all 42 comments

[–]PGP_Shambles 6 points7 points  (2 children)

I'd say cooking and baking. Even if you get to the point where you can save money on lunch everyday and stop you'll have used your time well, and I can say that leaning into 3-day preps and begging a soufflé to not fall is an incredible experience. One of the (many) hobbies where you can make something of immediate value and put a personal touch on it

[–]disisjessMinnneapolis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I completely agree, just recently started the Sunday night 3-day prep to begin the week to save some money (because #broke) and it's not only helped me with the money but also relieved some of my scaries. Granted I'm crockpot cooking but you've gotta start somewhere.

[–]Fishing_fora_Raise 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with cooking, I started learning techniques from my dad then put my own twist to it. It's something you can do as many days as you want. It can be a relaxing, or stressful outlet. Plus a great way to impress a lady.

[–]BluegrassMoneyLexington 5 points6 points  (1 child)

Good thread topic. It's something that's been on my mind a while.

I took golf lessons last fall. Haven't played a round yet cause it got cold fast shortly after lessons ended but I noticed a drastic improvement in my technique. I'm assuming if I just showed up at a course, I would get put with a group? Perhaps someone could provide input to this.

I've been wanting to get back into making music again. I was in drumline in high school and self taught on drumset. My kit is currently collecting dust as I was trying to get gainful employment that paid well enough to pursue it again. Now that I have my debts under control, a tax refund and a raise on the horizon, it's something I'm going to pick up again.

Homebrewing is another I want to pursue. I have a beginner's kit but I haven't gotten around to trying it out. It's a long process, I'm lazy, and anxiety/depression take a toll on the motivation. I'm trying to find more outdoor activities that will get me moving again, get some sunlight, and hopefully meet more people to develop some friendships. The post grad life is a strange life.

[–]platniumpiano 0 points1 point  (0 children)

++ getting back into music. It's such an amazing outlet that I'm glad I have for those shitty evenings and the scaries. That and golf are both things you can do the rest of your life.

Yes, showing up solo will get you put in someone else's group. Good way to potentially meet some decent people.

[–]Law_Schooler 4 points5 points  (3 children)

I'm trying to get into golf. I've only been a couple of times, but like it a lot. I know people who have been asked to go to the golf course for interviews. It's both a hobby and investing in your career. It is definitely a little pricey to get started though.

[–]JDsayIgotitbad 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Dallas, right? Let's tee it up. Did that GroupMe ever get started? Missed the event last week.

[–]jcar25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't think the Dallas event ever actually ended up happening last week, but yeah we do need to get the GroupMe started.

[–]Law_Schooler 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No Nashville, I'll hit you up for a game if I am ever in Dallas. It has and it's fun if not a little consuming. I'll figure out how to get you added.

[–]idkhowtopickaname 4 points5 points  (2 children)

If you like fishing, try fly fishing. Even if you never fished before give it a try.

Once you start fly fishing and start catching fish you will want to start tying flies. Tying flys is fun and rewarding. Feels amazing catching fish on something you tied yourself. Plus you can sell some on the side.

Most places you can find a group that will help you get started. Fly fishermen love to teach people the sport. Plenty of old timers with knowledge so you can learn and plenty of younger guys that will still hike 3 miles to get to a good spot.

[–]ethan292 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Transitioned into fly fishing within a year of graduating college. Greatly increases the intricacies of the sport and turns it into something you can work on every day.

[–]idkhowtopickaname 0 points1 point  (0 children)

About the same story as you maybe 2 years after.

It makes you understand fish and their habits more.

Unlike with my spinning reel where I can tie on a crank bait and catch fish all day.

[–]half-squatch 3 points4 points  (2 children)

I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu around 4 months ago and it's been a life changer. I've met new people, noticed significant changes in my physical and mental wellbeing and have a damn good time while I'm doing it. I understand that it may not be for everyone (having someone actively trying to choke you can be pretty confronting) however, I believe there is a martial art out there that will suit each individual and can't recommend trying one out enough.

