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If you started a job that was close to your hobby, has that diminished your love for it? (lemmy.ml)
submitted 8 months ago by to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml
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I've heard this before, but haven't found it the case personally. I started work in manual jobs and messing around with computers was my evening hobby. Many years later, I now do IT as a job (partly from gaining skills from that hobby) but also have continued it as my primary thing to do when I'm not working. I was worried when I changed into this career that my hobby would become too much like work to be enjoyable, but I've not found that.

Is this the same for other people, or am I unusual in doing something in my off hours that's so close to my career? I'm genuinely curious to know if others have found the same or whether they found another hobby.

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[โ€“] [S] 2 points 7 months ago (1 child)

That sounds pretty grim and I'm sorry it happened to you. Having to be strong for other people is damned tiring.

I'm no psychologist, but that sounds a lot like depression and if so, would explain why there's little passion to be found at such a time. Certainly when I've had periods of clinical depression, life was pretty damned bleak for a while. As you say, you can't chase happiness or force it to happen. Anti depressants helped me, but I found that they certainly didn't encourage passion or enjoyment in anything as they takes away the highs as well as the lows.

Sounds like you've got a good partner and that's half the battle. I hope things improve for you soon.

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  • [โ€“] 2 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

    Thank you for your kind words, my friend ๐Ÿค—

    You're definitely right that I was depressed at some point. There are months of 2024 that I don't have any recollection of. Those months scared my boyfriend more than after I snapped and I was full of negative emotions. At least by then, I was present and feeling things. During the blackout months I just sat in the same corner and stared into space when I didn't work or sleep. Almost like I was a tool that was left in a corner when it wasn't being used.

    I'm very lucky I have my boyfriend. You're completely correct that he's a good partner. He is fantastic and one of the best human beings I have ever known.

    I do think I'm better nowadays. We moved to a bigger and better place recently and it's so nice to finally have a home and not just be in some temporary location while life tosses you around. I think that within the next year or so, I'll be back to myself and be more creative again. It's already happening a little bit even though I still don't have any energy to enjoy my passion. I feel inspired and that's a massive step compared to where I was only a few months ago.

    I'm also sorry to hear that you have struggled with depression, my friend. And a bad case by the sounds of it. And your description of anti depressants is very relatable. I was on some of those way back in my youth when I was struggling way more than I am now, so I know how much they can just iron you out for better and for worse. I hope you have good people in your life too, who have your back. I'm also genuinely happy to read about how passionate you are about your job/hobby. That's the kind of life I wish every person was blessed enough to get to experience, because man, when things are good, it's just the most enjoyable and fulfilling way to live. โค๏ธ I wish you nothing but the best!

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