Leaving the Hobby...SAY WHAT!?

This. I might stop buying new dolls and might leave DOA, but the dolls I have now are going to be with me for life. I wouldn't be able to sell the dolls that represent very dear characters to me.

Though I don't know why people insist that if they leave the hobby they'll be able to make back what they spent. (It's impossible, just consider how much you spend on shipping and customs for dolls, the average user won't charge the new buyer that cost.) Unless they have a limit doll, there is very little chance that they would be able to sell it for the price they paid. With the increase in dolls, companies and users the marketplace has become saturated and most people need to offer a discount to get a regular doll to sell these days.

 

This is very true... but compared to other hobbies, the potential to make back a significant amount of your money is vast, and I think for some people it is more appealing to have the cash to spend on new hobbies/other things, rather than to keep hold of dolls they no longer play with.

Of course, this is not true for everyone. I am very much in the 'keeping 'em forever thank you' camp!

 

I was very close to leaving the hobby once because I was tired of some attitudes, plus I was extremely short on money, but I realized that I can't let other people's attitudes influence something I really really enjoy like my dolls. I ended up staying in the hobby completely and sold a few dolls I wasn't interested in anymore, and I tend to keep to myself quite a bit more than I used to when I first got into the hobby. (Stopped going to meetups, talking one-on-one to less people, etc.)

 

I suppose finiances would be the main cause of if I left the hobby. though some times you go to meets and see these dolls that are so rare or so much more coveted, and it gets to you. I work really hard on my dolls, thought, I custom and modify them heavily. I suppose if I get pregnant I will have to put the hobby on a bit of hiatus and when the baby comes, i'd probably stop for a real long time, I want to focus myself on my child.. when I get one ... but I dont see myself losing interest...

I have, however ,considered leaving the hobby before because my best friend has such an intense hatred for these dolls and how much i like them, its gotten us in a lot of fights... she still doesnt really let me forget how much she hates it ... its put a strain on our relationship, too.

 

I'm determined never to leave this hobby as it represents for me a combination of interests annd inspiration gained over a life-time. When my first child was born and I was made redundant from my job I sold a lot of my belloved collectables and rare books to get by, and I am still sorry for it, knowing I will never be able to get them back...especially the books which I would have loved to share with and pass on to my children. Hence, when I bought my 1st doll last year I made myself the promise that although I may trade parts and accessories I will never leave this hobby ... I refuse to loose another part of myself.

 

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

Not personally, but I have heard of people. I think it's a shame that they have to sell something they put so much time and money into. But, maybe they just couldn't afford to keep their dolls. Perfectly understandable, because some of us here suffer too. (Finacially, of course.)

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?

Yeah. I didn't bond with my dolls right away, and I wasn't prepared. I didn't have nice clothes, nor the money to buy them, so I was stuck with boring old default stuff. Now I STILL want to sell them and buy new dolls. I know the style I want for them, and I'm just not happy with their style now. I could just switch-a-roo the clothes and stuff, but I don't think my dolls have the "face" for what I want to do. I'm so attached to my dolls now and I don't want to sell them, especially Kalix because he's so rare! But if I sell Aeryn, then Kalix will be lonely. UUUUGH!

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

Uhhh. No...?

 

Have you ever known someone who left the hobby and what did you think?
no, I don't personally know anyone whose left the hobby. Although I have read of people who have. What do I think? it's an entirely personal choice. After all, we all have different reasons for being bjd hobbyists.

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?
no, as this hobby is my release from my very busy real life. It's also connected with my lifelong interest in sewing and crafting. At times my life is so hectic with family and work that the dolls hardly get looked at (sometimes for months at a time). However when I return it's like rediscovering them all over again. Plus the bjd collecting world is always moving so quickly and there's loads of new dolls and news to catch up on.

Have you ever sold all your dolls, left the hobby, then eventually made your way back into it and bought another doll?
not yet! I'm not a "keep it forever" sort of collector so when I feel it's time to move on, I won't hesitate to resell the dolls that I don't connect with anymore. Then I'd use the proceeds to fund some other hobby or even expand my ever increasing fabric stash.

 

Have you ever known someone who left the hobby and what did you think?
I haven't known anyone, but when I hear about it I feel bad for the person. This hobby takes up a lot of money and time, and to hear of someone giving it up...

