Serious leisure is the systematic pursuit of an amateur, hobbyist, or volunteer activity sufficiently substantial, interesting, and fulfilling for the participant to find a (leisure) career there acquiring and expressing a combination of its special skills, knowledge, and experience. The term was coined by Robert A. Stebbins
Examples include amateur musicians, athletes, scientists, and entertainers. Among the hobbyists are collectors and people who make things (e.g., quilts, furniture, pastries). Serious leisure volunteers are found, among other places, serving in hospitals, nonprofit organizations, museums, and zoos.
by Serious Pursuit March 26, 2011