INFJ Careers: What You Need To Know When Changing Careers

[@gautruc6083]

I am an INFJ and I am having trouble finding the right career and direction for my future. Can other INFJs tell me what kind of word you are doing now and have you achieved what you want in that area? Does it really fit the INFJ's personality? Thank you very much!!!

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

Pinned this to hopefully get you some direct replies. I encourage you to read through the existing comments, too; a lot of great ideas in what people have shared already.

[@KruizerSS]

I work in Marketing with the Department of Corrections. Graphic Design was my first degree program, but I ended up doing Design Drafting for about 15 years prior to changing to Traffic Data Management for 10 years, which lead me to my current career in Marketing. (I know that makes no sense, but that's how life goes) Find what you are passionate about and see if there is a career that feels less like a job and more like making a difference while doing it.

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

@@KruizerSS Fascinating. Do you mean online traffic or road traffic? Thank you for sharing!!

[@KruizerSS]

@@CarolineAdamsCoaching Road Traffic. It was definitely different going from Road Design, a more creative field, to managing Field Crew and reporting on Road Traffic Data, a more analytical field. It really brought out the J side of INFJ, but I felt the need for a creative outlet as the years progressed.

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

@@KruizerSS SO COOL! It's always fascinated me how a subtle curve or hill massively impacts speed and other behavior. And road design--what a powerful unifier...or divider (see: Robert Moses). Thank you again for sharing.

[@jmonie02]

INFJ man here. Crazy thing is that I attract attention and I hate attention.

[@Ronnfn360]

Facts

[@leisurelord6242]

I think one thing for INFJs is to put a lot of work in overcoming their struggles with their mind as a first step. As INFJ are hyper creative/empathic, they don't lack the ability to feel and understand the outside world (often comes so easy for them), but they often lack the ability to manage their own minds. Mindfulness/meditation, or being able to relieve/separate yourself from your imagination and empathic feeling, is so key in order for INFJ to be calm enough to showcase their abilities in professional setting. Great video!!

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

💯

[@alexadellastella5247]

very true!

[@rosegaldamez1442]

I'm an infj and was a nurse in long term care. 😂 literally it feels like hell on nurse. Thank God I know I need to switch careers! That's the first step! AMEN!

[@LadyCharity]

When I was a teen, I wanted to be an art therapist for youth which combines creativity with healing. Love the descriptions of each trait for INFJs as an INFJ-A.

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

I LOVE this art therapy for youth idea, @Lady Charity! So needed and a beautiful example of combining unique things. What do you do now?

[@millymay0025]

Great video, you’ve hit the nail on the head with lots of points. Regards therapy style careers, INFJ’s need to be careful, we can get incredibly frustrated with people who continually refuse our suggestions, and/or don’t want to heal. Said with a good dose of humour here, but, most INFJ’s have an inbuilt counselling degree, and in frustrating situations we naturally shut the door, so being professionally obliged to keep trying, when we sense the effort isn’t reciprocated puts us in a difficult position. Due to our continual hyper awareness, again in a therapy setting we may well suffer burnout, as well as instinctively know when clients are lying and potentially ‘force’ the truth. However, I definitely think INFJ’s are perfect for solution driven careers, as you say. I’d encourage any INFJ to look at entrepreneurship, this can also be done in a way where we indulge our introverted nature and don’t get overloaded by office environments, where we don’t always feel understood or valued. Our creative, intuitive and brave minds find answers others don’t see, can implement strategy in unique ways and draw people to our cause with the passion and believe we have. My professional bio starts “Marketeer, Social Entrepreneur and Ethical Trail Blazer” that’s a pretty good description of what I’ve tried to do for the last 20 years. You are absolutely right, in that we are all about purpose. P.S You have a fascinating backdrop to your video, all INFJ’s watching this are listening to you while, deciphering the artefacts on the bookcase and theorising the meanings behind them…….in a very good, loving and curious way! ☺️ Thank you for the video, we appreciate someone taking the time to think and talk about us!

