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Career Path
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Type & Career Satisfaction

Key factors for finding job satisfaction based on your type

source: Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type, by Paul D. Tieger, Barbara Barron, and Kelly Tieger (Completely Revised and Updated 2014)

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ISTJ

Career satisfaction factors

Is technical in nature and lets me depend on my ability to use and remember important facts and details
Involves a real product or service done in a thoughtful, logical, and efficient way, preferably using standard operating procedures
Lets me be independent, with plenty of time to work alone and use my excellent powers of concentration to complete projects and/or tasks
Is done in a stable and traditional environment, where I will not be required to take unnecessary risks or use untested or experimental approaches
Has results that are tangible and measurable, where precision and exacting standards are used and respected
Has explicit objectives and a clearly defined organizational structure
Gives me adequate time to prepare before presenting or turning in my work, preferably in a one-on-one or small group setting
Gives me increasing levels of responsibility, with a minimum of social politics, where I am evaluated on how well I have achieved the requirements of the job description and am appreciated for my contributions
Is done in an environment where my practical judgment and experience are valued and rewarded
Allows me to set and reach stated goals by providing me with the necessary resources
πŸ›‘οΈ

ISFJ

Career satisfaction factors

Requires careful observation and meticulous accuracy, where I can use my ability to remember facts and details
Lets me work on tangible projects that help other people, often requiring great accuracy and attention to detail
Lets me express my compassion and devotion by working hard behind the scenes, but where my contributions are recognized and appreciated
Is done in a traditional, stable, orderly, and structured environment, where the results are practical and service-oriented
Requires that I adhere to standard procedures, use practical judgment, and follow through in a careful, organized way
Lets me focus all my energy on one project or one person at a time, working on products or services that have observable end results
Gives me a private work space so I can concentrate fully for extended periods of time and with a minimum of interruptions
Lets me work primarily one-on-one, helping others, or with other people who share my personal values and beliefs
Requires me to be organized and efficient in completing my assignments
Does not require too frequently that I present my work in front of groups of people without having adequate time to prepare well in advance
πŸ›οΈ

INTJ

Career satisfaction factors

Lets me create and develop original and innovative solutions to problems to improve existing systems
Lets me focus my energy on the implementation of my good ideas, working in a logical and orderly way and in a setting that rewards my perseverance
Lets me work with other conscientious people whose expertise, intelligence, and competence I respect
Gives me credit for my original ideas and lets me maintain authorship and control over their execution
Allows me to work independently but with periodic interaction with a small group of intellectual people within a smooth-running environment free from interpersonal squabbles
Exposes me to a steady stream of new information, providing me with new ways to increase my proficiency and competence
Lets me produce a product that meets with my own high standards of quality rather than with the personal likes or dislikes of others
Does not require the repetitive execution of factual and detail-oriented tasks
Provides me with a high degree of autonomy and control, with the freedom to effect change and develop people and systems
Is judged by uniform and fair standards for all, where performance evaluations are based on established criteria rather than on personality contests and that compensates me fairly for my contributions
🌟

INFJ

Career satisfaction factors

Lets me consider and create new ideas and/or approaches to a variety of problems, mostly those that help others to grow and develop
Lets me produce a product or service that I believe in and am proud of
Recognizes my authorship and ownership and my unique contributions
Lets me express myself and see the results of my vision
Lets me implement my ideas for the good of people or in the service of others; lets me work with others on a one-to-one basis
Is done in a friendly and tension-free environment where my ideas are seriously considered and where I am psychologically supported for my efforts
Can be done independently but with the opportunity to share frequently with others in an environment that is friendly and free of interpersonal conflict
Lets me organize my own time and work environment and exert significant control over both the process and product
Gives me adequate time to formulate and process my ideas so they are thoroughly prepared
Is in harmony with my personal values and beliefs and lets me maintain a high degree of personal and professional integrity
πŸ”§

ISTP

Career satisfaction factors

Lets me identify and use resources that are available to me in the most efficient manner possible
Lets me practice, master, and then use skills I have acquired, especially mechanical skills or those requiring the use of tools
Lets me apply my understanding and technical knowledge of the world around me and see the logical principles underlying my work; lets me engage in troubleshooting and problem solving
Has clear directions; where I can work expediently and deal with real and practical products
Is fun and active and lets me work independently with frequent opportunities to get out of my work space and be outdoors
Is done in an environment without excessive rules or operating standards imposed by others; where I can enjoy spontaneous adventures and step in to manage any crisis
Lets me work independently, with a minimum of supervision, and where I am not required to closely supervise others
Gives me plenty of time to pursue my interests and hobbies
Gives me a substantial amount of enjoyment and is continually challenging
Lets me use an economy of motion and energy and does not require needless routine or procedures
🧩