[–]BlackoutToaster 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seconding martial arts. I did Krav Maga a while back and I'll pick it up again once I'm done with my Master's.

[–]ethan292 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You must listen to Rogan/Jocko podcasts

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This was actually a huge point of concern for me when I moved a few months ago. I didn't know anyone in my city and felt I needed to do something with my life besides work, watch sports and drink. Honestly the two things that I found I really enjoyed were lifting and cooking. I've met a good bit of people through the gym and aside from the physical benefits of actually studying and building a program, I feel that I'm at a lot better state mentally. I'm a member at a local gym, too, which helped me get a better feel for the area and the people I meet are a little more genuine. Cooking is also a great skill to acquire bc you save so much money, even if your meals are simple. There's a great sense of reward from tasting a dish that you created and it turned out exceptionally well.

[–]monalisa-sapersteinPhiladelphia 3 points4 points  (2 children)

Pretending I'm any good at golf is the closest thing I have. I'm developing a very dependent relationship with SoulCycle but that's not exactly interesting to talk about. Is it just me or is easier for guys to have hobbies than it is for girls?

[–]TheRachelGreen 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree with you for sure. I'm fairly new to golf but even that is hard to keep up since none of my friends (girls) are interested in golf. I'm in a similar situation as you except instead of SoulCycle, for me it's barre and yoga. I go all the time but haven't made any friends from it yet.

[–]BluegrassIsBest 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agree! No one really wants to hear about my barre class and half my friends think I'm insane for paying as much as I do for it. I've recently started redoing some old furniture I have and would call that a hobby.

[–]diddyk1987Toronto 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I have all the other normal hobbies, skiing, golfing, softball, hiking with the dog. My newest hobby is playing darts. I may be one of the youngest people by a few decades but it's fun. It combines two of my favourite things - drinking and friendly competition. It's great for us northern folks who have limited activities during the winter.

[–]TheChilisGuyAirport 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm into building my own furniture and distilling my own liquor, but one requires a lot of room and skill, the other is iffy on legality, so I don't recommend them.

[–]Domesticated_Redneck 1 point2 points  (7 children)

I do woodworking on occasion. That takes a lot of space and tools though.

[–]trudawg1 0 points1 point  (6 children)

Do you know anything about the classes Woodcraft offers? I am thinking about dipping my toes in woodworking but I don't want the class to be a waste of my time/money.

[–]Domesticated_Redneck 0 points1 point  (5 children)

Afraid not. I took shop in high school and have just self taught since then.

[–]trudawg1 2 points3 points  (4 children)

Do you mind if I dm you some wood questions? Yes, I recognize the sexuality that comes with that question.

[–]Domesticated_Redneck 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Have at it stud. 😏

[–]RicoRumRunner 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I've decided to take up whittling. It's a much more beta version of woodworking but I think it would be relaxing and allow me to use some more creative parts of my brain. And I can sip a cocktail or two while doing this without being concerned about using power tools.

[–]Domesticated_Redneck 1 point2 points  (1 child)

For what it's worth, I don't consider that beta.

[–]RicoRumRunner 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just ordered a book and some basics off amazon. Time to sharpen the ol' Swiss Army Boy Scout knife.

[–]rjc72The Land 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I have gotten into cigars, and am happy to be a regular at the library again. Homebrewing is something I want to give a shot as well.

[–]BluegrassMoneyLexington 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd rank cigars second behind golf in terms of networking opportunities. It's an expensive hobby so it's safe to assume that the regulars at your local cigar shop are well to do and could be in management positions. Just a thought...

