In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, it increasingly feels like every passion or hobby must double as a side hustle. For Generation Z especially, the simple joy of creating something just for fun is slipping away. Whether it’s singing, painting, knitting, or writing, there’s mounting pressure to turn every talent into a source of income, leaving many to wonder- has the joy of creating been sacrificed on the altar of productivity?
Raised amid the hustle culture glorified on social media platforms, Gen Z faces an unprecedented expectation to constantly ‘level up’ their skills and monetise them. This mentality pushes the idea that if you’re not profiting or building a brand from your hobbies, you’re wasting time. Singing at home for fun might feel pointless if it’s not shared online or leveraged for growth. Painting a picture without posting it can seem like a lost effort. Even a quiet pastime like knitting comes with an unspoken rule: sell your work or it’s not worth your time.
The consequence? Many young people feel guilty for resting, relaxing or creating without a clear “purpose” or financial reward. The boundary between passion and profit blurs, turning what should be sources of peace and joy into stressful obligations.
Creativity thrives on freedom, exploration, and expression, not on deadlines and sales targets. But when hobbies become expected to generate income, they risk losing their intrinsic value. Monetising every talent can reduce art and creation to transactions, stripping away the emotional and mental benefits that come from creating purely for yourself.
This pressure also fuels burnout. When relaxation time becomes another form of productivity, it’s impossible to truly recharge. Creativity suffers, and the original reasons for picking up a paintbrush or a guitar are forgotten.
It’s important to remember that not everything has to be monetised to be valuable. Some things exist purely to enrich our lives and bring happiness. Singing in the shower, sketching in a notebook or knitting a scarf for a loved one don’t need to be turned into businesses to be worthwhile.
Encouraging a shift away from constant productivity and towards mindful, purpose-free creation could restore balance. It allows individuals to enjoy their talents without pressure and rediscover the joy of hobbies as sources of relaxation and self-expression.
While side hustles can be empowering and lucrative, they shouldn’t be the only lens through which we view creativity. For Gen Z and beyond, the challenge lies in balancing ambition with authenticity — embracing hobbies as outlets for joy, not just tools for earning. Because sometimes, the greatest success is simply creating something beautiful just for the love of it.
