AD- This is a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Since struggling with burn-out, I’ve taken more time to focus on my passion projects, spending a little time re-injecting passion back into my life as much as possible.
When I first turned freelance full-time, I failed to recognise that this was once the thing that brought me joy as a bit of a side hustle, and it was now my job.
I didn’t think about what my new hobby or passion project would be and that led to burn-out, as I poured all my energy into my work instead of finding other activities that brought me joy.
What is a passion project?
To me, a passion project is something that starts as a fun activity, without charging money or meeting external deadlines.
It could be a side hustle, such as blogging, but it needs to be a project that makes you excited to continue without the pressure of making money- helping to inject passion and joy into your life.
Even if you start earning money from your passion project, such as by doing freelance work, writing a book or engaging in translation services, I think it is a passion project while it remains something on the side- rather than your main source of income.
This is a discrepancy that I failed to make when I first started freelancing full-time, seeing my freelance business as a passion project, even though it was now my job!
How to choose your passion project
I’ve started writing for my blog again, using it as a way to showcase my writing, but also knowing that it’s a place where I can choose to write about whatever I want, whenever I want.
I have also started working on a book idea, purely for fun, as writing will always be my favourite thing to do!
When choosing your passion project, it is important to think about your interests outside of work or school. You might want to explore your language skills, look into a book idea or sign-up for a new class.
A passion project could involve further learning and research. You might want to take a course or learn more about fitness, for example, without having a particular goal in mind.
If there’s a subject that really interests you, this is the perfect chance to explore a new idea and re-inject a bit of passion back into your life.
From studying towards a Master’s degree to writing a book, there are so many passion projects to start today!
Why should you start a passion project today?
A passion project can help you explore something new in your own time, without relying on it for income or other responsibilities.
It’s a unique opportunity to do something that you feel passionate about, whether that’s further study or starting a new website.
3 big benefits of starting a passion project today
1. A passion project is a break from work
A passion project gives you something to think about, something other than work.
While you might love your job, it isn’t the only thing in your life- and I think we all need that reminder sometimes! A passion project gives you the chance to consider something outside of your job, helping you to remember that there is more to life than work.
For example, if your work is a more business-oriented job, a passion project could help you express your creative side, and vice versa.
A passion project is just anything that takes you away from your job and helps you feel passionate about doing something different.
2. It’s fun
A passion project is lots of fun! It gives you a chance to use different skills, allowing you to enjoy yourself in freedom. Your job covers the bills- but a side hustle or passion project gives you a chance to explore something without that pressure.
For me, I like to work on my book idea. This is fiction writing, so it helps me to express my creativity in a way that is different to my freelance work. I can also use it to improve my writing skills.
It’s a different skill, and even though my job is also creative, it feels good to do something a bit different, with no pressure to meet client deadlines or make money.
3. It could turn into something one day
Although a passion project should be about finding something you love outside your work, you never know when something you do might turn into a new opportunity.
If you’re working on a book idea like me, it might always be something you do just for yourself. However, it could be published one day- you never know!
If you’re working on a PhD in your spare time, you never know when a job in academia might come up. Nothing is ever “pointless” when it comes to our passions!
The importance of passion projects
Passion is an important motivating factor for all of us, and we need it to find joy outside of our jobs. A loss of passion can cause burn-out, depression or a lack of focus.
It’s important to feel passionate about your work, of course, but it’s equally important to remember that it’s only a job- and there is so much more to our lives.
You need to find the right passion project for you. From blogging to studying, I hope you start a project that injects a bit of passion into your life today!
Do you like to find passion projects to go alongside your work? What is your favourite way to spend your spare time? Have you ever started a passion project?
Let me know all your thoughts in the comments!
Happy reading x
Not-So-Modern Girl 
Having a passion project is important at all stages of life. I think it’s especially important for people approaching retirement age because they will need to fill those hours they spent working. We all need a reason to get out of bed in the morning. For me, blogging and singing are my two passion projects. I don’t make money doing either one of them but they are a fun, and stress relieving, creative outlet.
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That’s such an important perspective Michelle, thank you! Those hours must seem daunting when you first retire, but there is so much opportunity to invest time in something fun, that makes you feel passionate. Those creative pursuits sound so helpful for you, and they will definitely contribute to your happiness. Thank you so much for sharing x
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We completely agree. We started our blog as a passion project.
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Thank you for commenting 🙂
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Sounds like I have to make some time for this once we move back to Italy at the end of this year – I will definitely have plenty of space for that as well!
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Aw that sounds like a great idea! Good luck on the big move x
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What a great idea! I started my blog two years ago as a passion project 😀 Can’t imagine that become my side hustle now 😀
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That’s great!
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Writing The Misadventures of Johan O’Malley is a passion project for us!
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I think we all need one 🙂
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Oh I agree with all of this! I like it when my passion projects are almost completely separate from my career so that I get a proper break from my job. I’m a software engineer by day and my passion projects are blogging, writing, and drawing. It helps that my hobbies are creative in a completely different way compared to my job.
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Yes that’s so true, sometimes it can turn into something paid, but more often than not a passion project should be fun and calming for you 🙂 that sounds great, I used to draw/paint a lot- I might have to pick that back up ahain soon 🙂
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Thanks for these great reminders of why passion projects are important. Photography and book reviewing are my passion projects — they’ve definitely been a great antidote to burnout.
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That sounds lovely 🙂 Yes I think you need to find that passion to avoid burning out x
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That’s so true! A great way to take a break and stretch our brain x
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Passion projects are so important! Lately I have been overseeing a big house renovation and working in the garden. I could also call my Instagram a passion project because it feels like fun 🙂
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That sounds amazing! Yes they are very important as a way to enjoy something a bit different from your job 🙂 thank you for commenting Jenni x
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God I’ve started so many passion projects over the years and given up with pretty much all of them – I reaaaally struggle to stick with something, especially if I’m questioning the value of it or whether it’s actually achieving anything! I’d love a passion project, I just really don’t know what!
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I get what you mean Jenny, I’m one of those people where everything has to have a “value” or be productive in some way. It’s important to not put pressure on yourself- everyone is different and there’s nothing wrong with flitting between ideas 🙂
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My blog is my passion project! So is my garden. Thanks for highlighting the merits of passion projects!
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That’s so great! I’m glad you do a few things that bring you joy 🙂 x
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I’ve noticed recently that I have been feeling like I want to try something new or have something different to focus on. My blog is my passion project and going some amateur genealogy sleuthing but lately I’ve wanted to make time for something (I just don’t know what yet). I’m sure it will come to me; thanks for the reminder to actually get into doing something about it!
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Thank you for commenting 🙂 I hope you find an activity that brings you joy, I’m sure you will! Blogging is a great passion project, I agree x
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Great post! I think it’s really important, as you say, to have something you work on just for the pure enjoyment of it. I think we often put too much pressure on ourselves to always be achieving something. Your take on it is refreshing : )
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Thank you so much! I agree, we think that everything we do has to have some productive merit, but doing something just for fun is equally as important 🙂
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