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

@B! Thanks for these insights. I love INFJs. I’m coaching two INFJs right now, and in different ways, they’re exploring how to not get overloaded by office environment, as you mention-one as an entrepreneur, the other in a more traditional role but out in the field with a lot of autonomy. Love that bio: great example of how INFJs seamlessly blend interests/strengths/fields of knowledge. P.S. I welcome questions/theories about the bookcase anytime!

[@millymay0025]

@@CarolineAdamsCoaching Autonomy, what a great word all INFJ’s love to hear 😀. I was further reflecting on your video today, as Psychology is such a natural attribute for INFJ’s, perhaps I was to hasty to steer away from the therapy sector. I admit the diagnostic side of Psychology has often appealed to me, the investigating, theorising and clarifying, rather than therapeutic counselling. Your bookcase has inspired me to re-envision my home office today! Thank you twice! 😁

[@yagyeshsingh6313]

Hey B, you are right and I agree with your words 100% because as I sit on my computer shop , when I give someone an idea they don't really understand why or whatever I am saying they don't have time to listen and understand . So, I am thinking of becoming a psychologist and will learn more things as I will become .( Sorry, if you're getting problem what I am trying to say ) 😓.

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

@@yagyeshsingh6313 what you’re saying is crystal clear!

[@lifeisbeautiful9455]

Couldn’t have said it better myself. I’ve counseled a lot of people but just because I’m not famous or have a book out, people don’t take my advice or my wisdom. Some are not looking for solutions.

[@INFJparadox]

This is 1000 percent spot on. I have been in my field for 30 years and my experience and wisdom are never taken into consideration. Everything has to come from management and they do not listen to anyone. Nor valued of course, and I work in cut-throat high stress legal field. I would love to be a counselor, but that requires a Masters and PhD, like the other careers you mentioned, which I do not have the financial means or time for. I'm 52 and was never able to complete my Bachelors. My entire life has been extremely difficult and traumatic. Now I am finally in a better place and beyond exhausted, but any other field I would get paid a lot less--I already took a $15,000 paycut when I moved from SF to Portland and I'm a single mom with a daughter and without any support financial or otherwise. I am going to keep searching though! Thank you so much for this! New subbie :)

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

Celebrating you for continuing to show up, @Divine* Feminine. Sometimes that's the best we can do, and it's worth honoring yourself for. 👏🏆

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

INFJs: Did I get this right? Something else I'm curious about: 16 personalities mentions BURN OUT several times as a risk for INFJs because of their idealism and focus on others instead of themselves. Do you agree with this? Comment below!

[@hayleighewing181]

Absolutely without a doubt the Burn Out is rough. It can take me a long time to finally fulfill the things I need to do for myself

[@LadyCharity]

I agree

[@creativespirit3035]

You did get it right - great video! As for the burn out, it is very real. Exhausting.

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

@@creativespirit3035 Take care of yourself! The world needs your contributions! 🥰

[@winscute]

Yes it true i care other people not myself. I realise this after along this time

[@shareofmoney]

I am an INFJ with several interests. I do feel the pull to entrepreneurship. I feel most in flow when I write but narrowing down things is hard for me. I am full of ideas at times but its hard to focus on one. A hybrid career is a good idea

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

@shareofmoney Entrepreneurship is a GREAT way to blend interests. Keep us updated on your journey!

[@DeleonRaye]

I am an infj and a career in counselling or teaching,are not appealing to me I ‘m more drawn towards communications the arts and entrepreneurships

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

Thanks for sharing, @Deleon. All great options. INFJs are fantastic communicators .so this makes sense. Go with what interests you

[@stevedavenport1202]

Same here. I am drawn more towards creative endeavors and entrepreneurship.

[@nickwhite3686]

I admit I could do those careers but would prefer counseling out of the two. Teaching would be too overwhelming in a group setting. Definitely interested in entrepreneurship and arts also above all.

