A Skier attempts a jump. (Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons)
This piece is from the CU Independent’s opinion section. Any opinions or views do not represent the CU Independent.
Everybody needs a break from the grind. In between studying, lectures and deadlines, hobbies fill the space. For some, hobbies become their identities, careers or even lifelines. However, many hobbies have shifted toward collecting and purchasing rather than cultivating skills and learning. This trend can take a toll on college students economically and may lead some to feel that they cannot engage in their hobbies meaningfully without spending money they don’t have.
Traditionally, hobbies are viewed as ways to cultivate skills and learn in one’s free time. Mastery through consistent practice is admired by others. Engaging in hobbies also allows access to communities of like-minded people. Improvement is typically expected to be slow but rewarding. To begin, one would start with basic materials to get started, and the rest would grow with time and dedication. But is this really how hobbies are interacted with today?
Recently, online marketplaces have made it easier to buy specialized gear and supplies. This has allowed many people to get into hobbies they might not have otherwise. Social media has also had an impact by allowing people to publicly show off their interests. While this increased visibility has its benefits, it has also made it easier for people to compare themselves to highly curated versions of others, which sometimes leads to unrealistic expectations and discouragement. Beginners often feel inadequate with their entry-level gear, with the constant exposure to professional-grade equipment and polished results.
Students at the University of Colorado Boulder who love to ski feel the commercialization of their hobby. The sport can seem financially out of reach for some who are exposed to high-end gear on social media and the rising price of passes. Fitness has also seemingly shifted from focusing on personal health and improvement to expensive attire and supplements. Even video games have been affected by expensive hardware, in-game cosmetics and rising game prices.
It’s understandable why students feel pressure to spend more and more to participate in their hobbies. With financial pressure and unrealistic comparisons, many college students become discouraged and lose the motivation to stay engaged with the activities that mean so much to them. Some turn their hobbies into side hustles, which can provide income to cover the cost of their hobbies. But turning leisure time and hobbies into another source of stress and comparison could be more damaging than any financial upside. Even if one chooses to still participate in their hobbies at their own pace, they may feel impostor syndrome and eventually give up.
It’s important to recognize that this issue may not be new. When he was around my age, my dad bought lots of gimmick products, baseball cards and similar expensive items. Some might see it as a bad financial move, but my dad sincerely treasures these things and still feels connected to many hobbies.
If you feel that your hobby is becoming too much of a burden, remember that it’s okay to start without professional equipment and materials. Expect and accept that progress will be slow. How can you resist the pressure to spend? Start small with minimal equipment and time investment. If it is something you want to put more money and time into, then you will do so naturally. Hobbies should be about the journey, experience and people, and not the purchase.
Contact CU Independent Writer Atticus Kennedy at atticus.kennedy@colorado.edu
