INFP at Work

The quiet, insightful and creative INFPs enjoy careers that allow them to express their deeply held values in their work. Not particularly interested in status or money, INFPs strive to find meaning in their work. They enjoy work that makes a positive change in the world or helps others develop their potential.

They are creative thinkers who enjoy coming up with innovative solutions to existing problems, especially problems that have to deal with people. They are keen observers of people and understand motivations and beliefs of others quickly.

INFPs enjoy working independently without the restrictions of schedules or deadlines. Their inspiration to work or create usually comes in unexpected ways, and therefore find planning and organising to be a chore in general. Their desire for autonomy may be frowned upon in traditional organisations.

INFP at Work: INFP Careers Suggestions

Before you get to the top career suggestions, it must be stressed that all personality types exist in all occupations.

Due to other factors involved such as interests, geography, salary and working hours, most individuals do not end up in occupations that ideally fit their personality.

However, if you are in a job or career that is not suitable for personalities of your type:

• You may have trouble communicating or agreeing with your co-workers.
• You may find communication issues arising in your work.
• What you deem to be important in a job may not be in sync with your colleagues; hence, the use of your personalities’ strengths during your work MAY NOT lead to promotion or reward.
• Because you do not feel your work is valued, you may experience stress, dissatisfaction, burnout and lack of productivity.

CREATIVE ARTS, WRITING AND DESIGN

INFPs enjoy the creative arts. They appreciate the arts, music, dance, musicals, and literature; they may even be talented in it. They will enjoy a career that allows them to either display these talents or even do it for a living. Some careers include:

• Artist
• Architecture
• Musician
• Novelist
• Journalist
• Interior Designer
• Comedian

EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WORK

INFPs see potential in the people they meet, and they enjoy bringing out this potential through education. They desire to empower individuals to become the best they can be, and so any role that involves this will appeal to them. Also, INFPs are insightful about people’s needs and motivations which make them excellent counsellors. These are some careers that will appeal to them:

• College professor
• Teacher (Secondary School and above)
• Language Teacher
• Early Childhood Education Teacher
• Psychologist
• Counsellor

 

RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY

As mentioned above, INFPs see potential in people and seek to bring out the best in them. A career in the religious service will appeal to INFPs as their role is to help people become better individuals through the deeper understanding of their faith. They will be attracted to the following roles:

• Priest/Nun
• Religious Teacher
• Church worker
• Pastor
• Missionary

 

HEALTH CARE

The natural compassion of the INFP will make them good health care workers as well. It will be ideal if they are also passionate to help people realise their potential through healthy living. The traditional roles of doctor and nurse may not be as ideal due to the need for INFPs to be given details of their patients all the time. The following roles may appeal to them more:

• Speech-language pathologist
• Alternative Medicine Practitioner
• Dietitian/nutritionist
• Physical therapist
• Health Coach

INFP at Work: Ideal INFP Career Environments

Even though you’re in the right job, it is the culture of the organisation that will ultimately determine your job satisfaction.

There are work environments that will support your professional development, and there are those that stress you out.

When you are applying or considering a new job, consider looking for organisations that are known to have:

IN LINE WITH YOUR VALUES

INFPs enjoy being part of organisations that share the same values and beliefs as them. Whether it is a social, environmental or a spiritual cause, INFPs will perform at their best if they believe deeply in the organisational vision. Consider joining organisations that have a clear purpose and mission which is something you align yourself with; looking at the organisation’s mission statement over the internet should give you a clear picture of this.

EMPHASIZE RELATIONSHIPS OVER RESULTS

INFPs are attracted to organisations that emphasise the importance of relationships over results, especially those which focus on encouraging and building up the individual and building unity rather than achieving top results. It may include organisations that are family friendly with childcare services or moderate working hours. Consider speaking to someone already working within the organisation to see whether the organisational culture is to your liking.

FOCUSES ON LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

INFPs see potential in others and themselves and are therefore growth oriented. They like organisations that see the importance of growth and development in their employees. INFPs see the need for continual learning and growth as they perform their jobs. Otherwise they will feel stagnant and frustrated as a result. During your interview, ask about these learning opportunities in your role. An organisation that does focus on these factors will be able to provide you with a ready answer.

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