Friends judging my side business because I’m a high earner

How on earth can it be outing? You won't be the only person in the world that does it!

Give the extra money you make to charity.

the OP out earns all in her ‘friends’ so is obviously an intelligent business woman.

I see. So when the OP tells you

"I don’t think it’s jealousy as my DH suggested"

You say* *

"Hun, neither you nor I know that not to be fact."

Despite the fact these are the OP's actual friends and she knows them, whereas you obviously don't.

But when the OP says she "out earns all in her ‘friends’"

You automatically believe her?

Interesting how you're picking and choosing what to believe.

Agreed!
A simple "DH are lucky in that we're comfortable financially, but I want to turn my hobby into a side business as well" would do just fine..., but nah, let's start off with a separate paragraph with details that OP earns a 6 figure sum AND DH earns more than this as well.

Also, what kind of hobby is so 'outing' that it would identify her on MN?

I thought probably Only Fans.

I am once again applying my universal rule that when an OP is cagey about an 'outing' hobby it is definitely taxidermy.

Totally reasonable not to reveal if you don’t want to but honestly very hard to imagine that you have a hobby that is so unique people could recognise you from describing the broad category.

I dont understand how you can say money "Isn’t the motivating factor though, it’s for enjoyment and linked to my passion."

Of course money is the motivating factor, otherwise you'd just keep doing it as a hobby. If you didn't want to to make at least some money from it you wouldn't bother turning it into a business with all the work and stress that involves. Perhaps they're just calling you out on your hypocrisy?

I think that pointing out to a friend who, by their own admission, is in a stressful job, that investing lots of time to start up a new business and run the risk of growing to hate a hobby that they currently enjoy - when they don't actually need the money - is actually pretty supportive. Saying "oh yes, what a wonderful idea" i.e. mindlessly validating is not always supportive.

Telling other people they must be jealous as a default reaction rather than thinking about why they are saying what they are, is a pretty lazy response.

(And if OP is thinking of making homemade chutneys, can I confirm that your friends don't want to buy a pot of your new recipe every month, especially when you are selling at inflated prices, and maybe they have just been being polite about how wonderful they are).

I hate friends that have ‘side hustles’ which are actually MLM’s that mean they try to gouge their friends to buy their tat. So if it’s something that relies on your friends being your focus of business then I don’t blame them.

This. The two reasons I would be wondering why you would want to turn a hobby into a business is a) if you talk about being stressed or tired or busy all the time or b) if your kids are a bit anxious or have additional issues going on.

I’d wonder if it was the best use of your energy.

If you needed a proof…..

It's possibly your friends just projecting how tired they feel at the thought of taking on a second job.
You work hard, earn heaps so why would you need to exhaust yourself further.
Their mind set is not of jealousy but rather care for you.

Is your hobby one where you need your friends to be actively supportive for the new business to take off?

You don't need their affirmation anyway, do you?
You said you were passionate about the hobby so it will seem like play hopefully.

It's fish again isn't it......

I am a single mum with 2 kids with adhd im a nurse and earn around 40k and obviously other top ups etc. Own my own home. Since my divorce this year ive been to italy x2 on cheapish breaks. Ive been on a caravan holiday with family and i am taking my kids to paris and disney in the next couple of months. I am judged as well on my breaks. I cant understand people and why people judge. Its put me of telling anyone anything as it makes me feel guilty. But people spend their money on things they enjoy. Whether thats shopping drink drugs trips. I spend mine on trips and get flustered when im judged. Set the buisness up sod what anyone thinks lifes for living

One of my siblings us always trying to turn hobbies into a side hustle. Often successfully, but then they lose interest.

I actually feel its a bit like thier own self worth is so tied up in financial reward that they cant do something just for pleasure. Like all thier time has to be financially productive. Which I understand if you need money, but less so if you are stable.

But that said if its painting or writing or something like that, I can see why you'd want to share your stuff with a wider audience and cover the cost of materials/time..

OP it doesn't really matter what your friends think. I turned a passion into a business and I love what I do. It is very far removed from my training and career, but I really enjoy what I do. It is quite profitable though, and my profit equates to what I would be earning if I had followed my career path.
My business is a bit of a secret in my family though- I know my sister and her family would judge me severely. I dont broadcast what I do to those who would judge me.

Why would you feel insecure over your friend starting a side business? This thread is so weird.

It probably makes them feel baffled, given that her job is stressful and she’s in no need of money. Why monetise a presumably relaxing hobby?

Exactly this

It probably makes your friends feel insecure- you already have a high earning job and now you’re doing even more.

However, you don’t need their approval. Go for it OP! You want to do it? Do it.

I don't understand commercialising a hobby unless you need the money. It adds a whole layer of work onto something that should be fun, for very little reward.

Also, "they're just jealous" is something our mums tell us when we're six.