[@jmonie02]

That's not a job title

[@alexjavovic6262]

I want just my silence

[@maestephens5687]

Also I have to step back and replenish frequently alone. I can over extend myself for the benefit of others because I want to help and because I love them and try and protect them. If I see it as my responsibility or under my care I will protect encourage and keep it safe. Safety and morality are very important to me. I hope this helps. What is right is right and what is wrong is wrong its that simple.

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

@Mae good for you for taking the time to replenish alone. So important for us to be whole SO THAT we can support others.

[@ouissaloui97]

Now I'm kinda proud that I'm an INFJ-A 😊❤️🥀 THANK YOU 🙏🏻

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

I'm so GLAD, @Ouissal. INFJs are FANTASTIC humans and have so much to offer. 💛🌈

[@lifeisbeautiful9455]

I’ve thought about a career in counseling but my fear is burnout. I’m very creative and I write but I’m an introvert as well but people think I’m a therapist and I’m not. I have been the go to person since I was a child. Nobody treated me like a child. It was a burden to get blamed for everything when you are looked at as the “Smart one” but I was the youngest. This was an attempt to deflect from accountability from my fathers side. I got blamed for everything and was responsible and I was the youngest but just because I was a female, he needed someone to blame. As an adult I’m trying to see it as a blessing the souls I encounter and my life’s lessons to use that to help others. People have joked and called me a psychic or Iyanla Vanzant and I take it as a compliment but it can be very draining. I’m in school now for bachelors in psychology and I wonder if I’m making the right decision if I choose to get my masters in industrial organization. I’ve read so many job descriptions for counselors and it gives me anxiety with everything they write down, as if you are trying to be on all the time. I fear being needed and suffocated because it goes back to my childhood and even relationships where people keep clinging to me and expect me to have an answer to everything or be the answer, so this gives them a reason to be mentally lazy but I have boundaries. I do a lot of problem solving even when I’m not trying to because I have an analytical mind but it’s exhausting.

[@ybrawley756]

Get some real-world experience before going into Industrial Psychology. Talk with people who do the job.

[@mariannami8049]

Agree. I’m a medical professional also considering going deeper into population health to improve access to medical services for all members of society.

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

Much needed, @mariannami

[@nicolettegraves6617]

This was an AMAZING breakdown. As someone whose worked as a product strategist and product marketer in the startup space + eventually as an entrepreneur you just helped me articulate my skills in a way I've never thought of before. Thank you!

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

YAY @nicolette! Go you!

[@alexandraromancsak]

I have to say that I clicked on the video because the shelves behind you intrigued me but I'm glad I did because your points were really useful 😊

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

Love this, @Symbolarium!! Come for the tchotchkes, stay for the useful career advice. 👏😂🌈

[@stevenhare927]

It seems like my 22 years being a supervising industrial valve technician. Being able to connect with power plant customers and diagnose their issues seems natural.

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

@Steven Hare Sounds like your communication superpower and getting to the heart of things is shining through!

[@maestephens5687]

Thanks for sharing this. Yes I love to give back and help people that can't help themselves. I am a CNA. I also like to give practical gifts and think outside of the box about solutions. I some times over step my bound and forget to ask if some one wants to vent and will readily give a solution to problem easily and concisely. Thank you again for this delightful and informative video.

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

@Mae Stephens Great awareness! Thank you for sharing these examples for how these elements show up for you.

[@fowchiiiliedpuppiesdied]

I’ll die if you suggest therapist. We despise the backwards protocol of this field. It is the opposite of therapy. We make outstanding therapists, unfortunately, most of the academic protocols for social work, psychology are horrific, and make people sicker.

[@martisearmstrong3052]

What a genuine, refreshing smile from beginning to end... I know you said you are an INTJ. But based on my observations, I would suggest that you are actually an ENFP... Just my observations...

