avocation
Leisure time pursuit
An avocation is an activity pursued for enjoyment rather than as a main occupation—a hobby or secondary interest that exists alongside one's regular work.
The word often appears in contrast with vocation, which is one's primary calling or profession.
Photography started as an avocation but eventually became her career.
Someone might describe gardening or woodworking as their avocation, suggesting serious engagement without the pressure of earning a living from it.
Nonprofessional participant
- enthusiastArdent admirer of something
- collectorOne who gathers items
- hobbyistRecreational pursuer of interests
- dabblerOne who skims surfaces
dilettante · gardening · woodworking · painting · knitting · pottery · philately · numismatics
Redirection of attention
- amusementPleased entertainment state
- entertainmentAgreeable diversion of attention
- distractionThing diverting one's attention
- recreationRefreshment through leisure
leisure · pursuit · interest · enjoyment · pleasure · escape · relaxation · weekend
Intense eager enjoyment
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
- dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
- loveIntense fond attachment
- fervorIntense emotional intensity
zeal · calling · pursuit · interest · commitment · obsession · ardor · drive
Lesser in rank
- supplementalAdded to complete
- ancillaryProviding additional support
- moonlightingCovert additional employment
- part-timeLimited work schedule
nonprofessional · extracurricular · unofficial · casual · occasional · amateur · voluntary
Skilled manual tradesperson
- handiworkHandmade work product
- craftsmanshipSkill in making objects
- skillAcquired ability through practice
- workmanshipSkill in creating objects
carpentry · pottery · weaving · embroidery · leatherworking · metalwork · woodcarving · ceramics
amateur
Nonprofessional participant
- enthusiastArdent admirer of something
- collectorOne who gathers items
- hobbyistRecreational pursuer of interests
dabbler · dilettante · gardening · woodworking · painting · knitting · pottery · philately · numismatics · brewing
diversion
Redirection of attention
- amusementPleased entertainment state
- entertainmentAgreeable diversion of attention
- distractionThing diverting one's attention
recreation · leisure · pursuit · interest · enjoyment · pleasure · escape · relaxation · weekend · after-hours
enthusiasm
Intense eager enjoyment
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
- dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
- loveIntense fond attachment
fervor · zeal · calling · pursuit · interest · commitment · obsession · ardor · drive · absorption
secondary
Lesser in rank
- supplementalAdded to complete
- ancillaryProviding additional support
- moonlightingCovert additional employment
part-time · nonprofessional · extracurricular · unofficial · casual · occasional · amateur · voluntary
artisan
Skilled manual tradesperson
- handiworkHandmade work product
- craftsmanshipSkill in making objects
- skillAcquired ability through practice
workmanship · carpentry · pottery · weaving · embroidery · leatherworking · metalwork · woodcarving · ceramics · glassblowing
avocationvocation
Dedicated career path
profession · career · occupation · calling · livelihood