Turning a passion into a career is not easy, especially when opportunities fail to present themselves. For many Egyptians, especially younger ones from lower-income families, the path is constrained long before talent or ambition can be tested. Economic realities and resource gaps hinder structured engagement in hobbies. Many balance school, work, and household responsibilities, leaving little room for leisure or experimentation. With no spare time or money to invest in lessons or tools necessary for hobbies, sports, music, art, or crafts, they are sidelined in favor of degrees perceived as safer routes to stable employment and income. The trade-off is driven less by preference and more by necessity, as cost acts as a decisive barrier. The economics of leisure Various organized hobbies typically require upfront and ongoing costs. Sports coaching, music or dance lessons, equipment, studio time, and club memberships are costly in relation to average incomes. While Egypt’s public minimum wage rose from about EGP 2,600 (USD 55) a month in 2009 to EGP 7,000 (USD 147.9) in 2025, hobby-related expenses remain steep by comparison. Renting a sports court averages EGP 330 (USD 7) per hour, and a monthly…
