Leaving the Hobby...SAY WHAT!?

Have you ever known someone who left the hobby and what did you think?
No, I have not had any close personal friends who have left the hobby, that I can remember. But when I see people on DoA posting "leaving the hobby" sales, I do sometimes wonder why. But I know very well that enthusiasm for a hobby can change, as I have left some hobbies almost completely myself.

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?
No, I haven't even considered it. I've collected dolls since about 1987, and though I sold all of my previous collections to fund my BJD hobby, I don't see myself getting out of the BJDs any time soon. I've been in the hobby going on seven years now, and my enthusiasm for them and their characters has not waned, though I don't post on forms as often as I used to. I don't consider myself to be a BJD collector. I call myself a BJD enthusiast.

Have you ever sold all your dolls, left the hobby, then eventually made your way back into it and bought another doll?
Nope!

This is the main reason I would like to know if a friend was leaving the hobby. I would be worried if someone I knew of and communciated with, even if it was just online, suddenly disappeared.

Linda S.
galatia9

 

I've had lots of hobbies thruout my life - I may not be devoting as much time to some of them but I keep the things I've collected. Most of these hobbies were activities - bellydancing, SCA, Ren faires, etc - & I'm just not as active (I still dance for exercise). I did lots of ceramics in my 20s & then stopped, but I STILL have some of the pieces I made. I didn't get rid of the supplies until I realized they weren't usable anymore. I've been collecting little stuff all my life, which I'm now using for BJDs. Sewing & writing have been my major loves over the past 40 years, & both fit right in w/these dolls.
My point - I have never liquidated anything hobby wise unless it can't be used anymore (ie costumes that don't fit.... ~sigh~). I certainly will never do it w/these dolls - I might be forced to sell some later on if I get into some horrible financial straits - which I DID have to so w/some costumes 20 years ago. But to just get bored & get rid of everything because I'm tired of it - will never happen because it has NEVER happened to me over the past 40 years. I like the things I like, & have done for years.

 

Have you ever known someone who left the hobby and what did you think?

I have met a couple of people who were leaving the hobby. It was sad, but in a way that "life moves on" can be sad.

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?

No, but I finally got the courage to buy some dolls after years of just looking at them, so I'm not ready to leave.

Have you ever sold all your dolls, left the hobby, then eventually made your way back into it and bought another doll?

No.

Times change, people change, so it's not unthinkable that some people move on out of the bjd hobby. As many people have mentioned, sometimes life gets in the way and you have to sell. So I can't say "I would never sell my dolls!", because the possibility always exists that I might have to.

My interests can wax and wane in hobbies, but I have a hard time letting things go.

 

Have you ever known someone who left the hobby and what did you think?

On the Danish BJD forum, I've seen people leave the hobby many times. I think it's sad to see an old member leave. I remember all the great fun the person have been a part of. But if they lose the interest, I understand. No point in holding on to such expensive items, if you actually don't want them.

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?

Never. I keep away from anything that bothers me in this hobby, so I'm having a great time. I can't say there won't come a day, where I'll lose interest, it has happened to other hobbies of mine, but I can't see it anytime soon.

Have you ever sold all your dolls, left the hobby, then eventually made your way back into it and bought another doll?

No, but I hate the thought that I could sell them all and regret. I would rather pack them away and see if I change my mind.

 

I don't know anyone personally who has left the doll hobby, although I wouldn't be surprised to see people moving on after a time. It is still a hobby no matter what, and folks' interests can change just as they once changed to bring them into the hobby in the first place. I have seen it in other hobbies where people will move on.

I have yet to consider moving on myself, but then again I have been into this hobby for far less time yet than many others here (just a few years).

 

I have never completely left the hobby but sometimes I go months at a time where I don't pay much attention to my dolls and I don't participate in the hobby or forum. Then I come back and often do much more. Longest amount of time I have been out of the hobby was 9 months last year.

 

I took several breaks from the hobby, but never quit. I mostly didn't have time or I didn't have something I thought I needed for dolls, like a sewing machine or a camera. I really enjoy sewing and taking photos, so when I couldn't do that, I didn't feel the need to do something with my dolls and just handled them from time to time to make sure their stringing was right and such.
I also came across some nice people here on DoA, who left after a while and haven't come back, yet. So I think they really quit instead of just taking a break like me.

 

Have you ever known someone who left the hobby and what did you think?

