Best side job/hobby for an IT guy?

Hey guys,

I'm pretty much thinking about doing something on the side, besides my normal IT job. I don't think I can do a PC repair shop or anything like that. I was thinking the following;

1. IT Blog.
2. YouTube channel.
3. Some sort of article writing.

Any other ideas for a 23 year old IT guy?

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Comments

gncsmith

Those all sound good. Perhaps something not related to IT though too. Cars, comics, hiking, running, etc.

systemstech

gncsmith wrote: »

Those all sound good. Perhaps something not related to IT though too. Cars, comics, hiking, running, etc.

I exercise 5-6 days a week

. 2 miles on the elliptical everyday and lift. I want to do hiking when its warmer.

Dakinggamer87

Gym, video games, and church.

Lenniusce

If you're looking for technical hobbies are are not IT, but still technical in nature then I will list what has grabbed my attention:

DSLR Cameras. Lookup how complex they are. I didnt believe they would be fun until I picked up a Rebel XS
DJ/Production - pickup a Numark Mixtrack Pro 3. Endlessly entertaining and possible to make into a side job

JamesKurtovich

Video games are a fun way to spend your free time.

Fayz

If you have a degree related to IT you could teach a course at a local community college.

Jose243

Lenniusce wrote: »

If you're looking for technical hobbies are are not IT, but still technical in nature then I will list what has grabbed my attention:
DSLR Cameras. Lookup how complex they are. I didnt believe they would be fun until I picked up a Rebel XS

DJ/Production - pickup a Numark Mixtrack Pro 3. Endlessly entertaining and possible to make into a side job

I second the camera idea. Maybe take up photography and video recording. Super fun and a whole different monster to learn from and keep you occupied for hours.

devilbones

I like cars, guns, outdoors, sailing, video games and spending time with my family.

dustervoice

Gardening

Danielm7

This can be rephrased to "best hobby for a person", not everyone in IT is the same. You don't need IT specific hobbies, if anything you'd probably be happier if you did something non-IT related as a hobby.

Mooseboost

This is really going to depend on you. As far as technical hobbies go: Programming, photography, electronics repiar/refurbishment, blogging, website design - tons of stuff. There are also plenty of non-technical hobbies like cycling, bowling, etc. It comes down to what interests you.

joelsfood

I still highly recommend a hobby that does NOT involve technology.

At one time or another, that would include: Gardening, canning, cooking, working on motorcycle, workign on truck, woodworking, home improvement, ballroom dancing, winemaking, brewing, cycling, weightlifting, etc. Just something to use and exercise parts of your mind not being used in your day to day job. What most people are lookign for in a hobby is a break from what they do (physically AND mentally) in their day job.

systemstech

joelsfood wrote: »

I still highly recommend a hobby that does NOT involve technology.

At one time or another, that would include: Gardening, canning, cooking, working on motorcycle, workign on truck, woodworking, home improvement, ballroom dancing, winemaking, brewing, cycling, weightlifting, etc. Just something to use and exercise parts of your mind not being used in your day to day job. What most people are lookign for in a hobby is a break from what they do (physically AND mentally) in their day job.

Not me, lol. I love what I do. I want a hobby that has something to do with my job, but also gets me away from the daily stuff. Thanks for the tips everyone!

Ruminus

I've been seriously considering getting a metal detector. That way I'm outside and getting some exercise but still have some tech strapped to my arm. Just a thought.

Blackout

Football, Video Games, TV Shows, Comic Books, are all things I enjoy outside of work. I really don't like doing technical stuff outside of work.

thatguy67

I have found that sports has helped me. Basketball, American football, baseball. There are a lot of stats to memorize, facts to remember, strategies to observe. Plus it can be a good icebreaker when you are getting to know coworkers etc.

naclh2onaz

I have a 150 gallon saltwater reef tank. Its the best hobby!

Christian.

Personally, I want to continue learning about investments, mainly stocks, etfs and mutual funds. I was learning about that world and I had a good run buying/selling until I started studying for certs and degrees and left that on the side, a little forgotten. If you want to have a part-time job on the side, you can earn money with this.

FloOz

Internet marketing....lots of extra cash.

NetworkNewb

Jogging outside. If your new to it, it will suck for the first few weeks. But after that, it can be really relaxing and therapeutic. Gives you time to think about everything and will feel good to get your body moving.

squawk1500

RC helicopters! Look up the Trex550E. But...they are expensive and yes they have simulation programs for them and they are worth it!

Anonymouse

Going by what I've seen in IT if you're under 25 then chances are the typical hobbies are My Little Pony and gaming (FPS and MMO). If you're older then chances are you like outdoorsy stuff.

I'm just being general with what I see around me.

Ruminus

naclh2onaz wrote: »

I have a 150 gallon saltwater reef tank. Its the best hobby!

Bah...I'm stuck with a 55 gal for now, still I agree it's a lot of fun.

kohr-ah

I do firmware packages for android devices.
Design Tattoos for side money
Game via book and paper with friends
Cook

DPN1

I play football (soccer for you yanks), Video games, and in general love sport. nfl, tennis, golf, rugby I can watch them all.

21 year old Junior Netowrk Engineer

blatini

Find things you enjoy and then try to get a deeper understanding if there is technology involved. Maybe if you like sports you get interested in the workings of broadcasting, video games you learn some basic programming and design your own. It seems like you're interested in an IT related hobby but pretty much everything you listed is just documenting what you've learned. That's the stuff you should be doing anyway. You're just viewing it in different mediums

rsutton

MMORPG's - they will bring out the nerd in you. With most games, you can get in to the math & figure out how to maximize your characters abilities. I'm an ex WoW junkie and used to create Excel docs to calculate DPS.

Programming - you can take this up as a hobby, and if you get good at it, it can be a useful skill for many branches of IT.

Dancing - When I was 18 I learned how to do swing & salsa. Not only is it a ton of fun, girls love guys who can dance.

Cooking - If you don't know how to cook, this is probably the best hobby for you in that it is a lot of fun, and will benefit you your entire life.

Reading - This is another hobby that is both fun & a beneficial. I alter between sci-fi/fantasy, psychology & business/management stuff. I also listen to audio-books during my commute (podcasts are good in the car too).

Volunteering - I always thought volunteering sounded boring; but in retrospect I would consider this some of the best time I've spent in my life.

UnixGuy

anything that you would enjoy, preferably something that involves group classes (socializing) and physical activity.

UnixGuy

rsutton wrote: »

Dancing - When I was 18 I learned how to do swing & salsa. Not only is it a ton of fun, girls love guys who can dance.

.

+1000

fellow dancer as well. Best exercise ever.

systemstech

blatini wrote: »

Find things you enjoy and then try to get a deeper understanding if there is technology involved. Maybe if you like sports you get interested in the workings of broadcasting, video games you learn some basic programming and design your own. It seems like you're interested in an IT related hobby but pretty much everything you listed is just documenting what you've learned. That's the stuff you should be doing anyway. You're just viewing it in different mediums

Blogging and YouTube isn't exactly documenting, lol. Thanks for the responses guys.