INTP

Career satisfaction factors

Lets me develop, analyze, and critique new ideas
Lets me focus my attention and energy on a creative, theoretical, and logical process, rather than on an end product
Is challenging and deals with complex problems, where I am able to try unconventional approaches, and take risks to find the best solution
Lets me work independently with plenty of quiet, private time to concentrate and complete my thinking process
Lets me set and maintain my own high standards for my work and determine how my performance will be evaluated and compensated
Is done in a flexible, nonstructured environment, without useless rules, excessive limitations, or unnecessary meetings
Lets me interact with a small group of highly regarded friends and associates, all of whom I respect
Gives me opportunities to constantly increase my own personal competence and power and lets me meet and interact with other powerful and successful people
Lets me develop ingenious ideas and plans and lets me delegate the implementation and follow-through to an efficient support staff
Does not require me to spend time directly organizing other people or supervising or mediating interpersonal differences
🎭

ISFP

Career satisfaction factors

Is consistent with my strong, inner values, and is something I care deeply about and want to contribute my energy and talents to
If done with others is in a supportive and affirming climate where I am a loyal and cooperative member of a team
Requires attention to detail, where I work with real things that benefit other people and have practical applications
Gives me freedom to work independently but nearby other compatible and courteous people, and where I don’t feel restricted by excessive rules, structure, or inflexible operating procedures
Lets me be adaptable yet committed; where I have a sense of purpose and am able to see and experience the actual results of my accomplishments
Lets me use my sense of taste and aesthetics to enhance my physical work space, personalize it, and make others feel more comfortable
Is done in a quietly cheerful and cooperative setting and where interpersonal conflicts are kept to a minimum
Gives me an opportunity to experience inner growth and development within a context of work that I feel is important
Lets me handle problems promptly and simply, offering practical help
Does not require me to perform regular public speaking, lead a large group of people I don’t know well, or give people negative feedback
🌈

INFP

Career satisfaction factors

Is in harmony with my own personal values and beliefs and allows me to express my vision through my work
Gives me time to develop substantial depth to my ideas and maintain control over the process and product
Is done autonomously, with a private work space and plenty of uninterrupted time, but with periodic opportunities to bounce my ideas off people I feel respect me
Is done within a flexible structure, with a minimum of rules or regulations, letting me work on projects when I feel inspired
Is done with other creative and caring individuals in a cooperative environment free from tension and interpersonal strife
Lets me express my originality and in which personal growth is encouraged and rewarded
Does not require me to present my work frequently in front of groups of people or be called upon to share before it is completed to my satisfaction
Allows me to help others grow and develop and realize their full potential
Involves understanding people and discovering what makes them tick; allows me to develop deep one-to-one relationships with others
Allows me to work toward fulfilling my ideals and not be limited by political, financial, or other obstacles
🎯

ESTP

Career satisfaction factors

Lets me meet and interact spontaneously with many people; offers something different every day, and is fun
Lets me use my keen powers of observation and my capacity for absorbing and remembering facts
Lets me use my ability to search for solutions to problems, using first-hand experience and then critically analyzing these solutions to find the best ones
Is active and full of adventure and fun, where things happen quickly, and where I am allowed to take risks and be alert to new opportunities
Lets me respond to unplanned situations, using unconventional approaches, where I can skillfully negotiate satisfactory solutions
Is done in an environment without a lot of rules or restrictions, where I work with other practical and lively people and am able to enjoy free time after completing my assignments
Lets me organize myself as I go along and as I deem necessary, rather than according to someone else’s standards
Is practical and logical, where I can use my reasoning abilities to find discrepancies or flaws in the logic of a system and fix it on the spot
Leaves me free to respond to a crisis and work in an expedient manner dealing with pressing issues
Involves real people and things, not theories or ideas; where my efforts are directed to producing a tangible product or service
πŸŽͺ

ESFP

Career satisfaction factors

Lets me learn from hands-on experience, where I look for solutions to problems from gathering all the facts at my disposal and by using common sense
Lets me get personally involved in the tasks at hand, working directly with clients or customers, out in the field rather than away from the action
Lets me work with lots of other people in an active and social environment, with variety, fun, and spontaneity
Requires skillful handling of people and conflicts, the ability to ease tensions to help groups work more cooperatively, and the ability to motivate others
Lets me juggle multiple projects or activities, especially those that utilize my aesthetic taste and sense of design
Lets me interact throughout the workday with other easygoing and social people who share my enthusiasm, energy, and realistic point of view
Lets me work on projects that are of immediate utility and take into account the needs of people around me
Is done in a friendly and relaxed environment, without hidden political agendas
Rewards my hard work and good intentions, and where I feel appreciated for my contributions
Lets me have fun, enjoy everyday surprises, and where there is a minimum of bureaucracy, rules, or restrictions
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ENTP

Career satisfaction factors

Gives me opportunities to engage in creative problem solving and/or generating new and innovative approaches to problems
Lets me implement my innovative solutions in the creation of more efficiently functioning systems
Acknowledges and encourages my creativity, competency, and ability to improvise
Lets me experience a variety of situations filled with fun, action, and excitement
Follows a logical order and is based upon objective and fair standards, rather than the likes or dislikes or one individual
Lets me increase my professional and personal power and interact frequently with other powerful people
Lets me meet and have constant interaction with many different people, especially those I respect
Can be done in a rapidly changing, high-energy environment with significant interaction with others
Is done in an environment that is casual and unstructured; where I can experience a high degree of personal freedom, time off, and the opportunity to operate in a spontaneous way
Allows me to design or start projects but does not require me to follow through with tedious details
🎨

