What Are Your Hobbies?
And other fun questions
I sat down for an interview and explained why I’d be the ideal candidate for the open position. After reviewing my resume and discussing past internships, I was asked the dreaded question, “So, what are your hobbies? Tell me about yourself.” I sat frozen unable to find the words and explain to my possible boss I simply do not have any hobbies, and whatever fun facts she’s looking for would most likely deter me from getting this job offer. I like to think I’m quick on my feet, so I explain I’m an avid reader and participant of book clubs, I adore watching 80s films and dabble in photography. I *may* have embellished some of these “hobbies”. By book club, I mean sharing a copy of Paris Hiltons memoir amongst girlfriends, I adore watching 80s movies…high, and by photography, I mean using my vintage Polaroid camera on nights out at the bar or at parties. I feel like she can see right through me. I circle back to the job and ask about company culture and her, she can see I don’t feel confident talking about myself. We wrap things up, shake hands, and I drive home thinking, “What ARE my hobbies?”
- Online shopping
- Running errands with my boyfriend
- Drinking coffee
- Gaslighting myself into thinking these are hobbies
When I was younger, I played sports, but was never good at them nor enjoyed participating. I was not artistically inclined, I took guitar lessons but never found passion in playing, and had no interest in math or science. I was a good kid, average at best academically. My parents tried to get me to participate in group activities but my heart was never in it. Now, late 20’s, I come home, doom scroll, work out, shop online, read, sleep, work, and repeat. On weekends, I see friends, family and run errands but what else is there to do? What else do I LIKE to do? Do I even know anyone who pursues a hobby?
If I was asked what I like to do in my free time, I wouldn’t feel the pressure to sound so impressive. My free time outside of working hours should not affect my capability to do my job. Instead of the fear of coming off as boring, I like to think I come across as normal. I’m looking for an entry level job, no kids, living at home, committed relationship, no criminal record. I’m sarcastic, well dressed, have a car, can’t parallel park, have strong writing and reading skills, available to work after 5pm.
The irony in this is writing about my lack of hobbies from my desk. I got the job a few months back and remain without a hobby. Now, I’m faced with a new dreaded question every Monday, “What did you get up to this weekend?” I stare into the eyes of the human resources lady and say, “nothing special” and walk away. She doesn’t know I blacked out at a patio eating nachos after furniture shopping and watching 80s movies all weekend rotting away on my parents couch. My new hobby is to remain mysterious and reserved at work to safeguard my personal time and enjoy my life outside the office. I dabble in some online shopping on my lunch break and pin appropriate photos from my Polaroid camera on my bulletin board in my cubicle.