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

@Martise you’re not the first to suggest that about being an ENFP! I believe my mom is an enfp and my dad was an intj, so it makes sense that I’ve learned to hone strengths from both. I def can tap into some of those enfp elements, but my happy place is my inner INTJ laboratory, haha.

[@eyewuenemurphy-akpieyi2623]

Perfect video.....I will definitely take the advice if combining the things I love into a career.... I am a lawyer but I don't feel fulfilled as one... I love creativity, art, innovation. I am trying to make a career switch and find something I can call my own.

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

Excited to see what you come up with, @eyewuene!

[@johannasmith8585]

I noticed a trend with myself as well as other infjs. We have this strong desire to be of assistance and make a big change in the world at a personal level but we put so much of ourselves into our work we get burned out and want to retreat and isolate to recharge. We go from high impact jobs to back of the house dont bother me type of work. Ive worked in daycares and nursing homes and special education and felt i was really making a positive change to factory jobs and back and forth. Its hard to find that balance and feel satisfied. Right now i think i would be satisfied in customer service knowing i could be a positive light to the people i interact with and not risk getting burned out again.

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

Great insight, Johanna. What I’ve worked on with infj’s is focusing on the environment: making sure others are giving back to you as much as you’re giving AND building the habit of engaging in ways that ALSO take care of you. You can still help all the people, AND we bring in what you what and need as well.

[@EdensApple80]

In my experience (recruiting for 15+ years), INFJs will thrive when they can become a SME in their respective field.

[@LaurieKayIntl]

Thanks for sharing

[@ryanfischer7009]

A subject matter expert?

[@annaspanna469]

But only when given the freedom to do the job we know best, in the most efficient, effective and robust way possible.

[@AshlynMercedez]

Wow I just suck as a person in general. I'm an INFJ bringing home less than 200 bucks a week and isn't good at anything and there is zero opportunity right here in the Ozarks for a disabled mom with a disabled child.

[@mariialyschyk1634]

I am INFJ and I don't know how to live this life🥲 I was a graphic designer, an illustrator, volunteer at a dog shelter and I experienced burnout every time. I look at the list of recommended careers for my type and do not understand how can anyone work there without having severe depression. Veterinarian - dying animals, no thanks. HR- sad overworked people quitting all the time. Any artistic job - everybody knows how to do it better and will tell you. For now, I am choosing between becoming a petsitter or suicide🙄

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

If you're having suicidal thoughts, please call 988. You can call, text, or chat 24/7. We need you here. You are not alone. 💛 You can also call 1-800-273-8255 There are a number of resources. These are US numbers, so if you're located outside of the US, we can find local options as well.

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

It sounds like you’ve had a rough road. There’s so much support out there to help with your career as well as the burnout and emotions that come with it. If you don’t mind sharing, what keeps you going when you’re having a rough time? Do you have a friend, family member, or someone else you can talk to? I’d love to hear more and am sure other INFJs here would want to know you’re okay.

[@JUBYY_]

I get it. Sometimes i feel i can't stand life, everything is too much, for my mind, my body, my spirit. I realize that we need part-time jobs to spend a lot of time by yourselves! And explore our ideas and feelings alone.

[@Chillingisbae]

@@JUBYY_ yes part time jobs sounds about right or a hybrid role. We often need a lot of time t recharge especially after to many face to face convo with others.

[@MartinLannion]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@kathysarmiento4652]

Excellent! Very helpful!

[@paulabroadway1697]

I was expecting to hear nursing as an INFJ career. What is the most common MB type for nurses?

[@JUBYY_]

ISFJ, i guess

[@trishabensonpriesmeyer5044]

I am on a INFJ FB group and recently asked what jobs/careers other INFJ’s had. There were a lot of medical field and especially nurses. Made me think it is what I should have done.