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?
Heh, yeah... I just don't have the money to really do much in this hobby, and without a camera it's hard to share or get opinions about your progress in face-ups, blushing, and the like. I just can't bring myself to sell my dolls! ;-;

Have you ever sold all your dolls, left the hobby, then eventually made your way back into it and bought another doll?
As said, it's crossed my mind a few times. I know I can get a good price for at least one of my dolls, but I just can't bring myself to sell him. I really can't. I'm selling my first car atm 'cause I can't afford it, but I can't sell my first doll.

 

After I purchased a core of dolls in around 2004, I almost completely stopped interacting with the community for about 2 years. When I returned, much had changed, and I was not active with den of angels at all. I did my own purchasing on ebay and such. Eventually I came around and back into the hobby in a more community way.

I feel like I may be due for another break soon, though. Hopefully not years this time, but a few months of just concentrating on what I have, and away from the temptation of what I don't have, would be very nice. There arejust so many hunky and pretty dolls these days. Its overwhelming!

 

I *LOVE* the way you put this. I'd never thought about it quite in that way, but yes. That's kind of what I do with mine as well. And it's also related, in an odd way, to the "dolls are very spiritual things" post (and all of that related issue that goes elsewhere...) I literally would have to be down to a desperate situation to sell some of my dolls. It would feel like losing a limb.

Stepping away from bad attitudes, inflexibility, and (gods help me but I'm an old-school English teacher and I just can't stop those reactions) horrible writing skills? You bet I could take a break once in awhile. Otherwise I end up walking around like a goon muttering "plurals do not take apostrophes.... the word is 'cheap,' not 'cheep'... And who wants that.

 

I'm kind of sadden to see some folks leave the hobby, but there could be many reasons for it. It just doesn't suite them anymore, financial reasons, personal reasons, etc.
I, myself, will probably keep my dolls because.. something about them always takes my breath away

Have you ever known someone who left the hobby and what did you think?
I haven't actually known anyone personally that left the hobby, though I've known ones that aren't collecting constantly (like spans it a good long time) or those who are content with what they got. But it is saddening when someone does leave. But I also look on the bright side... if they happen to have what I'm looking for, this is a great opportunity

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?
So far I hadn't thought of it. I may not exactly "leave the hobby" as I love my dolls I got now, and they are my inspiration. I may sell items or stuff/dolls I don't bond with or use if I need to, but otherwise I think I'll always have them, because I'm usually very serious about things if it hold my attention for along time. ^^

Have you ever sold all your dolls, left the hobby, then eventually made your way back into it and bought another doll?
Technically I've sold "all my dolls" before, but didn't really leave the hobby, as I've just not bonded with the first two I've gotten. I guess I was simply still looking :3

 

Have you ever known someone who left the hobby and what did you think?
The names I knew when I first joined up back in 2005 have mostly faded away. It's a little sad to see some people who's collections I enjoyed following stop posting or just reduce their activity but I can understand it.

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?
No, I can't say I've ever wanted to leave the hobby. I've had issues with individual dolls I've owned where I wanted to get rid of them asap but never anything as big as wanting to get rid off all of mine and leave BJD-dom forever.


Have you ever sold all your dolls, left the hobby, then eventually made your way back into it and bought another doll?
No, I don't plan on it either. As it stands I think I could replace most of my dolls with ease but some, like my Mano, would be impossible to get back. Plus, I'm really rather fond of my boys, I can't imagine giving them all up. It would make me too sad.

 

Have you ever known someone who left the hobby and what did you think?
-Yes. I don't know her in person but I usually see these kind of people in the marketplace. They usually sell off their dolls and say they are leaving the hobby. I feel kinda sad when people do that, but I think they have a good reason I guess.

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?
-NEVER!!! Unless it's life and death. But I did say to someone I was going to just to make her buy me new stuff for my doll.

Have you ever sold all your dolls, left the hobby, then eventually made your way back into it and bought another doll?
-Nope. But I knew someone who did. ^_^

 

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

No not personally. But I have seen some. It makes me sad because I don't get to see any more new things from them. But I respect their decision.

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?

Yes. Several times now. When my health gets poor I feel I cannot keep up with this hobby and it strains me out. Then it the level of interest drops. This hobby can get really stressful.

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

I have left for a bit but I didn't sell all of my dolls. In fact during that time I did nothing doll related and did not play with any of my dolls. Eventually I made it back into this hobby again.