I've heard about people leaving the hobby, but haven't talked to them/known them. At first it used to surprise me to put so much time and energy into something and then lose interest. Now, I can kind of understand how you can feel that way. Some people have spent $20,000 on dolls. I can see how you can wake up one day, think about how much you really have wrapped up in dolls and freak out a little bit.

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?

The thought has crossed my mind, but that's mainly because BJDs is a huge cost since I'm a poor college student. Mainly having a guilty conscience when thinking about the things I could buy with $1,000. But I'm sure once I get out of school and have a full-time job, I'm sure I won't feel that the money I have spent on BJDs is that excessive. I also go in cycles of what interests me, for awhile it will be BJDs, then movies, then Pokemon merch, so it bothers me when I don't pay attention to what I spent the most money on (BJDs). I can't ever say that I've thought about actually putting my dolls up for sale, but I do think about what I could be doing with the money XD

Have you ever sold all your dolls, left the hobby, then eventually made your way back into it and bought another doll?

Nope. I would only sell my dolls if it was an emergency. Even then, I would try to find other solutions so it didn't come to that.

 

Have you ever known someone who left the hobby and what did you think?
Yes, I do know someone who left the hobby. I was kind of sad since I would love to see this hobby grow but people change and they move on with their lives. Maybe they will get into again in the future because the only reason why they left was because they were having financial troubles.

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?
No, or at least not yet. I am still into dolls and the fact that you can do so much with them means that there is always something new to do. The only reason why I would leave is if I run into financial trouble, even so, I would still get back into it.

Have you ever sold all your dolls, left the hobby, then eventually made your way back into it and bought another doll?
That would probably be me in the future. XD

 

Have you ever known someone who left the hobby and what did you think?
Yes me.

Have you ever sold all your dolls, left the hobby, then eventually made your way back into it and bought another doll?
I had a temp leave. I had over 27 dolls and most of them were limited dolls (Soom mostly)...talking around 8-10k worth here so it might have seemed insane. I just had a huge change in my life and spirit. It was one of the most painful things I have done. I remember taking apart my little KDF cherry boy and balling my eyes out. I cried hard. I loved each doll I had, but at the same time it was overwhelming for me. But having to take some of them apart and put them up for sale was really tough. But in the end it was for my good! I couldn't stay on the road I was on. I had "lost my way" with dolls...but there was one huge reason I sold the dolls that I can't really talk about, but it did a lot of good. I knew when I was selling them I'd be back, but this time I'm going to be a smart doll owner and just enjoy them and not get so caught up in every new release which is really addicting btw! I'm also different now and actually like girl dolls. I used to collect only boys really with one girl in my old group. I actually got two girls on the way who I'm very excited about because I have plans to begin sewing clothes for them.

Oh there was also the fact I was moving 1600+ miles so it was almost necessary to sell most of them. I had two left over when I moved and one of them ended up with a few injuries cause of it. I rather those dolls I used to have be in the hands of someone who will cherish them than lost or damaged in the move.

 

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?
yes. because it was too ... complicated? I was just never satisfied with any of my dolls. I wasn't really going anywhere with them and it made me really really sad I figured it was too much trouble and decided that it was best I would sell all but one of my dolls, and take some time to think whether I will buy others in the future. (but in the end I had a problem with my only doll and became completely doll-less for about half a year)

Have you ever sold all your dolls, left the hobby, then eventually made your way back into it and bought another doll?
well I'm still here, am I not. xD I currently have 3 dolls and waiting for 3 more! I must say, I'm really proud of myself! I could never own more than 3 at the time and if another one was coming in, one at home was being sold on layaway :/ I feel like my dolly plans are more figured out so I should not re-try to leave the hobby anytime soon unless I find out I'm dying .....

 

Have you ever sold all your dolls, left the hobby, then eventually made your way back into it and bought another doll?

Yes I did well except I haven't bought another doll yet though taxes will be here soon and I'll be getting one then. In 2009 I quit the hobby because I was honestly more interested in drinking and partying with my new friends and they had me convinced it was a stupid hobby. I sold off all my dolls including the Heliot I had waited 9 months for and sold after only a month of having him home. Gave the clothes to the few people in the hobby I was still connected to and tossed out all my craft supplies. Looking back on it now I truly regret it. When I came back I found my account had been stolen and used very poorly forcing me to start from scratch and try to clear my name. I can't wait to get my new dolls and jump back into the hobby full force.