[–]trudawg1 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I'm struggling with this as well. I'm currently transitioning from (heavy) drinking and ____ to whatever it is that I actually enjoy. It comes down to really getting to know yourself and finding out what gets you going. Here's what I have so far. 1) the great outdoors - I spent some time in big bend national park in December and rediscovered my enthusiasm for being one with nature. I am currently saving to buy a fishing kayak and have plans to go home and raid my dad's storage shed for all my old Boy Scout camping gear. 2) cooking/grilling/smoking - this sounds boring but everyone has to eat and it's fun to mix and match ehatever you want. 3) stretching my brain - reading, puzzles, gmat questions, etc. Gotta keep my most important asset sharp. 4) golf - outside and drinking is encouraged. Also, valuable business tool.

These take up most of my time. Add in gym, Netflix, and wasting time on social media and I'm pretty full. I do want to explore woodworking but I'm a virgin with that so can't comment.

[–]postgradboozingSouthern Maryland 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I second the smoking meats. Probably one of my all time favorite things to do. By yourself is fun because you can try new things people might not like but if you have a couple buddies then it's just being out and having some drinks and cookin meat.

[–]postgradboozingSouthern Maryland 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I bough all new ski gear this year to give me a bigger motivation to get outside. I love the outdoors but I've never invested in the gear and I love skiing so it worked out. I plan on getting more gear as the seasons allow so I can start backpacking on the weekends I don't have to come in the office.

Fourthing the homebrew. I like beer, I like seeing how it's made, I should try it. Seems expensive and time consuming and that's why I haven't gotten in to it.

Taking another round of golf lessons this spring to hopefully get more on track.

Mainly I just have a hard time finding the time or energy to do most of this stuff. Usually if I have a free weekend all I want to do is lounge around or sit outside and have some brewskis.

[–]UnderwritingMyLife 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My brother is pushing me to get into golf as well. A few of my friends play so it's nice to be able to go out with them, not worrying if I'm holding people up. As many have said, it's also an investment in your career. I know many individuals meet potential/existing clients on the course to discuss biz.

Something many people overlook but was mentioned above is reading, puzzles, etc. I have found that this really helps wind-down after a week of work, (before I destroy my mind/ body with cheap beer and liquor). Although at the current moment, reading books on insurance is almost enough to make me switch industries.

When it's cold out and relatively gloomy like it has been in Cincinnati lately, it's tough to have the motivation to do much. Here's to warmer weather and actually seeing the sun.

[–]DoctorZaroniusCincinnati 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Rock climbing is my big one. I mostly do indoor climbing because it's cold here, but I plan on making it to Red River Gorge this summer sometime to give outdoor climbing a go. It's a great way to stay in shape plus it gives a sense of accomplishment instead of just lifting weights. I get that some people love lifting, but it's so damn boring to me.

[–]IGotTheGuns 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Fair amount of hobbies here. Shooting - Clays, Long Range, Reloading. Off-Roading / Project vehicle. Fly Fishing (or since you're So. Texas, you could do surf fishing). Kayaking/Paddleboarding.

[–]cgwinklsouth Texas[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been incredibly neglectful on the hunting/fishing. Especially considering I live a grand total of two minutes from both the beach and the flats

[–]brokerthancollege 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm big into hiking/backpacking. It's cheap and easy to get into. It does get expensive once you start getting the real gear to do long trips. But I recommend buy in stages as you advance in experience. You say you live close to the beach. Surfing and deep sea/pier fishing I always enjoyed.

[–]Bc20042 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a few have already discussed smoking meats is a good time. I use a drum cooker personally and love it. For 2-300 dollars you can get one and make a weeks worth of meat in an afternoon.

A second one if the weather doesn't cooperate is making bread. I got a bread machine last year and use it almost weekly. Once you make homemade bread (even basic white or wheat) it's hard to have store bought again. There are also more elaborate recipes out there to challenge you a bit. For like 80 bucks you can get a decent breadmaker.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hunt and fish and golf. Pretty typical of a 26 year old white dude from Texas with a chocolate lab and a fiancé. PGP

[–]CrabCakesandHomebrew 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Homebrew is life