UK study says beauty industry employs the happiest workers

I don't know anyone who goes into brow artistry for the money, nor have I met a masseuse who really wants to direct. Nope, all of the people who I've met in beauty are there because they feel passionately about makeup, hair, skin, nails and making people look and feel wonderful.

Proof that the beauty biz is full of relatively pleasant and contented souls, a UK study just reported that hairstylists, facialists, and other aesthetically-inclined folks are the most satisfied workers in Britain. (Builders and construction workers? Totally disgruntled.)

I can see why so many beauty peeps are pleased with their careers. When I was in high school, I wanted nothing more than to be a makeup artist. I practiced on all of my friends, studied Kevyn Aucoin's handiwork, stayed up for Victoria Jackson's infomercials, and taped the backstage makeup segments on Style with Elsa Klensch. When I got to college, I did makeup for weddings and even assisted on a movie set. (I even got to powder Joan Jett's nose under the hot studio lights.)

While my path eventually led to writing about beauty, I clearly remember what an incredible feeling it was to sit with someone whose obligation was to relax and become more beautiful under your skillful hand. It's incredibly positive.

This kind of intimacy and connection is hard to find if you're a plumber, accountant, or insurance salesman. Has anyone ever hugged their lawn guy or gone out to celebrate after he does an incredible job? If you have, then is your name Gabrielle Solis from Desperate Housewives?