Many hobbies have a financial value to other people. Creative works can be sold, group experiences and workshops can charge to attend, communities can require membership fees.
There are, however, a few risks and pitfalls to be aware of when money gets involved.
The moment someone pays you to join you, you're now responsible for providing what they've paid you for.
If you decide to start charging people to join your table top game, you can't decide you don't feel like doing it one day. There's an expectation that you do what you've been paid to do.
Depending on where you live, different tax laws will apply on any money you earn. Every nation handles this differently, but come and talk to us, we'll try and help you figure out your local laws.
Another implication here, if you receive support from the government, they may change what you get based on how much you earn from monetising a hobby.
When someone pays for something, they feel entitled to that thing. You are now no longer an equal, you are now a customer facing manager. This can affect friend and group dynamics in unpredictable ways. Be sure you know what you're doing.
From advertising your service to filling out forms, paperwork is never fun, but a fundamental part of monetising anything. Be sure you're willing and able to put the time in to fill out those forms!
The biggest risk of making your hobby pay money is that it stops being a hobby. If you start to do anything too much, you may get bored and tired of it, and it may stop being fun. Limit your engagement to ensure you keep enjoying your life.
Some people can't afford to pay a membership fee for a group. Check with your members, and if anyone would struggle to be a paying member, figure something out.
One way around this is to give them a role. Maybe they can be the group social media manager, they promote the group online, and in return they don't have to pay.
If one person doesn't pay, other people may feel cheated. Make sure you can explain why someone doesn't have to pay fees.
Another option is to have free and paid parts. An art group could have a large free session on Mondays, but Wednesdays are paid only. This way, everyone can join in, and you can still earn some money for the group.
If you earn enough money, you may be able to quit your job. This is a rare benefit for some serious hobbyists, but if done right, can let you live a truly free life, where you get paid to have fun.
You can put the money you earn straight back into the hobby to expand it. If you sell art, you can now afford more art supplies. If you lead an athletics group, you can now bring them to places better suited for the activity, or an art group could host an exhibition.
Alternatively, you can use the money to start more similar groups in your area. Help your friend in the next town over start their own group, you can then compete which makes both groups more fun.
A third advantage is being able to bring in people with the skills and experience to really improve the group. A music night can pay larger bands to perform. A sports group could bring in a professional coach. If you can get money for the group, you can improve the group.