Dear Twenty-something year old, pick a hobby in 2024
I had a very slow start to the year, unable to shake the desire to change the way I live. When I finished making the list of things I wanted to try, I realized that I had enough material for a whole book. But I know myself too well to think that I can do everything at once, so I decided I would do them monthly or quarterly.
And that brings me to you, my friend. Yes you, boo, because this year is the last year we say next year, we’ll do ABC. Nah, we are getting it done this year. 2024 is for standing on business. No excuses allowed, including you not having a life outside your 9-5 or schooling as a twenty-something-year-old human.
I roll my eyes at people who have no life outside work. So, you sleep and breathe work? Ok? If 2023 hasn’t taught you anything yet, let me be the first to tell you – you aren’t going to win Employee of the Year at the end of 2024! Maybe you will get a raise but that doesn’t stop the fact that as a young person, you are wasting your time on capitalism and one day you are going to be in your 60s wishing you did something fun with your 20s.
In 2024, I repeat, NO ONE is having a zero social life on my watch! Because you know what my friend? We’re going to find you a gosh darn hobby. I’ve searched far and wide to put together a list of hobbies to try out in 2024 so that you can pick them up and get them started ASAP.
Gardening: As a plant mum, I can say this for free, gardening is super-soothing. Whether you have a small plot of land or a few potted plants, nurturing and growing your plant is heavenly and healing.
Woodwork: Let me reason with my male readers for a bit. Ladies love a resourceful guy. If you mention you know how to handle wood and make home décor items from it, oga you don finish work. Think about it.
Upcycling: In Nigeria, we discard a lot of recycled materials which is bad for our planet. Pick an interest in transforming unwanted items into something useful.
Podcasting: I believe we have a podcast pandemic in this country. Give someone a mic and they think they can spill the nonsense in their head. But I live for the chaos. If your favorites can spit nonsense and still get fame and money from it, why not you my friend? You likely have nonsense stuff to spit out too but it’s a free world after all. Go for it.
Self-defense classes/ Martial Arts: With the way everyone got engaged last year in December, I am convinced all single folks are going to war in 2024, so you can as well sign up for martial arts to boost your physical fitness.
Knitting: Funny story, on my 26th birthday, I decided to pick up knitting as a hobby because a girl wanted to make sexy swimsuits. Guess what? The only thing I have done for 2 months is knit one line. In case you are reading this, and you know how to knit, help a girl. I skipped home economics class.
Manicuring: Okay, this is for both my guys and girlies. Learning to do your nail art yourself could help you save some money or even make extra; it all depends on the effort put into it.
Mixology: Start by learning the classics, like a mojito, Long Island, or whiskey sour. Then, go off and explore with whatever is in your pantry.
My advice for hacking this hobby thing? Try to do something every weekend. Go to events. You’ll love events. And not just hang out with your friends or go clubbing, no, make a day out of going to some local market by yourself, or attending some strange convention event you’ve never heard of. I cannot stress the importance of doing random events on a Friday night, Saturday, or Sunday.
With a few minutes of daily practice and a goal to acquire new skills, you might surprise yourself with how good you can become at something you never imagined.
Which of these hobby ideas are you most interested in? Share your thoughts with me in the comments section.