Using the concept of fulfilment and the framework of the serious leisure perspective, this book examines the signposts marking the fulfilment career. This career begins with an interest in a serious pursuit, leading to an efflorescence many years later in amateurism, hobbyism, volunteering, or devotee work - and ultimately deeper fulfilment.

Robert A. Stebbins is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Sociology at the University of Calgary, Canada. Among his many books are Serious Leisure: A Perspective for Our Time and The Idea of Leisure, and Planning Your Time in Retirement. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.