Choosing the right career can be scary. Think about it – you make a decision when you are eighteen or so, and it will impact you for the rest of your life. Even if you decide to change careers later on, the path has been forged. The choices you made in college, your experience, and however you got to wherever you may be at the time usually impact where you will end up.

From the time we are very young, we get asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Sure, our responses are usually far more whimsical at that age. It may be something fantasy based, like a pirate or a princess. But more often than not, it’s based on something linked to our personality. For example, children may want to be a firefighter or a police officer. Perhaps it’s because they like the idea of serving the greater good and being considered heroes. Those who say they want to become a teacher or a nurse probably have a nurturing side to them, and it’s a career where they can dedicate themselves to others. Some children base their choices on their own heroes. Perhaps they want to be professional football players, YouTubers, or musicians. But you rarely hear a young child say they want to be an accountant or a neurodevelopmental pediatrician. Still, these careers exist, and at the end of the day, someone decides that is what they want to do with their life.

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Where Your Personality Comes In

Your character and personality traits play a huge role in choosing a career and ultimately determine your success and job satisfaction. At the very least, you will do it eight hours a day, five hours a day, for forty years. So choosing well makes all the difference.

There is an old adage that says if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. And while that may not be the case every day, there is something to be said about job satisfaction and doing something that suits you and that you enjoy doing. So, let’s explore the relationship between personality traits and career choices and see how you can find a career that aligns with your strengths.

So, Which One Are You?

There are so many ways to categorize personality types – some more ‘out there’ than others. But to go into all of them, I’d have to write an entire book. So let’s focus on the three most well-known and well-researched – the Five-Factor model,  the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and the Enneagram model. I’ve had personal experience with all three, so I can vouch they are relatively accurate. Sometimes scarily so.

The Five-Factor Model

The Five-Factor Model is probably the most widely accepted and thoroughly researched psychological theory on personality types. It describes five broad aspects of human personality. Then, it pits them against the extreme opposite traits – characteristics where you can only really identify with one or the other with little room for gray areas. It has been used in businesses, universities, and schools since the 70s.

However, there are so many other things to consider. If you are an introvert but hate anything to do with numbers, accounting is not for you. At the same time, just because you are an extrovert, it doesn’t mean you would enjoy a career in sales. This is a very broad way of highlighting potential fields, not suggesting specific career choices.

Extroversion VS. Introversion

Extroverts love people. They are sociable, extraordinarily outgoing, and thrive on interaction with others as it energizes them. On the other hand, introverts are more reserved, preferring to work alone or in small groups. As a result, they become drained and exhausted by people. Introverts are introspective and reflective, needing time alone to recharge.

Careers that suit extroverts include sales, marketing, public relations, and event planning. These fields require excellent communication skills, the ability to engage with people, and a high energy level. For introverts, careers such as writing, research, accounting, and computer programming may be more suitable, as they provide opportunities for focused, independent work.

Conscientiousness VS. Carelessness

Conscientious people are reliable, responsible, and detail-oriented. They are hardworking, goal-driven, and enjoy structure and routine. On the other hand, careless individuals may be more disorganized and impulsive. They tend to be less concerned with rules and deadlines and may struggle to meet expectations. Careers that value conscientiousness include law, healthcare, finance, and education. These fields require attention to detail, adherence to procedures, and a strong work ethic. In contrast, careless individuals may succeed in creative areas such as art, music, or design, where they can channel their impulses into innovative work.

Agreeableness VS. Disagreeableness

If someone is agreeable, they tend to be friendly, empathetic, and cooperative. These team players value collaboration and harmony and often choose social work, counseling, teaching, and customer service-related careers – fields that rely on good interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to work well with others.

Disagreeable people are more assertive and independent. They prefer to work alone, are less concerned with social norms, and are more likely to succeed in entrepreneurship, leadership, or other roles that require assertiveness and independence.

Openness VS. Closed-Mindedness

Open people are curious, imaginative, and creative. They enjoy exploring new ideas and concepts and may be drawn to artistic or intellectual pursuits. Careers that value openness include journalism, writing, design, and research, as they need creativity, imagination, and a willingness to take risks.

Closed-minded individuals, on the other hand, are more conventional and less interested in exploring new ideas. They usually prefer structure and routine and may be uncomfortable with change. Closed-minded people succeed in areas like accounting, engineering, or law, where there are clear guidelines and procedures to follow.

Emotional Stability VS. Neuroticism

Emotionally stable people are calm, resilient, and even-tempered. They can handle stress well and are less likely to become overwhelmed or anxious. Careers that suit them include healthcare, emergency services, law enforcement, and military service. They need someone who can stay calm under pressure and handle stressful situations gracefully.

Neurotic people, however, may be more sensitive to pressure and struggle to manage their emotions. As a result, they are also prone to anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Neurotic individuals often succeed in creative fields or roles that allow for flexibility and self-care.

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a widely used personality assessment tool that puts people into one of 16 different personality categories. These 16 types are based on four pairs of opposing traits.

