Hobbies with Expectations
There are certain hobbies that seem to come with a huge set of expectations.
If one writes, it's not good enough to write for a hobby; one needs to be published to prove one's worth. If one plays a musical instrument, one must perform, preferrably for money, if not then at least for recognition.
This stupid, unrealistic attitude spoils things for a great number of people who just want to have fun. And it's such a common attitude, particularly with writing, that no one thinks to question it.
Well, I'm questioning it.
I've never met a knitter who angsts over whether or not she'll sell her next sweater. I've never met an embroiderer who feels she must sell her work in order to be validated.
Writing is my hobby, not my livelihood. Music is my hobby. It doesn't bring home any money and, frankly, I don't give a darn. I don't need to be published to enjoy writing. Neither do I need to perform to know I enjoy making music. If either of these hobbies was my full time job, I'd switch careers; I'm not interested in doing either for eight hours a day, five days a week for forty years.
And if anyone has a problem with my attitude, they can kiss my cellulitic butt.
If one writes, it's not good enough to write for a hobby; one needs to be published to prove one's worth. If one plays a musical instrument, one must perform, preferrably for money, if not then at least for recognition.
This stupid, unrealistic attitude spoils things for a great number of people who just want to have fun. And it's such a common attitude, particularly with writing, that no one thinks to question it.
Well, I'm questioning it.
I've never met a knitter who angsts over whether or not she'll sell her next sweater. I've never met an embroiderer who feels she must sell her work in order to be validated.
Writing is my hobby, not my livelihood. Music is my hobby. It doesn't bring home any money and, frankly, I don't give a darn. I don't need to be published to enjoy writing. Neither do I need to perform to know I enjoy making music. If either of these hobbies was my full time job, I'd switch careers; I'm not interested in doing either for eight hours a day, five days a week for forty years.
And if anyone has a problem with my attitude, they can kiss my cellulitic butt.