LIFE LIFE · THE GRAVEYARD OF ABANDONED EQUIPMENT

SHOULD I START A NEW HOBBY?

Before you spend $450 on specialty leatherworking tools, oil paints, or a sourdough crock, let us predict the survival rate.

COMMON SCENARIOS:
Watched 4 YouTube documentaries Already have 3 unfinished hobbies in my closet Equipment costs under $30 Equipment costs over $500 Have 2 free hours a week Looking for a reason to escape my phone

BEFORE YOU DO SOMETHING STUPID

RULE #1

THE PRO-GEAR TRAP.

Buying professional grade equipment provides an immediate hit of identity without doing any actual work. Start with the cheapest, ugliest starter kit.

RULE #2

THE 10-HOUR TRIAL.

Rent, borrow, or buy second-hand. Put ten real hours into the actual craft before you buy specialized apparel or start an Instagram account for it.

FREQUENTLY AVOIDED QUESTIONS

Is it bad to cycle through hobbies?

No! Sampling human curiosity is joyful. Just don’t fund each sample like a venture-backed startup.

What is the cheapest great hobby?

Walking, library books, writing, bodyweight fitness, and bird watching are practically free.