For the past several years, I have been frantically searching for a way to turn my love of technology and consumer electronics into a full-time career. I have tried everything from selling advertising on this site (which are still available for five dollars) to joining pay-per-post sites like SponsoredTweets and PayPerPost. I have also attempted to join numerous online programs, like those presented by Joel Conn in ads scattered around the Internet.

Unfortunately, none of them seemed to work, and the prospect of turning my hobby into a full-time career seemed to sink with each failure. That was, at least, until I applied to join the Electronics department of my local Wal-Mart Superstore.

I mean, it’s the perfect job for me! For eight hours a day, I am paid (by a corporate entity, nonetheless) to answer questions and give advice to consumers just like you and I. I also get a deep-felt satisfaction when I introduce users to new technologies, like Blu-Ray and the iPhone 3GS, that they never would’ve discovered otherwise. This is the same satisfaction that I get from helping consumers make wise decisions about their purchases and helping them make informed decisions about the numerous technologies that they introduce into their homes.

While this hasn’t been the job I originally envisioned for myself (I always thought that I would be the host of Call For Help, back when the TechTV television network still existed), I love working at my local Wal-Mart. My co-workers are a lively, energetic, and friendly group who are willing to help me out at even a moment’s notice. The pay is somewhat competitive, despite the recent recession that is occuring in the United States at this time (I am paid almost eight dollars an hour to be a geek – how cool is that?). And numerous benefits, like stock options and health insurance, simply sweeten the deal.

All in all, I believe I have found the perfect way to turn my hobby into a full-time career. So, my question to you is this: how have you managed to turn a hobby into something more? Leave your thoughts and insights in the comments below.