5 Millennial Hobbies Everyone Can Try
If you ask yourself what generation had the most hobbies, what would you say? Could it be those that are pre-internet and modern technology had the most activities to occupy their time? Maybe you think of era instead, like the Renaissance or Victorian era because of the influence of art and philosophy. Perhaps it was post WWII, because better economies gave great way for discovering new and affordable (and internationally influenced) hobbies.
I argue that millennials win this battle. Research suggests that millennials have a greater range of activities they are passionate about than those older than 35. “Seventy-nine percent* define success as “doing what you are passionate about“. The large majority of Millennials (70 percent) want to visit every continent in their lifetime. Fewer than half of older adults report that goal.
So what’s so special about millennials’ idea of fun? Luckily, many of their hobbies are taken from previous decades, refreshed to make an impact. There are some new, interesting things too, of course. Continue if you care to find out!
Building Personal Computers
Home computers were once left to big companies, although some fascinated with computer technology still dabbled in making basic systems. These days, computers can be made at home for not very much money ($200–600), with not very much research, and can handle a variety of tasks you throw at it, like Bitcoin mining, PC gaming, video editing, complex calculations, and music production. Funny how all of these can in some way actually help you earn money. Are millennials on to something?
Storytelling
Information is abundant and so are its mediums. If you’re expressive and a magnet at parties when you have a fun story to tell, recording and uploading videos may be for you. Text-only type of person? Tumblr or twitter may be your way of being heard, and it’s how many current speakers got their start in activism. Poetry anyone? There are New York Times’ Bestsellers that originated as poetry on Instagram. If you often overshare, this is your calling.
Handlettering
Handlettering and calligraphy is a very, very old hobby. Scribes were needed because no other group knew how to write or communicate, and if you were of high enough rank, you too learned how to write letters to get your point across. Now, it’s still about the message but in style. Take note from the the hundreds, if not thousands, of modern calligraphy classes offered around the world. The appeal? It’s fun. It makes for neat gifts for your friends that are used to seeing their own crummy handwriting. If you’re especially good at it, you can create some very, very beautiful wedding invitations.
Sewing
A muy oldie but muy goodie. Sewing was a must for households that couldn’t afford to buy new, tailored clothes, before the days of fast fashion. Today, it’s used by many millennials to tailor their clothes not only to their body shape, but to various eclectic styles. Having taken a sewing class, it’s definitely one of my favorite skills that I wish I could use more often. Let’s also not forget that millennials care the most about sustainability in shopping (more than gen z!), this includes buying handmade clothes, ethically-sourced clothing, and shopping at thrift stores. You just need a machine to start, and gradually you can expand to sewing anything you can dream of.
Coloring
Coloring is not just for bored kids at a diner or summer camp interim activities. It’s also for adults. Artists and illustrators recognize the very therapeutic nature of art and coloring, and have thus created adult coloring books. It’s no more difficult than it was as a child — simply find a page you like, pick a color, and… color! The only downside is the absurd amount of gorgeous coloring books to choose from, like funky geometric animals, scenic landscapes, and illusionary mandalas. If you stress a bit too much for your liking and could use a good distraction from all the noise, a good coloring book might just be the thing for you.
I know it’s bold to say millennials beat the Renaissance, but they’ve simply won in variety and passion. Past generations and eras had hobbies out of inventive necessity, while millennials have hobbies out of financial (from recessions and lower job availability) and emotional necessity.
Take the time to consider what you could take from the new. Not all that is fresh and trendy is simply hype. In fact, most of what we do in trend is a response to the things going on in our every day life. How can a passion you have be a solution for something you go through every day?
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