Chemistry takes some initiative these days, but the dark age after the golden age of chemistry sets is pretty much over. Mining, I dunno, buy a shovel? Hobby

Chemistry takes some initiative these days, but the dark age after the golden age of chemistry sets is pretty much over. Mining, I dunno, buy a shovel? Hobby prospecting - sluicing and panning for gold, mostly - was still a thing in the rural west when I was a kid. I'd bet you could find a forum or something if you searched. Process engineering, I don't know what you'd want to do as a hobbyist. Mechanical engineering - 3d printers and chinese machine tools are affordable. It's never been easier to buy small parts and fasteners. The free finite element simulation packages are getting pretty good.