[Maritime Q-Scout]

To me, hobbies are just that, hobbies.

Regarless of what the hobby is, whether it's something to unwind for pure enjoyment (eg: video games; doom scrolling Instagram/TikTok), or something 'productive' (eg: side hustle, crafting, woodworking) you should only be spending hobby time on your hobbies.

There is a grind culture out there that will burn people out. You need time to unwind and relax.

If you want to play videogames an hour or two a day, that's fine. You want to watch the Flames play (which isn't everyday) that's fine.

However, it shouldn't interfere with family obligations (although I get the sense that isn't an issue right now, you're not playing video games rather than feeding the kids), nor should it interfere with work (showing up late because you wanted one more mission in Call of Duty).

But, you don't magically go from 17 and videogames being a reasonable hobby to 18 and suddenly you're too old for Mario Cart.



It sounds like based on your post your parent is worried that you're spending too much time on your hobbies and not enough focus on work. If that's the crux of their issue, I'd ask for help/advice on the PEBC, talk about the work you're putting into it. You're showing them the work you're putting into it and chancing their focus from what they believe is negative to positive.