Pros and Cons of Various "Special" Interests

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Been thinking a lot about the pros and cons of various special interests for a person on the spectrum, or at least one that can communicate.

In the case of more "mechanical" ones like the sciences and their technological application, it's easier to forge a meaningful career outside of teaching on skill and expertise rather than self-promotion that's more difficult for us. The subject matter distracts us from not fitting in, but it's also harder to discuss with laypeople.

In the case of "soft" interests like the arts and humanities (for me politics, history, and all sorts of narrative media or entertainment including music, movies/tv, literature, etc.), it's easier to have something to talk about with even unversed NTs, if not at the level we're accustomed to. However, it's extremely difficult to make any stable living outside of academia (I don't relish speaking to groups of young people after my experience with them growing up) without the ability to sell oneself as a creative, self-directed, spontaneous person (maybe I'm just not that distinctive?). Also, the subject matter constantly reminds us of the skills or experiences we struggle with most: leadership, teamwork, humor, friendship, and romantic love.

Any other opinions or experiences to share?

A "special interest" is "pro" if it makes you a better person, and/or if there's some financial reward for it

It's a "con" if the "special interest," say, costs you money that you will never earn back; makes you depressed; makes you forget to go to work or to eat-----creates a unhealthy obsession which affects your everyday life.

I think a special interest can be useful if it helps one acquire useful job skills. Though what is useful is constantly changing, the ability to regularly participate in an activity like a special interest is likely to be useful for some time. A big part of working is just the ability to show up and be there.

Science-Fiction (My special interest)

Pro: Stimulating to the imagination. Introduces controversial topics in an abstract way.

Con: Mostly written by men, for men, and about men. Features impossible pseudo-sciences.