How to find your dream job: The role of play personalities in career fulfillment
Several years ago, I found myself stuck in a job I dreaded going to everyday.
I should have loved it. College had prepared me, there were interviews, I was selected. But, somehow it didn’t satisfy. Then I stumbled across the work of my now-friend, Dr. Stuart Brown, who wrote one of my favorite books. I had the opportunity to see Dr. Brown present his work pre-pandemic, and was able to change jobs while also adding areas of joy into my life.
If we can name what we truly love to do, it’s likely we can start walking toward that career.
The concept of “play personalities” was introduced by Dr. Stuart Brown, a pioneer in the field of play research.
According to Dr. Brown, individuals have different preferences and inclinations when it comes to play.
He identified eight play personalities that reflect different ways people engage in play.
Joker
This play personality is characterized by a love for humor, jokes, and witty banter. Jokers enjoy playful pranks, improvisation, and making others laugh.
Jobs a joker might enjoy:
- Comedian or stand-up performer
- Improvisational actor
- Comedy writer or humorist
- Entertainment industry professional (e.g., TV show writer, producer)
Kinesthete
Kinesthetes thrive on physical movement and sensory experiences. They enjoy activities like sports, dancing, and any form of play that involves physical coordination and expression.
Jobs a kinesthete might enjoy:
- Athlete or sports coach
- Dance instructor or choreographer
- Fitness trainer or personal trainer
- Physical therapist or occupational therapist
- Trail guide
Explorer
Explorers have a strong curiosity and a sense of wonder about the world. They enjoy discovering new places, trying new experiences, and engaging in imaginative and adventurous play. These curiosities can also be figurative, such as exploring new worlds through the books you read.
Jobs an explorer might enjoy:
- Outdoor adventure guide or tour operator
- Travel journalist or blogger
- Archaeologist or anthropologist
- National Geographic photographer or videographer
- Editor or beta reader for a publisher
Competitor
Competitors are driven by the desire to win and excel in competitive play. They thrive on challenges, games, and activities that involve strategy, goal-setting, and achievement.
Jobs a competitor might enjoy:
- Professional athlete or sports coach
- Salesperson or negotiator
- Stockbroker or trader
- Business strategist or consultant
Director
Directors love organizing and orchestrating play scenarios. They enjoy planning and directing others, creating rules, and taking on leadership roles in group play activities.
Jobs a director might enjoy:
- Event planner or coordinator
- Project manager
- Film director or producer
- Theater director or stage manager
Collector
Collectors are passionate about gathering and organizing objects or information. They enjoy hobbies like stamp collecting, card collecting, or gathering knowledge about specific topics.
Jobs a collector might enjoy:
- Museum curator or archivist
- Librarian or book collector
- Antiques dealer or appraiser
- Data analyst or researcher
Artist/Creator
Artists/Creators are imaginative and expressive. They enjoy engaging in creative play through activities like drawing, painting, writing, crafting, or any form of artistic expression.
Jobs an artist/creator might enjoy:
- Graphic designer or illustrator
- Writer or author
- Musician or composer
- Fashion designer or stylist
Storyteller
Storytellers have a natural inclination for narrative and storytelling. They enjoy creating and sharing stories through various mediums, such as verbal storytelling, writing, role-playing, or even creating videos.
Jobs a storyteller might enjoy:
- Journalist or news reporter
- Content writer or blogger
- Screenwriter or playwright
- Documentary filmmaker or documentary producer
It’s important to note that these play personalities are not exclusive, and many people find they show traits or three or more listed here.
If you’re curious about where you fit and would like to take a quiz to help discern these areas, there is one in each of my books noted below. You can also download just the quiz itself for an itty bitty cost through the link in our online courses (also below).
If you are intrigued by one in these lists, consider conducting an informational interview with someone who has these jobs to see if it might be a good fit for you.
Since I’ve encountered Dr. Brown’s work, I have written two books on play — one for educators, one for general humans, and presented multiple lectures on the power of play.
As a play ambassador for the US Play Coalition, I’m passionate about sharing the power of play for wellness and overall happy lives.
As you continue to seek answers to your own questions on play, you might be interested in the following articles:
- Play vs Playful: Can I have both?
- The five qualities of playful intelligence: How I found what my life was missing
- The benefits of play: why adults need recess and more (upcoming)
Do you need additional support for incorporating play in your life?
- Listen to our playful banter as we seek to build a playful life.
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Jed: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook - Consider buying our books on Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, Target, or Amazon. We appreciate the love.
- Buy some PLAY-swag.
5. Enroll in one of our FREE courses.
