It’s easy to look at our free time as something separate from our careers—like a fun break before we jump back into our professional lives.
But did you know that certain hobbies do more than just entertain us? They quietly sharpen our skills, expand our networks, and improve our mindset in ways that can lead to higher earning power down the road.
When I first came across this idea, I was a bit skeptical. Yet the more I explored the economic theories behind it, the more it made sense. Think about it: our leisure activities often tap into our creativity, resilience, and social intelligence, all of which are crucial to standing out in today’s job market.
Below are three activities that, according to various experts, might just help you boost your income potential in surprising ways.
1. Reading for growth
I’ll admit, I used to think of reading as a purely leisurely pursuit—my way to unwind with a cup of tea in the evenings. But there’s a growing body of research suggesting that avid readers are often better equipped to adapt in a fast-changing economy.
I came across a study by the University of Oxford that found reading literacy directly correlates with higher wages later in life.
Why? Because beyond just learning facts, reading improves our ability to analyze information, empathize with different perspectives, and communicate more effectively.
When I reflect on the books I’ve devoured over the years, I can see how each one has shaped my worldview.
More than just stacking up random facts or showing off a fancy vocabulary, books train the brain to absorb new ideas, question existing assumptions, and articulate thoughts in a concise way.
If you’ve ever seen a colleague who can explain complex reports in layman’s terms or propose new ideas in a meeting, there’s a good chance they’ve spent a decent amount of time reading outside their day job.
The beauty of this habit is that it doesn’t require much money. I often borrow from the local library, browse free eBooks, or swap titles with friends.
And it doesn’t have to take up a lot of time either. Even if you only devote 20 minutes a day, the cumulative effect on your critical thinking and communication skills can be enormous.
Economists like to call this a long-term investment in “human capital.” Essentially, the more knowledge and mental agility you gain, the more valuable you become in the job market. Employers gravitate toward people who can adapt quickly and work with complex information—qualities that any dedicated reader naturally develops.
2. Strategic games and problem-solving
Ever been nudged to “stop wasting time” when you’re fixated on a chess match or fiddling with Sudoku?
I’ve experienced that more than once, but it turns out there might be a compelling economic case for these so-called “time wasters.”
A friend of mine who works in behavioral economics often points to puzzle-solving and strategy games as fantastic ways to enhance cognitive abilities like pattern recognition, decision-making, and resource management.
These skills aren’t just helpful at a board game night; they can translate into better negotiation strategies, improved financial planning, and sharper project execution at work.
Let’s face it: our professional environments are loaded with complexities—budgets, timelines, team dynamics, and more.
Strategic games teach us how to approach such intricacies systematically. You learn to consider multiple outcomes before making a move, weigh risks and benefits, and keep a backup plan handy if the original strategy fails.
For me, it’s not always about winning. In fact, losing a chess match can be more instructive than winning because it forces me to reconsider my assumptions. That mental agility is exactly what a fast-paced, competitive workplace demands.
According to a paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research, activities that challenge the brain—such as puzzles, chess, or other strategy-based pastimes—can improve cognitive endurance and problem-solving capacity over time.
While the research mostly focused on cognitive health, the hidden bonus is that these improved mental faculties can lead to higher productivity and better decision-making in one’s profession.
If you’re new to the world of strategic games, it helps to start small. Maybe try a short daily puzzle or a 15-minute online chess session.
The goal isn’t to become a grandmaster overnight; it’s to gradually build a mindset that thrives on tackling obstacles.
That mental habit can make you a prime candidate for leadership roles or specialized positions where creative problem-solving is prized.
3. Volunteering your time
Volunteering might not sound like a direct path to bigger paychecks, but hear me out.
According to a Deloitte Impact Survey, getting involved with community projects or non-profit organizations can broaden your network, expose you to different perspectives, and hone leadership abilities.
Economists often talk about “social capital,” which is the value you gain from your relationships and networks. By volunteering, you’re naturally expanding your social circle beyond your usual professional and personal spheres.
I’ve had firsthand experience with this when I joined a local community group dedicated to organizing educational workshops. Sure, my main goal was to contribute something meaningful, but I quickly realized I was also benefiting from the relationships formed during the process.
I interacted with people from all sorts of backgrounds—teachers, local business owners, retirees with a wealth of knowledge, and fellow volunteers who were just as eager to make a difference.
Over time, these connections developed into genuine friendships and professional referrals. One of the local business owners even became an important source for an investigative project I worked on, connecting me with experts I would never have met otherwise.
There’s also the element of skill-building through volunteering. For instance, if you’re helping coordinate fundraising events, you’re essentially diving into project management, budgeting, marketing, and teamwork.
Whether you realize it or not, those are real-world skills employers value—and if you’re already employed, those skills can translate into new opportunities for advancement.
I like to think of volunteering as a chance to “beta test” new abilities. Maybe you’ve never done public speaking before, but you decide to lead a local workshop on financial literacy or mental health awareness. You’ll almost certainly come out of that experience feeling more confident, which can open doors in your professional life.
Wrapping up
In an economy that rewards adaptability, empathy, and strategic thinking, your hobbies might just be your secret weapons.
Even if it doesn’t lead to an overnight windfall, the incremental gains—like networking opportunities, stronger problem-solving skills, and a more curious mind—are undeniably valuable.
And who knows? They might be exactly what sets you apart the next time a promotion or job opportunity comes your way.
