How to create the life you love: 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.
