Careers that Value a Sense of Humour

By Hayley Shaughnessy

Laughter is the ultimate stress reliever for so many of us, especially while at work. Sharing a joke, a moment or even a funny YouTube video while on the job can help spark creative thinking and give extra fuel to a long day.

In honour of “Tell a Joke Day” on August 26th, we’ve compiled a list of different careers that place a value on having a sense of humour – either behind-the-scenes or right up-front. From working in the creative industry to professional services and beyond, a good attitude and sense of wit add to your charm as an employee and demonstrates your willingness to succeed.

If you’re someone who can inspire a hearty chuckle, or if you value having a sense of humour, here are some career paths you may want to consider.

Portrait Photographer

Posing still for a camera doesn’t make most of us laugh right away, but it’s the person behind the lens who does. Portrait photographers are part-time joke tellers when it comes to getting their subjects to loosen up for their photo op.

Not everyone is comfortable posing for a photo, but the photographer’s success hinges on the ability to elicit the best possible expression from their subject – sometimes, this isn’t the easiest task. Laughter creates a sense of comfort and trust between two people, can be the difference-maker that leads to the ideal shot in the end.

Advertising Executive

In the creative industry, humour is generally used first and foremost to build camaraderie amongst team members, clients and others in the workplace. It’s also infused in many ads to spark interest and a laugh from audiences. In the workplace, for advertising executives, laughing and telling jokes helps keep the ball moving on stressful project deliverables and deadlines too. A sense of humour helps them get through long work hours and build rapport with clients and colleagues.

Humour is even a beneficial thing for the employer too. Team-building and morale boosting contribute to driving bigger business and getting companies through tougher times.

Customer Service Representative

Playing an integral public-facing part in an organization takes courage and fearlessness. Letting go of a challenging moment facing a customer isn’t always easy. However, laughter is a perfect way to quickly acknowledge and move on. Even knowing that your colleagues are going through the same thing helps too.

If you learn to develop a sense of humour amongst your team, you can use that skill in dealing with customers too. Humour can be the great equalizer. Cracking a joke or telling a funny story to a customer when the time is right will likely get them to warm up to you and it’ll be easier and faster to establish a relationship with them.

Human Resources Manager

As a human resources manager, humour is oftentimes presented right in front of you. Someone says something silly by mistake in an interview, or an employee accidentally shares a funny story about a coworker in a review. Sometimes there are moments when it’s hard not to laugh and HR managers are tasked with having to hold it in for when the time is right, likely in a private place.

In some offices, joking behavior is even brought to attention and awarded. What’s unique for HR managers is that they can help instill this kind of work culture while still playing a professional part in a company’s day to day activities.

Emergency Room Nurse

Those who work in emergency services at a hospital may have a slightly different sense of humour than those in other industries mentioned above. But this doesn’t mean it’s not an effective way to help get through the work day and in helping patients. Humour in high stress and emotional work environments can act as a coping mechanism for facing unexpected scenarios, like those that happen in an emergency room.

There are few professions beyond working in a hospital where an employee is confronted with urgency and tragedy multiple times in one day. Being encouraged and able to look for humour in the unlikeliest places helps to move on from some of work’s hardest moments. After all, laughter is the best form of medicine.

Broadcast Journalist

As an informative entertainer, it’s ideal for a broadcast journalist to be equipped with a sense of humour both on and off the screen or microphone. Being both playful and professional is a skill to master. On screen, broadcast journalists are tasked with developing their own relatable voice and personal brand all while interviewing guests and informing their viewers on news on events.

Just like advertising executives, broadcast journalists must use their sense of humour to develop engaging content for the masses. With smarts and quick wit, they’re able to construct captivating stories while still weaving in comic relief for their audience.

Overall, laughing is something we share with others. It truly is a funny thing to think about and how it can be used with great effect in the workplace. Whether you find yourself rushing around to meet deadlines or help serve others, taking the time to laugh is worth it and creates a lasting memory.

For more advice on how you can giggle your way into a new gig or find the career path that’s right for you, visit career-advice.monster.ca