as an alternative, what about a spec series that doesn't require as much prep? Spec Miata, etc.? I assume what you are talking about is Spec Ford or a Formula type car that constantly requires work. I seriously thought about going racing with a B spec (s-box racing) but I don't have the time to devote to even a lower level of racing.

What about just open track days at Blackhawk, etc.? I can't say what drives you (the win?) but if it's just being on track, lots of options.

I just saw that you have a newborn. That changes everything. Maybe it's just that the last chapter of your life is over. But that's not all bad. I figured if we had kids I'd be building them go-karts and stuff, taking them places, being outdoors. It's just a different type of fun / hobby.

[bzzzt]

So as an alternative, what about a spec series that doesn't require as much prep? Spec Miata, etc.? I assume what you are talking about is Spec Ford or a Formula type car that constantly requires work. I seriously thought about going racing with a B spec (s-box racing) but I don't have the time to devote to even a lower level of racing.

What about just open track days at Blackhawk, etc.? I can't say what drives you (the win?) but if it's just being on track, lots of options.

I just saw that you have a newborn. That changes everything. Maybe it's just that the last chapter of your life is over. But that's not all bad. I figured if we had kids I'd be building them go-karts and stuff, taking them places, being outdoors. It's just a different type of fun / hobby.

Spec Pinata is hardly low cost anymore depending on if you want to run at the front. I can build 3 of my current engine for what a top shelf Spec Miata engine goes for ($10k). Spec just means you can spend more money to optimize minute gains. There are still guys out there running junkyard take outs, but the front runners aren't. It's more like take apart 8 engines and use all the lightest rotating parts (in gram weight) looking for HP. Bring 3 transmissions to the dyno looking for least drivetrain loss. Two to three sets of new tires for the weekend. Pretty much the old story of people with money screwing up a good thing.

Track days don't really do it for me. It's like that old quote "Racing makes heroin addiction seem like a mild desire for something salty."

I was pretty burnt out before the newborn, so that's not the only cause. The house projects should be winding down a little though, so that will also help. Spring is around the corner, so I'll probably do the equipment maintenance (truck, trailer, camper) and just coast down for a while and see if I get any drive to hit any events this year.

[stlbrah]

Pretty much all hobbies after a few years in. Besides lifting weights, since even when I do get bored of it, I will do it anyway because I don't wanna be skinnyfat or small.

I look it as a positive thing, because I get to experience all kinds of things, rather than just doing one thing over and over.

[iris lily]

OP! It is OK to give up a passion!

Life is for experimenting and participating in our passions!

I've always explored many things.  For instance: gardening. Now I grow only lilies and iris.  But decades ago I grew many many  kinds of perennials. Then I stopped growing all because they bored me. All but iris. Then I added in lilies.

Now I am adding in daffodils.

But I won't go back to having 100 kinds of perennials because that doesn't interest me.

I want to be interested in what I do. that is key.

[Forcus]

Spec Pinata is hardly low cost anymore depending on if you want to run at the front.

OK, I get you now. I definitely am aware of what you are talking about. My perspective is different, I don't really care about winning, or setting FTD, or whatever, I just like to play. Totally get it that someone else likes to win!

Track days don't really do it for me. It's like that old quote "Racing makes heroin addiction seem like a mild desire for something salty."

I think that's Peter Egan's quote!

[otter]

I laughed out loud at "Spec Pinata", which I had not heard before. When I read your initial post, I thought that it could not possibly be anything other than racing. :)

Unlike you, I don't have a competitive bone in my body (and I suck anyway), so a club track day is just peachy. Once I finish the long list of work that my SE-R needs, I look forward to doing one for the first time in many years.

So as an alternative, what about a spec series that doesn't require as much prep? Spec Miata, etc.? I assume what you are talking about is Spec Ford or a Formula type car that constantly requires work. I seriously thought about going racing with a B spec (s-box racing) but I don't have the time to devote to even a lower level of racing.

