Contrary to popular belief, it is by no means impossible to actively enjoy working, especially if you find yourself doing a job that lets you truly explore your passion for a subject.
Turning your hobby into a career is one way to do this, and if that hobby happens to be for electronics, you might be in luck – it is a vastly diverse world of lucrative opportunities. Plus, you might already have the skills you need to succeed.
If you felt as though the time was right to take your technological tinkering to the next level and embark on a rewarding new journey, here are some tips you might want to consider thinking about.
Practice
The way to get better at practically any endeavor imaginable is through practice. Electrical component search engines like Octopart have made sourcing parts as easy, cheap and as quick as possible, so you might want to check it out if you have an idea for a brand-new project.
Whether you want to try out a template for a project you heard about online, or feel like inventing your very own fabulous contraption, the more time you can spend with electronics in a hands-on capacity the better.
Start Small
You do not necessarily have to ditch your day job just yet, as there is no guarantee you will enjoy or flourish in a field that you have only grazed the surface of as a hobbyist.
Starting off small is a good way to ease yourself in during your spare time. Perhaps you would want to make some phone repairs for your friends and family, or maybe start buying and selling electrical components from old and unwanted tech.
Whatever you decide to do, testing the water before making the big splash is probably a safer way to go.
You may want to check out DIY trading platforms like Tindie if you wanted to try and sell some of your creations. This could help you get an idea of how well your inventions will be received, or at least recoup some of your overhead costs.
Financial Stability
Financial stability is one of the biggest factors to face when it comes to making the transition.
Failing to prepare yourself can result in a nasty and uncomfortable uphill struggle, which may possibly tarnish your perspective of your new field, so establishing a safety net could be a good idea.
Hands-On Experience
Even if you feel as though you are highly proficient in electronics, getting some hands-on experience in a professional environment can be a huge benefit, adding to your strength as a candidate should you ever wish to apply for a job in electrical engineering.
Volunteering is a good way to do this, as is shadowing. This is not only good for the resume, but it can give you some deeper insight into what the industry has to offer, and perhaps more importantly, whether or not it feels like the right place for you.
