Type One and Type Two: A Useful Model for Understanding Fun and Work

Over brunch with two of my dear friends a few months ago, one friend laughingly told us about a vacation she had recently taken with her fiancé.  She described the trip — which involved roughing it in the Alaskan wilderness — as “Type Two” fun, which she differentiated from “Type One” fun. 

The latter, she explained, is fun in the moment (think, relaxing on a beach, or eating delicious food with friends at a highly reviewed restaurant), while the former is the sort of activity that can be called fun in retrospect but not necessarily in the moment (think, gathering your own kindling and then cooking dinner over a fire after you spent the day hiking 15 miles through cold and drizzly weather). 

My friend was quick to point out that while Type One fun may initially seem like the preferable vacation (who doesn’t need some relaxation?!), there are definitely perks to Type Two fun, including that it often leads to a sense of accomplishment as well as rejuvenation, and it also typically creates unforgettable memories.  In short, there is a time and place for both types of fun, and it’s worth seeking both. 

I loved this differentiation, not only because it helps me consider the types of fun that fill my everyday and how I might be doing a better job of balancing out Type One and Type Two, but also because the concept translates to other areas of life. 

For an example, like fun, I think there are two types of work satisfaction: Type One involves completing tasks that are energizing and enjoyable in the moment (for me, this includes one-on-one meetings with students and colleagues and reading articles or books within my field to improve my craft), and Type Two, which can feel difficult and sometimes even tedious or overwhelming in the moment, but leads to good things (for me, this includes brainstorming new projects, working through the nitty-gritty early planning steps and inviting collaboration).  To thrive in the workplace, you need both types of career-related satisfaction. 

What are your versions of Type One and Type Two fun?  How about Type One and Type Two work satisfaction?  Seeking balance in both of these areas can lead to a varied and dynamic life.