What about just open track days at Blackhawk, etc.? I can't say what drives you (the win?) but if it's just being on track, lots of options.

I just saw that you have a newborn. That changes everything. Maybe it's just that the last chapter of your life is over. But that's not all bad. I figured if we had kids I'd be building them go-karts and stuff, taking them places, being outdoors. It's just a different type of fun / hobby.

Spec Pinata is hardly low cost anymore depending on if you want to run at the front. I can build 3 of my current engine for what a top shelf Spec Miata engine goes for ($10k). Spec just means you can spend more money to optimize minute gains. There are still guys out there running junkyard take outs, but the front runners aren't. It's more like take apart 8 engines and use all the lightest rotating parts (in gram weight) looking for HP. Bring 3 transmissions to the dyno looking for least drivetrain loss. Two to three sets of new tires for the weekend. Pretty much the old story of people with money screwing up a good thing.

Track days don't really do it for me. It's like that old quote "Racing makes heroin addiction seem like a mild desire for something salty."

I was pretty burnt out before the newborn, so that's not the only cause. The house projects should be winding down a little though, so that will also help. Spring is around the corner, so I'll probably do the equipment maintenance (truck, trailer, camper) and just coast down for a while and see if I get any drive to hit any events this year.

[691175002]

No point forcing yourself, I've had the same thing happen and my interest tends to get restored after several months or even years.

I try to avoid committing too heavily to hobbies now.  I used to buy high quality tools and do everything the proper way, but doing things cheaply is also fun. 

Its a hobby so efficiency doesn't really matter.  I've started looking for used/surplus equipment and components, and repairing or modifying whatever I can find cheaply instead of just buying everything.

The projects take a lot longer but I'm still having fun and expenditures are spread out over a longer period.

[thurston howell iv]

bzzzt: I feel your pain brother! I'm a car nut as well. We have a bunch of cars, some of which are on the chopping block. I don't drag race because of the expense but I did buy and start a frame off resto - got $20k into it and there it sits, a beautiful shell..... (Need another $10k or so to finish it).

Also bought a house that has been undergoing a complete renovation and of course my garage is too small!  I was emptying one of the PODS I used for moving and I have enough spare parts to build another car! It's crazy. I only drove the hot rods twice last year. It's all like a giant boat anchor around my neck. I hate that I've wasted so much money and time. Don't get me wrong, the cars put a smile on my face every time but the more I think about it, the more my mindset is changing. Luckily, I just have a bunch of tools and not an entire shop dedicated to this...

I already sold off a few bits since this last weekend. Yippee!!

This site has really helped steer me in the FIRE direction (that I'm not anywhere close to). Good Luck!

[Retired To Win]

Coral reef scuba diving was for many years my intensely loved hobby.  Then I had the brilliant idea of turning it into a profession.  So I got myself educated enough in marine science to, among other things, set up an international volunteer reef monitoring program and develop a training system for the volunteers.

This whole thing got so embedded in my head that it became impossible for me to "just" do a coral reef dive.  Whether I was recording the data or not, every dive became an exercise in observation and assessment of reef conditions around me.  And more and more, the picture was not a pretty one.  In fact, it kept getting uglier and uglier.

In the end, I lost my ability to enjoy the diving.  Haven't done any in over ten years.

Big piece of advice: keep your hobbies hobbies.

[bondo]

I was a motorcycle Roadracer. 1000cc WERA superbike champion. The hobby/career taught me a work ethic like no other.  I quit racing in 2010, but kept up the work ethic and focus.  Then I found myself with extra money.  I ended up on this site while looking for investment advise.  If it wasn't for spending stupid amounts of money on racing(an addiction), I would have never learned work ethic, or delayed gratification.  Maintaining a 90% savings rate is a walk in the park compared to top level motorsport. 

