Is there a word for the object of a dilettante?

Question

A dilettante is currently defined as:

"a person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge" - OED, online (2020) version

However the etymology is from the word "delight".
(I believe, but don't know, it did not always have the contemporary negative connotation, which I believe, but don't know, it has.)
I'm looking for a word that describes what a dilettante or dabbler might be dabbling in, without entailing interest. Here's an example. My skills include writing a balance sheet, professional taxes, and forensic auditing, while my ___ include astronomy and metaphysics.
Interests and hobbies imply interest, which I'm trying to avoid.

Anton · Accepted Answer

I suggest dabblings, a word that you approach in your question, and one that fits your specification well.

dabbling noun
a superficial or intermittent interest, investigation, or experiment
“his dabblings in philosophy and art”
Merriam Webster

Among my own dabblings is an interest in English language and usage.

Ricky · Answer

My professional skills include writing a balance sheet, taxes, and forensic auditing. Astronomy and metaphysics are among my amateur interests.

Tinfoil Hat · Answer

Dilettante is a bit of a pejorative (as you noted), so you probably don't want to invoke that.
How about avocation?

1 : a subordinate occupation pursued in addition to one's vocation especially for enjoyment : HOBBY
Source: Merriam-Webster avocation

Example: My professional expertise includes balance sheet writing, tax preparation, and forensic auditing. Among my avocational pursuits are astronomy and metaphysics.
Or maybe just: My professional expertise includes balance sheet writing, tax preparation, and forensic auditing. In my spare time I enjoy studying astronomy and metaphysics.

gidds · Answer

A diversion can be ‘A hobby; an activity that distracts the mind.’ (Wiktionary)
(As @sameagol mentioned, the related French word ‘divertissement’, meaning an entertaining diversion, is also used in English, though I think very rarely.)

user3067860 · Answer

What a dilettante does is their "pastime". ("an activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment rather than work; a hobby" -- from Oxford Languages)
I don't know of a single word for what you're actually requesting, though. Usually it would be a phrase or implied...perhaps in an "About the Author" (or artist, or developer, etc.) page. "She earned her degree in financial accounting at Made Up University; but has happily not used this skill at all as a writer of technical manuals."

Mark Morgan Lloyd · Answer

I've heard of "enthusiasm" being used (by the dilettante's long-suffering wife) in this context.
Reference in response to an "improve this post" notice: Liverpool Daily Post, circa 1973, writing on a local man who dressed as a samurai and made paper flowers.

user405662 · Answer

I suggest hobbyhorse

a. A favorite hobby.

b. A topic that one frequently brings up or dwells on; a fixation.

[AHD]

Is there a word for the object of a dilettante?

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