Make time for your hobbies (they’re good for you!)
What are your hobbies and interests? How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
For a long time and over hundreds of interviews, this was my least-favorite interview question - and not because I’m uninterested! I was frustrated by all of the overly scripted answers.
There are over 45 million Google search results for “how to answer interview questions about hobbies.” Generally, they give similar advice: you must say that you have a hobby, connect it to the company or role, and emphasize team sports or volunteer work. Those things are great but personally, I’m much more interested in what that you actually love than what you think I want to hear.
A few years ago, I did a Google search of my own, looking for evidence that having hobbies makes you better at work. It turns out that they do! There is extensive research on the topic and paying attention to it has completely changed my perspective. Rather than transferable skills, when this comes up during an interview, I’m looking for the change that comes across someone’s face when they discuss a topic they’re passionate about.
The most memorable responses to this question have nothing in common other than being sincere. When someone shares an interest that they find engaging, it’s a great indicator that they are intrinsically motivated to learn new information or practice a skill. Hearing why they enjoy that hobby or how they got into it is also fascinating, whether it’s brand new or a lifelong pursuit.
Of course, the benefits go far beyond having a compelling response during a job interview. Here are four ways that hobbies can impact both your well-being and your performance at work:
Believing in yourself
Self-efficacy means believing in your ability to face challenges and complete tasks - it’s associated with confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset. When people seriously engage in activities that are different from their professional work, research shows that it has a positive impact on self-efficacy. So if you’re an accountant with a thriving vegetable patch, successfully finding solutions in the garden can bolster the belief that you can solve work-related problems too.
Reduced stress
Stress- and energy management frequently come up when talking about hobbies, as many people describe using these activities to relax or recharge. This study supports that claim, with the finding that participants who took part in leisure activities had more positive moods and less stress afterward. In another study, the days when participants spent more time on creative activities were followed by an increase in flourishing, which Adam Grant described as “the peak of well-being” in this article. Additionally, whether it’s jogging or painting, the positive effects of enjoying your hobby are amplified when you include all of the additional benefits of reduced stress, such as improvements in sleep, focus, and overall health.
More creative problem-solving
Research from San Francisco State University found that “creative pursuits away from work seem to have a direct effect on factors such as creative problem solving and helping others while on the job.” Examples of great thinkers with artistic hobbies appear throughout history, such as Albert Einstein, who reportedly took breaks from drafting the theory of relativity to play the piano.
Opportunities to explore
Activities outside work can be a great way to expand your network and meet new people; while also testing yourself with expanded responsibilities. For example, if you’re part of a non-profit organization consider volunteering to coordinate an event or running for a seat on the board. And if you’re looking for additional learning opportunities, books, and online courses can be a valuable supplement to on-the-job learning - whether you want to dive deeper into your professional expertise or broaden your knowledge in a completely new field.
There are many benefits, but having outside interests also means that your job doesn't have to be the only source of mastery or learning in your life. As important as professional success might be, it is only part of who you are. So make time for your hobbies and invest in your interests. At the very least, you’ll have a kick-ass answer the next time someone asks what you like to do in your free time.
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