[QuirkyNurse]

I bought an indoor rock climbing gym membership, my harness, and shoes, and now, I dread the thought of having to go. I'm not getting any better at it, and now I only go because I feel like I have to since I spent all the money on it :/

[bzzzt]

I was a motorcycle Roadracer. 1000cc WERA superbike champion. The hobby/career taught me a work ethic like no other.  I quit racing in 2010, but kept up the work ethic and focus.  Then I found myself with extra money.  I ended up on this site while looking for investment advise.  If it wasn't for spending stupid amounts of money on racing(an addiction), I would have never learned work ethic, or delayed gratification.  Maintaining a 90% savings rate is a walk in the park compared to top level motorsport.

I completely understand the work ethic part. I've repeatedly been told I'm a hard worker. If they only knew I work even harder on my own stuff! I never got as crazy as some, but I still spend a good chunk when I run. Points racing is a pain in the ass once you get over the title of Champion. "Great, I have to tow to BFE just so that So-and-so can't get max points." I never stepped on the podium at a National Championship race, but I was in the tech shed in case someone else didn't pass. Haha.

Did you keep your equipment to possibly get back in or did you have a fire sale? If you sold it all, what other hobbies are working for you? It's been forever since I had a real hobby instead of a second job that I pay someone else for the privilege of doing.

[Retired To Win]

I bought an indoor rock climbing gym membership, my harness, and shoes, and now, I dread the thought of having to go. I'm not getting any better at it, and now I only go because I feel like I have to since I spent all the money on it :/

It's a sunk cost, Quirky.  Just write it off.  Put the gear for sale on Craigs List, free yourself of the mental guilt trip and move on.

Good luck.

[rocketpj]

Sailboats and sailing are a classic example of this phenomenon.  I've fallen into the cycle twice now.

Step 1: Dream of sailing and a boat for x years.
Step 2: Finally get the $/time/spousal agreement to try out a boat for awhile
Step 3: Enjoy the heck out of sailing around the BC Coast. 
Step 4: Outings taper off over a few years in competition with life, family, work, home etc.
Step 5: Get to the summer with a boatload of guilt and concern about maintenance on the boat, not to mention the cost.  Do everything last minute, spend half your holiday 'finishing up' the regular maintenance, maybe fixing a couple major items.
Step 6: Cling to the dream and slowly do it less and less for x years
Step 7: Finally decide to sell the boat. 

I just closed the sale of my second boat on Feb 28.  I am relieved.  We had some fantastic family trips on it, and it will be missed.  But it was time to let it go to someone who will have more time and money to care for it and use it as often as it needs. 

Of course, in about 5 years when the kids are bigger and our finances are 'more better' I will fully expect to start in again on Step 1. Though this time it might be a small powerboat so I can get out fishing while keeping it on a trailer.

[Freida]

I've raised moths as a hobby for about 28 years and every year is the same.  Start out gangbusters in April/May...by August I'm sick and tired of spending an hour a day after work with the caterpillars out in the 95deg temps and sweating.... by September they're all pupating and I'm breathing a sigh of relief.  Then by February I'm back to reading the same damn moth books I've been reading for 20 years dreaming about how I'm going to do this or that better and more efficient and dreaming of what species I'm going to hunt down during the next season. 

I did not know this hobby existed! Is it only available to owls? Thank you!

[Retired To Win]

Sailboats and sailing are a classic example of this phenomenon.  I've fallen into the cycle twice now...

Criminy!  You just reminded me of the boats I've owned over the years.  (None for the last 15 years or so.)  I can honestly say that I only got enough use out of one of them to justify at all the initial cost, monthly docking expense, maintenance costs and hassles -- not to mention the mad scrambles during hurricane season and what not.

I can honestly agree with the old saws about (1) a boat being a hole in the water down which you pour money, and (2) the happiest days in a boat owner's life being the day he buys it and the day he sells it!

[AllChoptUp]

Roses - had over 40 plants in a tiny townhouse yard.  Most in the ground but many in large containers on the porch, driveway and walkway.  After work I would change, grab a beer and work until it was too dark to see.  The watering and fertilizer cycle wore me down to where I hated them.  Current rose count: 0.

