In another life, I think I was perhaps a makeup artist.

Now, if you know me in real life at all, you know that I’m rarely without at least a little mascara and eyeliner. I’m some kind of makeup superstar, but I definitely enjoy doing my own and doing it for other people, like for my friend Brook on her wedding day. Since I work from home, it sometimes stinks because I don’t get to dress up all cute on a daily basis. I mean…I could. But Godiva would be the only one seeing it, so it’s kind of a waste of time.

I bring up this makeup thing because, as most of you know, I’m not a makeup artist. Not at all. I love makeup, I have fun with makeup, and I’m even passionate about makeup.

OMG BBQ ALLISON! YOU ALWAYS TELL OTHER PEOPLE TO WORK IN A CAREER FIELD WHERE THEY’RE PASSIONATE AND NOW YOU’RE A HYPOCRITE THAT ISN’T BRAVE ENOUGH TO QUIT YOUR JOB AND BECOME A MAKEUP ARTIST. SCAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMER AGHHHHHHHHHR!

I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what you’re thinking right now, down to the eleventy Ms as you called me a scammer.

But I’m not a scam artist any more than I’m a makeup artist. While it might seem like I’m not living the advice I dish out, the truth of the matter is that if you’re a passion person, you need to self-edit your interests to find the best job for you.

I’m passionate about makeup, yes, but I’m also passionate about writing, which is what I do as a career, and a lot of other things, like cooking, interior decorating, and playing video games. To me, my writing passion is not only easiest to translate into a career, but it is also the passion I have that allows me to enjoy other areas of my life. For example, I wanted a job where I could move around easily, and as a makeup artist, I probably would have had to live in a major city.

You don’t have to be this passion machine to enjoy your life. Some things are okay as just hobbies! Yes, it’s important to love your job, but just because it’s something you love doesn’t mean it has to be a job.