Hustlin'

I notice more and more, especially over the last few years, that in kink, many people have turned their vanilla hobbies, or their space in the scene into some sort of hustle, or business. 

This idea that if you build anything, you should start making toys or jewelry to sell.  To make kink themed things and start a store.  That if you tie you need to also do photography or performances.  That our time in kink becomes a commodity instead of something that brings us joy.

And yes, this does create the potential for people to start paying the bills on their own (but more on potential some other time) and it can sometimes result in fantastically talented people sharing talents.  Even I teach, but not out of wanting to make money, but because I have always enjoyed teaching, since I was in grade school.

I understand the people who want to simply make enough to support their space in the scene.  Selling a handful of toys to pay for an intensive, or performing for entrance to an event. 

That allows us the space to keep the things we enjoy as hobbies though, or things that stay ours.  They don't simply become that hustle that our society pushes for.  Keeps it from becoming obligation, and creates space to breathe and relax.

And I think we need to keep that space.  To encourage it.  We should share our skills in smaller scale, and let them stay special, as our own.  Create and learn in a space of care and joy, rather than the expectation to go and do more and make money.

Sometimes the reward for what we do is not monetary.  Sometimes it's just the peace we get in the moment.