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Hobbies and Career? Or Hobbies vs Career?

I love music and I am an accomplished instrument performer, awarded at state competitions. I also like to run, I've been doing track and field for many years. However, none of these passions are part of my career goals. At college I will study physics and engineering. Can anyone share experiences of finding a balance between hobbies and their career path during college? I'd love to learn how others embed non-academic hobbies into their academics goals. #engineer #music #scientist

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Wael’s Answer

I am the worst person to talk to you about this because my hobby is my career; however, let me try to help! I am a mechanical engineer and recently got my master's in automotive engineering. Most of my professional experience is in testing diesel engines, but I did design components/systems, wrote programs, and worked on purchasing equipment. On the other hand, I modify vehicles and race them as a hobby. I also try to keep up with what is happening around the world and more specifically the automotive industry.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your response, Wael. I've chosen to study engineering because for many years I've been equally attracted and fascinated by science and math, and I can see myself becoming a successful engineer in the years to come. Although I hope engineering will become a hobby as I dive deeper in studying it, I would like to remain connected to performing music and participating in athletics throughout the college years, as these passions have played an important role in shaping who I am today. Cat
Thank you comment icon And for that reason I am the worst person to talk about it! My life and interests are extremely attached to engineering and the automotive industry to the point my career and hobbies are fused together. I hope you the best with engineering and I can assure you that it is an awesome career. Wael Al-Rihawi
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Rich’s Answer

I have been an engineer for over 30 years, but I also love the outdoors and gardening. I was certified as a Master Gardener a number of years ago. I use that hobby to get away from all the technology and engineering I do during the day. Balance is key - doing lectures as night or on weekend or during the day if your job allows flex time. My employer also donates to non-profits based on volunteer hours so I use that too. I use my Master Gardener lectures to help hone my customer presentation skills for my paying job.


Your case, consider trying to tie your interests together. Say physics studies of track and field (are you a runner, jumper, ...) lots of physical and human engineering there. Or even audio engineering - Virginia Tech has a great new facility for this type of engineering and research called the cube you might want to look into:

http://www.performingarts.vt.edu/get-to-know-us/location-facilities/the-cube
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Kasturi’s Answer

Let me take my example and try to help you. I have a degree in Electronics and Communication followed by a Master's in Computer Science (CS). For me CS is my passion and i have clubbed the same with networking. My day job is around what i have studied and learnt during my years of experience in various companies. This is my passion at work. This helps me earn my salary to look after my family. I get a good salary and i enjoy working. Work can become monotonous and it does for most of us.

This is where hobby comes in. I have hobbies around gardening and Horology. I leverage the same for breaking the monotony of work. For many of them the hobby itself can become a passion and way of earning for a living. For some given the huge financial backing they have, they don't need to work and earn for a living. These folks can make hobby there way of life and enjoy with their hobby itself as there way of living.
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