ENFP

Career satisfaction factors

Lets me work with a diverse group of people on a variety of projects, motivated by creative inspiration
Lets me create new ideas, products, services, or solutions to problems that will help other people, and then see my projects become reality
Is fun, challenging, and always varied
Rarely requires me to handle the follow-through, routine details, or maintenance of a system or project
Lets me work at my own pace and schedule, with a minimum of rules or structure and the freedom to act spontaneously
Lets me meet new people, learn new skills, and continually satisfy my curiosity
Is consistent with my personal beliefs and values and lets me create opportunities that benefit others
Is done in a friendly and relaxed environment with humor, goodwill, and a minimum of interpersonal conflict
Allows me the freedom to follow my inspirations and participate in exciting and intriguing adventures
Is done in an environment that appreciates and rewards enthusiasm, ingenuity, and imagination
βš–οΈ

ESTJ

Career satisfaction factors

Lets me work systematically, organizing facts, policies, or people, and use time and resources efficiently toward a logical conclusion
Lets me use mastered skills while working on concrete and straightforward assignments with clear specifications, using my strong reasoning powers
Is measured and evaluated by fair, logical, explicit, and objective standards
Is done in a friendly environment with other hardworking and conscientious people who do not bring their personal problems to work or expect me to share my personal feelings on the job
Is realistic and tangible in nature and has practical applications and concrete results
Has clear expectations and reporting hierarchy
Lets me be productive, organizing the necessary steps and resources, following established procedures, and setting and meeting deadlines
Is done in a stable and predictable environment, but one that is also filled with action and a variety of people
Can be done with other people, enabling me to be in charge of myself and others
Lets me make decisions and have a great deal of control and responsibility; where my opinions, recommendations, and experience are considered important
βš”οΈ

ENTJ

Career satisfaction factors

Lets me lead, be in control, organizing and perfecting the operating systems of an organization so that it runs efficiently and reaches its goals on schedule
Lets me engage in long-range strategic planning, creative problem solving, and the generation of innovative and logical approaches to a variety of problems
Is done in a well-organized environment where I, and others, work within a clear and definite set of guidelines
Challenges and stimulates my intellectual curiosity and lets me work with complex and often difficult problems
Gives me opportunities to meet and interact with a variety of other capable, interesting, and powerful people
Gives me the opportunity to advance within the organization and to increase and demonstrate my competence
Is exciting, challenging, and competitive; where I am in the public eye and where my accomplishments are seen, recognized, and fairly compensated
Lets me work with other intelligent, creative, ambitious, and goal-oriented individuals whose competencies I respect
Lets me set and meet goals and implement my organizational skills to keep myself and others focused on the larger goal while accomplishing all my objectives in a timely and efficient manner
Lets me manage and supervise others, using logical and objective standards and policies that utilize each person’s strengths but without having to deal daily with interpersonal squabbles
🀝

ESFJ

Career satisfaction factors

Lets me establish and maintain warm and genuine interpersonal relationships with other people working in real and tangible ways to improve their quality of life
Has practical benefits for people and gives me time to learn and master necessary skills before using them
Lets me exercise control, working with many people, and helping them work harmoniously toward a common goal
Has clear expectations, and where the evaluation of my performance is judged upon established and explicitly stated criteria
Is done in a cooperative environment, free from conflicts and tension between co-workers, supervisors, clients, patients, and others
Lets me make decisions and use efficient procedures to see that all the details of my projects are carried out to my specifications
Gives me plenty of opportunities to interact with other people throughout the day and to be an integral part of the decision-making process
Lets me organize my own work and that of those around me to ensure that things are run as smoothly and efficiently as possible
Is done within a friendly environment where people express their appreciation for my accomplishments, where I feel approval and support, and where I consider my co-workers to be my friends
Is done in a setting with existing structure, where the chain of command is known and understood, and where authority is respected
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ENFJ

Career satisfaction factors

Lets me establish and maintain warm and supportive interpersonal relationships with co-workers, clients, customers, etc.
Lets me develop creative solutions to problems on projects that I believe in and where I can see the positive results of my efforts for other people
Is done in an environment where expectations are clear, contributions are appreciated, and personal and professional growth and development are encouraged
Lets me be a part of a team of other creative people I trust as well as being busy and productive
Allows me time to develop creative solutions to problems and then share them with other supportive and caring people
Is done in an active and challenging environment where I am able to juggle several projects at once
Lets me use my organizational and decision-making skills and have control and responsibility for my own projects
Gives me a variety of activities but allows me to work in a relatively orderly and well-planned manner
Is done in an environment that is free from interpersonal conflicts and ongoing tension
Exposes me to new ideas and lets me explore new approaches, especially those that will improve the lives of other people
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