I do suspect that a few will make their way back into my life after retirement though.  Hopefully I learned my lesson about overplanting!

Edit: If I retire down here in south florida I may switch the crazy to orchids.  Oo, orchids.

[Retired To Win]

Roses - had over 40 plants in a tiny townhouse yard.  Most in the ground but many in large containers on the porch, driveway and walkway.  After work I would change, grab a beer and work until it was too dark to see.  The watering and fertilizer cycle wore me down to where I hated them.  Current rose count: 0...

My wife has taken on the hobby responsibility of planting dozens of trees, hatching a couple of dozen chickens, making a home for 5 rabbits and taking care of 6 geese.  EVERY morning -- rain, shine or snow -- she has to schlep out to the barnyard and spend almost an hour getting all the critters set for their day... then put in another hour in the evening watering all the new plants so they won't die on her.

I'm just waiting for the day she starts experiencing all of this as a chore.  Sparks are going to fly.

[iamlittlehedgehog]

Only 2 that I don't see my self going back to.
1st - SCA, I "played" for about 5 years. I got tired of the expectations and drama. Not to mention the huge money suck between garb, event fees and traveling. A very un-mustachian hobby. I have no desire to ever go back but I still have friends how are involved so it wasn't a total loss :)
2nd - volunteering with the animal shelter. I spent another 5 years doing this (coincided with the SCA at times). I started as an off-site adoption drive volunteer, moved up to adoption consultant then volunteer management. I got burnt out, I still love dogs and am very passionate about senior dog rescue but I can't spend 20+ hours on the weekends running adoption drives and dealing with red tape.
No I stick to puttering around with senior dogs when I feel like it and my art which and I leave and return to at my own whims.

[MLKnits]

I think that passions tend to be somewhat cyclical.  The beauty of a hobby is that when you're burned out on it you can step away for a few months.  Usually you'll find that you come back to it more excited than ever!

This is why I had to give up on fishkeeping, much as I loved the species group I was focusing on. It's one of the hobbies you CAN'T step away from, even for a couple weeks--they'll all die! You can take a long break by selling/giving away every single fish, but when you're keeping rare species, it's not as easy as "storing on Craigslist."

It was fun (though EXTREMELY expensive and unmustachian) while I did it, but I don't even have a "fun" aquarium these days. No breaks = eventually, no fun.

[MLKnits]

OP! It is OK to give up a passion!

Life is for experimenting and participating in our passions!

Yes! See for instance: http://www.smbc-comics.com/?id=2722

Maybe it's time for your next lifetime.

No point forcing yourself, I've had the same thing happen and my interest tends to get restored after several months or even years.

I try to avoid committing too heavily to hobbies now.  I used to buy high quality tools and do everything the proper way, but doing things cheaply is also fun. 

Its a hobby so efficiency doesn't really matter.  I've started looking for used/surplus equipment and components, and repairing or modifying whatever I can find cheaply instead of just buying everything.

The projects take a lot longer but I'm still having fun and expenditures are spread out over a longer period.

Yes! I used to be very much the "get the absolute best to start," and I certainly think beginners to anything need RELIABLE tools (because you don't yet know how to identify fixable things, how to fix them, how to tell what's you and what's the tool, etc), but beginner hobbyists essentially never need "the best." If anything, if you're going to stick with it for real, you'll be better for having put in the work on a good-but-not-perfect tool, in many types of hobbies--and that's certainly part of mustachian philosophy, eh?

It protects your stash to avoid making the big up-front "have everything, and have the best" purchases, but it also just ensures you have to focus on actually DOING/practicing/etc instead of buying. ("Oh, sure, I love guitar! I have six of them!" vs. "Oh, sure, I love guitar! I try to get in an hour of practice a day, sometimes more on the weekends.")

[Gone Fishing]

Our hobby farm is running wide open this time of year and it's feeling very much like a chore.  I am hoping I can give it the time it requires once I ER, and have time left over to actually enjoy the spring.