[@Bratenzie]

I’m an INFJ I’ve been thinking about esthetics a lot and being a esthetician, it seems like it would be a good fit it’s one on one and I can teach them about their skin and what I’m doing. It also is a bit creative and has self employment options , and some down time when cleaning rooms and setting up for new ppl. But there isn’t much money with that and I feel like I may get burnt out

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

Hey @Mack! It sounds like you’re really energized by this idea. I’d start by asking yourself the questions (repeatedly if necessary), “How can I do this AND make the money I want?” “How can I set this up to protect my energy and instill boundaries?” Then I encourage you to talk to people. Ask them these questions. Keep the answers you like and discard the ones you don’t until you find the right formula for you. There are so many ways to make money beyond traditional 121 (you could offer a self study course, you could have a KZbin channel, you could sell a mini guide to help people understand their skin - seriously so many ways.) Plus, if you’re self employed, don’t those spa procedures make $$$?! Use your beautiful creativity.

[@joanneg665]

Thank you 💟

[@moonmon77]

I would definitely advise an info to work in sth. where they do not have to do group work, especially with people who do not want to work or leave everything to you. I realized I am feeling much healthier and less stressed when I do not have to do group work to achieve my goal.

[@suleymanhos-ck5uv]

thank you very much it helped a lot

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

So glad it helped, @suleyman hos Thanks for watching!

[@nauticaldaydreams]

I often feel like the child who asks the obvious question.

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

Me, too, @mathew! I had a boss who used to tell me that it’s the best question to ask…bc everyone else in the room WANTS to ask it. “Obvious” questions are super powerful bc, for whatever reason, the answer isn’t clear.

[@amywilliamson9778]

Sounds a lot like me. Thanks!

[@jonathanjollimore7156]

I never had any clue what really wanted to do and I was never give change to ever even have a hope of dreaming about doing anything I wanted to I couldn't. Too many things going against me. Sometimes life doesn't throw you one problem throw many problems all at same time. It just dog piles you so can't even move

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

@jonathan jollimore I hear you. Sometimes the best we can do is get through it. As far as figuring out what you want, you can fully control that. One step at a time.

[@yagyeshsingh6313]

WOW, I love this video , you helped me choosing my career too and you mentioned one thing that merging two things like you gave example of ( Drawing the molecular or chemical reaction or whatever you tell us , i didn't remember what you were exactly saying but I get what you were trying to say ) Do you know this idea came to my mind too as i am thinking of doing something i will later learn one or two more thing that i find useful to me to do . I was planning to do the same 😃. Btw , loved this video .

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

DO IT, @Yagesh! 🌈 And come back here and share with us what you decide. I think the example I shared was medical illustration!

[@yagyeshsingh6313]

@@CarolineAdamsCoaching Yeah, Sure 😇❤️.

[@stevedavenport1202]

Are you kidding? I would love to be a part of an organization that value logic and reason. Seems like most have petty agendas that don't really use logic.

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

Haha, why do you think I started my own business? Mostly kidding, but when it comes to humans MOST of our behavior isn’t logical or rational. That said, pettiness is very frustrating. There are organizations that have the type of agenda you seek. They’re out there.

[@stevedavenport1202]

@@CarolineAdamsCoaching Thaks for the feedback 😀

[@spearcarrier9595]

I know it comes from a different place, but most of these ideas/traits are almost word for word the same as career options for INFP's. No wonder there is so much confusion between these two temperaments. Is there any one thing peculiar to either one which is never found in the other type? This would help distinguish between them.

[@CarolineAdamsCoaching]

Hey, @spearcarrier. They do have a lot in common, and even within a certain personality type there’s a spectrum - not to mention your unique experiences and interests. it might be helpful to zero in on the “P” because the type of environment ps vs js need to thrive is different: www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/judging-or-perceiving.htm But I’m curious, setting aside Myers-Briggs, what’s the work that energizes and excites you? start there.

[@yonyspena7913]

🙏🌹

[@michaeltomy186]

They have lowest paying

[@hurtjonnegut]

The music is really distracting, doesn’t seem to fit the video’s vibe.

[@AKayC77]

That background music triggers me as an INFJ. Hard to focus on what you are saying