INFP Careers to Avoid
In this article, we will discuss the topic of avoiding INFP careers. INFP, or Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving, is one of the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
If you are an INFP, you will likely be a creative, empathetic, and romantic person who enjoys helping others and positively impacting the world. However, not all careers are suitable for your personality type. Some jobs may not align with your values, preferences, or strengths, causing you to feel stressed, unfulfilled, or even depressed.
To help you avoid these potential pitfalls, we have compiled a list of INFP careers to avoid. In this article, we will explore why these jobs may not fit you well and some alternative careers that may better suit your personality type. So, let’s get started!
INFP Careers to Avoid
As an INFP, you will likely be a sensitive, reflective, and imaginative person who values authenticity, meaning, and personal growth. You may enjoy working in a creative, supportive, and non-confrontational environment where you can freely express your ideas, feelings, and values. However, some careers may not offer these opportunities or require you to compromise your principles, preferences, or integrity. Here are some of the jobs that INFPs may want to avoid:
Sales Representative
As a sales representative, you would be responsible for convincing people to buy products or services you may not believe in or care about. You must use persuasive tactics, such as flattery, fear, or urgency, to close deals and meet quotas. You would also face rejection, competition, and pressure from your superiors, clients, or colleagues. This may conflict with your ethical standards, authenticity, and emotional well-being, causing you to feel stressed, anxious, or guilty.
Corporate Executive
As a corporate executive, you would manage a team, department, or company and make decisions that prioritize profit, efficiency, or competition over social responsibility, creativity, or empathy. You would have to deal with bureaucracy, politics, and conflict and may have to sacrifice your values or goals for the sake of your organization. This may conflict with your idealism, intuition, or authenticity, causing you to feel disillusioned, frustrated, or trapped.
Law Enforcement Officer
As a law enforcement officer, you would be responsible for enforcing laws, maintaining order, and protecting citizens, even using force, violence, or intimidation. You would have to deal with dangerous, unpredictable, or hostile situations and may have to compromise your empathy, intuition, or ethics for the sake of your duty. This may conflict with your compassion, creativity, or authenticity, causing you to feel traumatized, disillusioned, or resentful.
Military Personnel
As a military personnel, you would be responsible for defending your country, executing orders, and risking your life in combat. You would have to follow strict rules, discipline, and hierarchy and may have to suppress your emotions, creativity, or individuality for the sake of your unit. You would also face physical, mental, or moral challenges that may test your resilience, courage, or values. This may conflict with your empathy, imagination, or authenticity, causing you to feel isolated, depressed, or traumatized.
Financial Analyst
As a financial analyst, you would analyze financial data, predict trends, and make recommendations to clients or managers. You would have to deal with complex, abstract, or quantitative information and may have to prioritize profit, risk, or efficiency over social responsibility, creativity, or empathy. This may conflict with your intuition, idealism, or authenticity, causing you to feel bored, unfulfilled, or stressed.
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Alternative Careers for INFPs
If you are an INFP, you may want to consider some alternative careers that may better suit your personality type. Here are some of the jobs that INFPs may find fulfilling and meaningful:
Writer
As a writer, you can use your creativity, imagination, and empathy to craft stories, articles, or books that inspire, entertain, or educate others. You would be free to express your ideas, feelings, and values in your voice. You may be able to work independently or collaboratively with other writers, editors, or publishers. This may align with your intuition, authenticity, and passion for communication and self-expression.
Counsellor
As a counsellor, you can use empathy, intuition, and communication skills to help others overcome emotional, psychological, or relational challenges. You could work one-on-one or in groups with clients seeking your support, guidance, or insight. You may also be able to specialize in a particular area, such as marriage and family therapy, addiction counselling, or career counselling. This may align with your values, compassion, and desire to make a positive impact on others.
Social Worker
As a social worker, you could use empathy, intuition, and advocacy skills to help vulnerable or marginalized individuals or communities. You could work in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, nonprofits, or government agencies. You may be able to specialize in a particular area, such as child welfare, mental health, or community development. This may align with your values, idealism, and desire to promote social justice and equality.
Artist
As an artist, you can use your creativity, imagination, and sensitivity to create visual, auditory, or performance art that expresses your inner world and resonates with others. You would have the opportunity to work independently or collaboratively with other artists, producers, or curators and may have the chance to showcase your work in exhibitions, concerts, or festivals. This may align with your intuition, authenticity, and passion for aesthetics and self-expression.
Teacher
As a teacher, you could use your empathy, intuition, and communication skills to educate and inspire students of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities. You would have the opportunity to design and deliver lessons, activities, or projects that cater to your students’ learning styles and interests and may have a chance to specialize in a particular subject, such as literature, art, or psychology. This may align with your values, curiosity, and desire to share your knowledge and wisdom with others.
FAQs
What is the INFP personality type?
INFP stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving, one of the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). INFPs are known for their creativity, empathy, idealism, and introspection.
What are some common careers for INFPs?
Typical careers for INFPs include writer, counsellor, social worker, artist, teacher, therapist, musician, or human resources manager.
Why should INFPs avoid sales representatives?
INFPs may want to avoid sales representative because it may require them to use persuasive tactics, such as flattery, fear, or urgency, to close deals and meet quotas, which may conflict with their values, authenticity, or emotional well-being.
What are some alternative careers for INFPs?
Alternative careers for INFPs include writer, counsellor, social worker, artist, teacher, therapist, musician, or human resources manager.
How can INFPs find a suitable career?
INFPs can find a suitable career by exploring their interests, values, strengths, and personality traits and matching them with the requirements and opportunities of different jobs. They may also want to seek guidance from career counsellors, mentors, or online resources.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as an INFP, you may want to avoid specific careers that may conflict with your values, preferences, or strengths, such as sales representative, corporate executive, law enforcement officer, military personnel, or financial analyst. Instead, you may want to consider alternative careers that may better suit your personality types, such as writer, counsellor, social worker, artist, or teacher. By choosing a career that aligns with your authentic self, you may be able to find joy, fulfilment, and purpose in your work and make a positive impact on the world.
