LIFESTYLE

Talent down the wallet: Childhood

dreams turns adult reality

BY ANGELICA LOUISSE NAZARIO | NOVEMBER 23, 2023

Millennials and Gen Zs have already heard the question, "Are you going to make money out of that?"—a question that once asked can shatter our self-esteem and immediately make us question our life choices. Is there any chance we could still go back to the things we used to love? Build a life where money meets enjoyment?

Growing up, we often received special treatment. Our songs were attentively listened to and our artworks were proudly displayed on the living room walls. We heard non-stop compliments, saying how successful we could become as adults.

Fast forward to 21, reality check: adulting is not easy. It makes us realize that it is more practical to choose money rather than our own happiness. It raises the question: at this time and age, does it truly matter if you follow your dreams rather than pursuing what yields the most bills?

There is no need to give up on our childhood dreams. Studying a college program one's not passionate about doesn't mean they won't achieve success in life.

Nowadays, you can make your own line of work in the comfort of your home! Even being a rental friend or family member in Japan can be considered a livelihood. Plus, social media and online streaming platforms are here to help you reach your target market.

Let’s dive into these opportunities that come with living in one of the best eras in history!

ARTISTRY

If you're passionate about arts and design, such as sketching, painting, and drawing, endless opportunities await. The canvas of art knows no bounds—you can carve a niche for yourself in any industry or embark on a solo artistic journey. As companies migrate to the internet as their marketing platform; graphic artists are in demand for shaping logos, product design, typography, and architecture.

The path to making a living through your art may be unconventional, but with the rise of individuals appreciating distinct styles, why not breathe life into your creative concepts?

FASHION-FORWARD

Starting with clothing opportunities with the rise of fast fashion and the global acceptance of niche and unconventional clothing styles, the desire for fashion individuality has been on the rise. According to Glamour style trends, Y2K, 90’s style, and maximalist aesthetics are making a grand return. Graphic designers familiar with these styles can craft their own prints and interpretations. Whether you choose to manufacture your designs or collaborate with established businesses, the world of fashion is your canvas.

ANIMATION MAGIC

Unlock the secret that many content creators swear by: outsourcing artists to breathe life into their videos. From crafting thumbnails to editing videos to creating eye-catching clips, artists play a pivotal role in garnering those precious clicks. Even iconic YouTubers like PewDiePie hire editors to enhance their content.

Building a portfolio and showcasing your work on various platforms open doors to a realm where creating your own content is not just a dream but a plausible reality. Take inspiration from global YouTube sensations like theodd1sout, Jaiden, Domics, and Jaiden Animation, who transformed their passion into animated storytelling and comedic skits, becoming iconic figures without formal animation training.

CONTENT ALCHEMY

Another avenue for income is content creation, which comes in many forms and can be a source of passive income. While some may argue that you need to invest in equipment like cameras, content creation spans a variety of platforms and generates income in different ways. Whether compilations, edits, commentary, travel vlogs, or any other content format you enjoy, an audience is waiting to watch your videos.

Curious about earning on these platforms? An Epidemic Sound study shows that TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook have emerged as the top-paying social media platforms. If you enjoy creating short-form content, try TikTok and explore avenues like virtual gifts and merchandise sales.

For long-form content such as vlogs, you can monetize your videos on YouTube by meeting subscriber and watch-hour requirements. Lastly, harness the power of Facebook, the Philippines' most popular social media platform, by incorporating ads and engaging with live videos to grow your page.

ATHLETICS

If you’re a gym rat who loves working those muscles out, why not try being a personal trainer? Whether part-time or full-time, there are always potential clients—especially since the holidays are coming; you can start cashing in on those who want to begin their New Year’s resolution early on!

For starters, you’re either going to need a certification or build a profile by sharing the before and after photos of your previous clients. Offering reasonable prices is another way to attract clients. Certified personal trainers typically charge around P1,100 up to P1,300 per session. However, if you’re not certified but are knowledgeable about exercise routines and diet or nutrition, you may haggle prices according to their budget and your services.

NUMERICAL NOURISHMENT

What if you just enjoy math and sciences? In the world of numbers, your talents can blossom into educational and entrepreneurial ventures. Offer personalized tutoring in math or science online, tapping into the demand for academic support. For those with a taste for precision, transform mathematical skills into a culinary adventure by starting a home-based catering business or selling specialty baked goods on platforms like Lazada and Shopee.

BOTANICAL BLOOMS

You can, of course, make money out of being a plant enthusiast. Green thumbs can turn passion into profit by selling potted plants, succulents, or fresh produce online. E-commerce platforms like Lazada and Shopee provide vibrant marketplaces to showcase gardening prowess.

Embrace the digital marketplace to sell handmade goods, collectibles, or innovative products, infusing your personal touch into an online store that connects with a wider audience.

We have all been children and adored the feeling of knowing exactly what we want and experiencing the purest of emotions. Now that the real world is unfolding before us, our childish minds can sometimes fade into monotony. That is why we shouldn't give up, even though it may be challenging, because our contentment and happiness rely on our childish wants.

So, in our pursuit of dreams and financial fulfillment, let's embrace the wisdom of Walt Disney: "All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." As we navigate uncharted paths, let our passions be the compass guiding us toward a future where joy and prosperity intertwine. After all, it's never too late to turn a dream into a reality.