Vaping a hobby? (warning: low importance, rambling only)

[metasin]

I realized that there is a drastic difference between a habit and a hobby. It occurred to me the other day when I was completely frustrated to the point of giving up vaping and felt guilty with all the time and resources I have put into it in such a short period of time. Then it occurred to me that vaping indeed fits much more into the hobby category than smoking ever did.

Smoking is a habit plain and simple. I would buy a pack and light one up and enjoy the few minutes it lasted and discard. Rarely did I contemplate trying a new brand or a different method of smoking. There were no peaks and valleys of frustration and excitement (health concerns aside). I just continued smoking to satisfy my need to smoke.

Vaping is a ride I did not imagine at the time I decided to try it. There are times where I am so frustrated that I want to throw everything away and be done with it. There are other times where I enjoy it immensely and look forward to the next option to explore. I was caught in the frustration rut recently and was just wishing I could find the perfect set-up that would allow me to enjoy vaping on a consistent basis and forget about all the other options. Then it hit me that this is the difference between vaping and smoking (at least for me). The more I thought about it the more I realized that it was similar to all my other hobbies that have occupied my life from time to time. Fishing, reading, exercising, collecting, etc. all have this same cyclical nature about them. Extreme enjoyment and utter frustration take their turns as the hobby progresses.

Now I just decided to enjoy the ride and not be so concerned about the final destination. This is in fact a hobby that happens to replace a habit. And for now I am fine with that.

 

[flagreekguy]

Vaping is most definately a hobby. Smoking is a habit. you hide it and feel bad about it and are embarassed by it. when you becoming a vaporer you immediately realize the community of people that all share the same interest as you. yes, vaping is most definately a hobby 8)

 

[player30]

It's definitely a hobby for me, and I really enjoy exploring around!

 

[oldsoldier]

I'd say vaping becomes a habit once you get a Gen3 VV PV and dial in your own personal sweetspot. Then it's no more fiddling around, just vaping.

 

[trouble2k]

It's still a hobby for me, but I've also found exactly what I need in order to make it my new habit. I find that I don't have to explore every new PV that I hear about and wonder if it's better than what I have. I'm completely satisfied with what I use.

I will still check out links for the different types of equipment that are posted just to check them out. But, I feel a bit of loyalty and satisfaction with my trusty little eGo and almost feel like I'm cheating by looking at the newer, sleeker models.

I think I'm at the point now where I still research the new and different stuff that I hear about, but don't need to try everything that catches my attention anymore. I know which PV, juices, and equipment I need to just sit back and enjoy the ride. I did order in some different flavors of juice to try out this past week, but I'm not worried about whether I will like them or how long they need to steep.

Crap! I'm getting boring! Is this some sort of a "content rut"?

 

[Capt' Brian]

Agree, definately a hobby, but probably the most important hobby I have ever had. And it's fun.

For the first time in a decade I pulled out the dusty box of electronic tools and built my first mod, it was fun.

I'm happy with a 5v box mod and a tasty juice, but like the rest, I read and review, ponder and think. It's fun.

I've never, ever, ever even thought about finding a cigarette thread so I could ask a question about the new menthol flavor that just came out. That would be no fun.

Have fun!

 

[bruther]

I guess for most people, it fits the definition of being a hobby, I don't see it as a hobby though. I see it as more of a habit. It takes the place of cigarettes, which were a habit and I still desire the nicotine, which is an addiction or habit or whatever. If I could stop using my e-cigarette right now, I definitely would. Then I could spend more money on my hobbies.

 

[Harlequin]

New gadgets, new flavors, YouTube vids, forum chats etc. make it easy to become enthusiastic about vaping. Novelty and enthusiasm help to make the hobby of vaping an effective way to quit smoking, even though vaping is basically a harm-reduction method of maintaining a nicotine habit.