For years, people have been told that hobbies and hustles like gaming, content creating, and starting new passion projects is a no after you hit a certain age. I’m in my 40’s, so I know what this is like from experience. Society loves to put limitations and negative opinions on what adults should be doing with their time, money and lives—especially on social media.
The truth is, your passions don’t come with an expiration date. Where it’s starting a YouTube channel, launching a blog, or picking up a controller, it’s never too late to do what makes YOU happy.
The Stigma Around “Unconventional” Hobbies
Gaming, streaming, some music genres like rap music, content creation and blogging are often views as a “twenty-somethings” activity, as if you are supposed to deactivate your Facebook page once you turn 30. The reality is that the gaming industry is dominated by adults.
The average gamer is 35. 40% of players are 35+, and 46% are female gamers. Shoutouts to my fellow gamers who are parents, too! I see yall. There are people in their 40s, 50s, 60s and even 90’s like the world’s oldest gamer content creator Hamako Mori that was still showing up and playing for the love of the game. You are as old as you feel!
We grew up with gaming, and gaming grew up with us. I was 4 years old when Nintendo went on sale in the states. My mom who was 38 years old at the time played it more than my 11-year-old sister did. It wasn’t because we had zero interest in it. My mother simply hogged the game, playing her longtime favorite games like Super Mario Brothers and Duck Hunt. We were allowed to stand there and watch as we awaited a turn that rarely came.
As video game technology developed, so did the love that true gamers had for it as time went on. Not only did video game quality increase as we got older, but so did our pockets. Having our own money and buy now pay later options have allowed a lot of us to continue or reconnect with aspects of our childhood that were just plain fun. The only age requirements to gaming are when the ESRB says 18+. Do what you enjoy.
Why Following Your Passion Matters
When you truly enjoy doing something it becomes more than just a hobby or a hustle. It becomes an escape, a form of self-expression, entertainment, and possibly a way to have another stream of income. Those of us who stay connected to our passions tend to be happier, more fulfilled, and less likely to be stuck in their daily routine. Especially if it’s one that’s less than desirable at the time.
Plus, you never know who you may connect with and may inspire when you do what you are passionate about, instead of shrinking yourselves and not pursuing your interests. I’d rather give something a go than live with the regret of simply not trying. Those shoulda coulda woulda’s are a trip.
Forget the Naysayers
I planned to write this blog some time ago— months longer ago than I would like to admit to. I saw a post on threads when I sat down to write this that asked what you would say to someone who thinks you are too old to play video games. I didn’t even bother to read the 100+ comments left under it. Why? Because I don’t care what others think about me doing what I love.
I bought this Black Panther shirt from DTLR. Don’t I look enthused. I know the former manager, so I would try to support it by shopping there periodically. He expressed that he hasn’t seen me in a while. So I told him with great joy that I started streaming on twitch and made some money doing it. He never heard of twitch, which I do find to be common. He laughed at me when his employee interjected, explaining what twitch is. He stopped laughing when said employee asked for my twitch username so he could follow me in support. Small blessings.
Letting Go of Judgement
If you are worried about letting the negative opinions of others affect you chasing your dreams, then don’t. Ignore those people who project their sorry behind negativity on you doing what brings you joy. They are often afraid to pursue what they love, or have stuff going on in their lives that have absolutely nothing to do with you that caused them to act that way. Some people are just rude and nasty. Block them.
Stop worrying about the opinions of others. If you like it and it makes you happy, then who cares as long as YOU care about it. Especially when it comes to gaming. There are 3 billion active gamers in the world, and there’s someone out there who has the same interests as you. Get on google and go on social media. Follow people with similar interests. Subscribe to channels posting content about your interests. Find websites and blogs to read. Even if you are an introvert, it’s okay to follow and like the content that you consume without being social and leaving comments. Your folks are out there.
Just remember that your passions are yours. It’s your thing, and you don’t need the approval of others to enjoy what you find to be fulfilling at any age or stage in life. These people don’t pay your bills.
What are your passions? What’s your hobby? Have a game that you are utterly obsessed with? Leave me a comment! Also don’t forget to subscribe by entering your email in the box below to stay updated on new posts and whatnot. I promise I won’t get on your nerves.
I stream, too as @furycutitout! I’d love to have ya there! Give me a follow and let me know that you came from the blog! twitch.tv/furycutitout
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