 

Have you ever known someone who left the hobby and what did you think?
I've watched a few people come and go (and some come back around again). I was sad to see some of them go. I had no idea who some of the others were. Some I felt relieved when they left. It's like people moving through any other part of life.

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?
I've thought about it a few times... usually due to the community. I am interested in dolls as hobby, rather than a fandom. It probably seems like a stupid distinction, but to me a "fandom" implies more passive, fawning participation... whereas I tend to think of a hobby as being an active, creative activity. I don't like drama at all, and I absolutely hate some of the entitled behaviors in the dollyverse. There has been so much drama in the past month that I seriously considered packing up my dolls and going home.

I also find that I am interested in a smaller and smaller portion of the new releases, many of which have become very popular. I don't feel that I relate to a large portion of the newer hobbyists. I feel a little distanced and as though I am unable to find others who are interested in the same facets of the hobby as I am.

The main reasons I've stayed involved recently are 1) owning DoA makes extraction difficult and 2) I am having a ball sculpting a my own doll.

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

I haven't.

 

Have you ever known someone who left the hobby and what did you think?
I've seen a lot of people leave the hobby ever since I joined.
Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?
I've thought of leaving the hobby multiple times. Mostly for financial reasons and stress. I also have to look towards the years ahead. I was nervous that wouldn't be able to bring them with me where I go~ But this as been my first real hobby. I've really enjoyed myself, and I realized that you have to have at least one thing makes you happy ^^ I've met a lot of nice people~ Sure sometimes you don't some things in the BJD community but its not a big deal.

Have you ever sold all your dolls, left the hobby, then eventually made your way back into it and bought another doll?
When I first started the hobby I ended up selling my first two dolls and all of their clothes/wigs/eyes. I never really take "breaks" from my dolls. I always have them in their boxes, so I never really get to see them unless I have time. I've sold a some more dolls on the way, but now I know what molds I like and since then my wishlist got smaller. I'll probably have to stop getting dolls in the next year but it won't stop me from enjoying the hobby and customizing my bjds to their fullest potential~

 

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What an interesting thread. Since I have just started with BJDs, I will not likely move on soon.

I have known people who sold their doll collection and just moved on. Life is always changing.

 

I don't know anyone who has left the hobby, but I guess that's because I just got in it. I have my first doll and sometimes I wonder where that money went and wonder if it was worth it, but every time I look at her it makes me happy and she's just nice to have around. I am looking at other ones, but I keep restraining myself. Maybe one day I'll leave, but I would probably keep one or two depending on when I'd lost interest. I've always loved dolls and have had them since I was younger, so I wouldn't just really abandon liking dolls, just shy away from buying them or buying new clothes.

Sometimes I feel that if you're in the hobby you have to do a lot of what other people do and that being in this hobby you have to do this and that to your dolls and it becomes more exclusive than people think they are making it to be. I love my doll, I was a photographer before I became interested in BJDs and I don't really like photographing them, but "being in the hobby" makes me feel that if I like to do photography then I have to do it with my dolls or it seems I'm "missing out" if I don't.

Maybe I'd just take a break from the hobby and love my dolls. People sometimes are against companies just for their "quality" and I feel like, why not go get a Bobobie? I could love it just as much (if it was a sculpt I liked) and I could be happy. Not everyone could be, but I'd like to just be at peace with something I love that's pretty.

But yes, so soon I've been thinking of leaving the hobby, but in a different sense because I love my doll, but I don't like all the pressures that go along with it.

 

Have you ever known someone who left the hobby and what did you think?
I think one of the folks whom I admired has left, though he still seems to check messages every now and then. His doll was the first I got to hold and really look at up close. But he doesn't participate in the local chats anymore or appear at meets, which makes me a little sad, as I felt he was a genuinely nice person whom I would have liked to chat with more.

Have you ever thought of leaving the hobby and why?
I've spaced out for a while, but never really felt an urge to leave. My dolls are personal, and it's not necessary for me to be on any forum about them. I mostly talk now in our local threads, as I really love hanging out with the our local club. They're all people whom I'd feel very sad if they disappeared completely. Though, sadly, I will have to move eventually in the next few years for job reasons. I hope to still be able to talk to them on here at the very least.
The two dolls I have currently will not be leaving me, they hold significant milestones to me in my life, if not for those milestones, I would not have them. They are personal to me, and if I ever grow tired of fiddling with them on a weekly basis, they will be retired to a comfortable place with my other toys and sculptures on display. Other dolls I can't be so sure with, but we'll see in the end.