Extraversion VS. Introversion (I)

This describes how someone prefers to interact with the world around them. For example, extroverts tend to be outgoing, friendly, and energized. At the same time, introverts are more reserved, introspective, and energized by quiet time on their own.

Sensing (S) VS. Intuition (N)

This considers how people gather information about the world around them. For example, sensing types focus on facts and details and prefer to work with information that can be directly measured. However, intuitive types focus more on patterns, possibilities, and potential, choosing to work with abstract or theoretical concepts.

Thinking (T) VS. Feeling (F)

This looks at how someone makes decisions and evaluates information. Thinking types tend to prioritize logic, reason, and objective analysis. They rely on impersonal, unemotional criteria when making decisions. On the other hand, feeling types put empathy, compassion, and personal values above everything else. As a result, they are more likely to consider the impact of their decisions on others.

Judging (J) VS. Perceiving (P)

This dichotomy describes how someone approaches the outside world. Judging types are organized, structured, and prefer to plan and control their environment. Perceiving types, however, tend to be more spontaneous, flexible and like to keep their options open and adapt to changing circumstances.

When taken together, these four dichotomies create 16 different personality types, each with its unique combination of traits and tendencies. It may look overwhelmingly complicated, but a simple test will point you in the right direction, even if you feel you can’t quite pinpoint yourself on the list.

Of course, the career suggestions are general and don’t necessarily apply to everyone. Still, the MBTI can be a helpful tool in understanding your strengths and weaknesses – essential for choosing a career path that aligns with your values

The Enneagram Model

A few years ago, my colleagues and I did the Enneagram test as a part of our team-building conference. We had a facilitator do a whole presentation on each type, its strengths, weaknesses, and quirks. It was years ago, but I remember it in vivid detail because it was so accurate. Not just for me, but I recognized each team member in the personality groups they’d been identified as – sometimes comically so.

The Enneagram model describes nine different types, each with unique motivations, fears, and desires. Understanding your Enneagram type provides insights into everything that makes you tick, how you think and see other people, and a potential career path.

Type 1 – The Perfectionist/Reformer:

We all know at least one of these. They are super conscientious, responsible, and detail-oriented and can be pedantic. Yet, they thrive in a career where they can uphold standards, create improvements, and maintain ethical behavior like law, accounting, and editing.  

Type 2 – The Helper/Giver:

Remember your favorite teacher? The one who always made you feel better? It’s likely your teacher was a type 2 – they are empathetic, nurturing, and enjoy supporting others. They are always the first to offer a helping hand and gain strength, knowing they are making a difference in the world, no matter how small. Type 2s excel in careers where they can help people grow, heal, or develop, like social work, nursing, teaching, as a therapist, or in human resources.

Type 3 – The Achiever/Performer:

You don’t want to play Monopoly with these guys, but they are great to have on your team. They are goal-oriented, adaptable, and focused on success. Type 3s thrive in careers where they can set and achieve ambitious goals, lead others, and be recognized (significantly) for their accomplishments – even if it’s just with bragging rights. They are usually very successful in sales, marketing, entrepreneurship, and PR.

Type 4 – The Individualist/Romantic:

These deep, creative, introspective, and emotionally expressive people excel in careers where they can harness their creativity and artistic talents. They are innovative, create unique solutions, and love to explore their emotional depth. Type 4s are often artists, writers, musicians, or designers.

Type 5 – The Investigator/Observer:

When I studied the Enneagram model, this one was also known as the Quiet Specialist. They are the broody ones who are analytical, curious, and think independently. Type 5s thrive in careers where they can research, solve complex problems, and develop expertise in specific areas. They are your scientists, engineers, researchers, programmers, and analysts.

Type 6 – The Loyalist/Skeptic:

Loyalists are reliable, cautious, and responsible. They thrive on stability, like to manage risk, and support others (to minimize their risk). You’ll often find them in risk management, IT security, law enforcement, or human resources.

Type 7 – The Enthusiast/Adventurer:

Think of the colleague or classmate bouncing on their heels, ready to run when you can barely say two words until you’ve had your coffee. They are energetic, optimistic, and spontaneous. Type 7s choose careers where they can explore new ideas, engage with others, and avoid repetitive tasks, like travel consultants, entertainers, or event planners.

Type 8 – The Challenger/Protector:

Also known as active controllers, Type 8s are assertive, confident, and decisive. At their worst, they can come across as hard or demanding. Still, they have excellent leadership skills, think clearly amid the chaos, and excel in careers where they can create change and take charge. As a result, they make fantastic business owners, executives, managers, and lawyers.

Type 9 – The Peacemaker/Mediator:

Type 9s are the calm in the storm. They are supportive and diplomatic, excelling in careers where they can create harmony, foster collaboration, and help others find common ground. Type 9s often choose careers as mediators, counselors, human resources managers, or work in customer service.

Find Yourself And Choose Your Path

There are many other personality tests out there that can help you understand yourself better and help you choose a career that harnesses your superpowers. But while understanding your personality type can help you choose the right career path, it’s not the only factor to consider. Take the time to assess your skills, interests, and values to make an informed decision about your career path. Remember that finding the right career is a journey that takes time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end.