 

Well.... I'm new in the hobby, but I think I will eventually quit.
I don't want lots of dolls, I mostly want a few dolls that will represent certain characters. I'm thinking I'll have, at least 2 [which would mean selling my first], or max: 5.

I would love to be at least a little active[photos, comments/posts, etc], and maybe make friends here. But I don't know if it will be something I'll still be doing in, say, 8-10 years?

But hey, maybe that's what I'm saying now. I might become addicted to dolls, who knows, haha.

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Oh, and I do know a little someone that was thinking about selling her doll and quit the hobby, don't know if she's still planning to, but it was a little sad. Not shocking, but a little sad.

 

Have you ever known someone who left the hobby and what did you think?
I've been in this forum since 7 years ago and I remember many people back then who stopped posting almost 4 years ago (as soon as BJDs started to get popular) there is one who sticked out to me the most because I would enjoy her posts and she seemed to love her dolls a lot. Her username was 'CacauBR', she was a bright, humble girl. I miss her posts :[

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?
Leaving the BJD community, yes. Leaving my current dolls, no.

Have you ever sold all your dolls, left the hobby, then eventually made your way back into it and bought another doll?
I have sold dolls and I have left the community for some years but I always come back. I have 3 dolls that will never be sold, they are just like one part of myself, especially the first one. I could leave the hobby community because of college or busy life but I would eventually come back. This hobby is not just about getting dolls, you can do so much things with them such as painting, photography, sewing etc so i don't think I would ever leave my BJDs, only the community.

 

Have you ever known someone who left the hobby and what did you think?

Only a handful at most. And that's their choice, life happens, financial, health and sadly death.

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?

No. I got into the hobby for me. I find the dolls beautiful and a source of inspiration for continuing on. It keeps me going even if I am not as active in it as I used to be because of health and financial issues that goes with my cancer condition. I have been turned off by some fandom aspects of people being childish and two faced. But generally I avoid such people like the plauge at meet ups and on line. You can pick and choose the choice is yours, its like that in any hobby or even work place. Besides I have met more good people than bad who are into the hobby and the social aspects are worth persuing.

Have you ever sold all your dolls, left the hobby, then eventually made your way back into it and bought another doll?

Nope. I have so far never sold a doll that I own. I only own 8 and a few heads that one of my dolls uses in his character. If finances became necessary I would consider selling a few items. But only if it was absolutely necessary.. and there are a lot of other things I could sell before I would sell one of my BJD's.

 

Have you ever known someone who left the hobby and what did you think?
I have only known one, I always thought it was sad, but that if they were just not getting the enjoyment out of it, then I can understand. And hope they find something that they enjoy more.

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?
I have but only when I find myself frustrated with the projects i'm working on, or when I'm in a bit of a financial bind. But its usually one of those train of thoughts going way over board.

Have you ever sold all your dolls, left the hobby, then eventually made your way back into it and bought another doll?

Not myself but I have heard of others.

 

I remember when Lazulistar was selling off her dolls. We didn't know her or anything about her except vaguely of her dolls...we were shocked! It seemed very sad.

I don't think I could ever leave the hobby completely. Maybe cut the collection down and move on to thinks that I love in a different phase of life...sure. People change. But I know that some of my dolls absolutely pull at my heartstrings, and I would be sad to let any of them go. Change from active doll photographer/seamstress? Maybe. But they'd still be a part of my life.

Of course, I'm a packrat and I never really let anything go. >_>; I may not be the best person to talk.

 

Have you ever lost interest in this hobby for a while and thought about leaving the whole hobby behind and selling all your dolls? Or when you are buying yet another expensive doll or set of clothes do you ever think that what if you lose interest and all that money spent on this will make you regret the whole thing? I'm just curious. I believe everyone has phases when they don't have the time or interest to play with dolls for weeks or even months but has there been a longer period in your lives?

 

yep i decided to leave this summer , i had been thinking of it for while. i decided to keep the dolls i couldnt be parted from - my favorite ones and sell the others and accessories on. that way i will only have the ones i want and would miss and everything else i wouldnt miss would go. it worked out all ok so far and im happy with my choice as i found another hobby which takes up pretty much all of my time so i found the bjds were not getting any attention. my kept dolls are displayed and look pretty but i will not be adding to them.

 

I sometimes say I will leave the hobby out of frustration! (too many limiteds, not being able to get dolls like I want them to be, disappointment...) but I never really mean it. And I've never thought ' what if I lose interest' I'm deadly certain I won't; same how I've never lost interest in any of my other hobbies anyway. (: