11 Jobs to Avoid as an ENFP
Choosing the right career path can be a daunting task, especially when trying to align it with your personality. The good news is that knowing your personality type can provide valuable insights for career planning. In this article, we look at 11 jobs to avoid as an ENFP.
Choosing the right career path can be a daunting task, especially when trying to align it with your personality. The good news is that knowing your personality type can provide valuable insights for career planning. In this article, we look at 11 jobs to avoid as an ENFP.
ENFPs are often seen as creative, generous, and social individuals. They are talented at thinking outside the box, making them perfect for jobs that require innovation and collaboration. This means they are well-suited for a variety of challenging roles. However, certain careers are less suited to their natural traits, potentially leading to dissatisfaction and burnout.
It’s worth noting that every ENFP is unique, and it’s certainly possible for ENFPs to enjoy and thrive in the jobs on this list. It’s just that for many ENFPs, these jobs don’t align with their natural strengths and preferences.
11 jobs to avoid as an ENFP
So, let’s dive right in and explore 11 jobs to avoid as an ENFP.
1. Actuary
Actuaries are responsible for analyzing and managing risk, typically in the insurance industry. This requires a high level of attention to detail, analytical thinking, and working with complex data sets, which don’t align with the natural strengths of an ENFP. As such, this job may quickly become tiring and unfulfilling for them. In addition, ENFPs tend to thrive in roles that involve working with people, so the solitary nature of this job may not be the best fit.
2. Auditor
Auditors are responsible for reviewing financial records and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations. Similar to an actuary, this job requires a high level of attention to detail and analytical skills, which may not align with an ENFP’s natural strengths. These individuals much prefer to think big and embrace their creativity, which isn’t usually a major part of this role. The repetitive nature of this job may also lead to burnout for ENFPs.
3. Surgeon
Being a surgeon requires a high level of precision in a physical sense, which doesn’t come naturally to ENFPs. They often rely on their intuition and may struggle with the detailed technical aspects of this job. These individuals aren’t always the most aware of their physical surroundings, which can be a challenge in this profession. Additionally, ENFPs tend to be more in their flow state when thinking about big-picture ideas rather than the hands-on nature of surgery.
4. Military Officer
The military can be a difficult environment for ENFPs due to its strict hierarchy and emphasis on following rules and regulations. They may struggle with the lack of autonomy and creative freedom in this role. Additionally, ENFPs are highly sensitive to the emotions of others, which can be overwhelming in a high-stress and potentially traumatic career like the military. Emotionally detaching from a situation isn’t an option for ENFPs.
5. Quality Control Inspector
Quality control inspectors are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet quality standards. This job may not be the best fit for ENFPs as it often involves repetitive tasks and a focus on details rather than big-picture thinking. These individuals don’t always “see” or notice tiny details, so they may struggle to excel in this role. In addition, minimal interaction with others may lead to boredom for ENFPs.
6. Electrician
The solitary nature that comes with being an electrician may not be the best fit for ENFPs, who thrive on connecting with others and building relationships. They can quickly feel lonely and isolated in this job. In addition, this job requires a high level of technical knowledge and manual labor, which may not align with an ENFP’s natural strengths. This personality type is more about concepts and ideas rather than the hands-on practicality involved in being an electrician.
7. Police Officer
While ENFPs have an innate desire to help people and make a difference in the world, the nature of being a police officer may not be the best fit for them. For starters, enforcing rules and regulations may go against their natural inclination to find harmony and understanding among people. In addition, ENFPs may struggle with having to deal with people who have been harmed or hurt in some way because they absorb other people’s emotions. Seeing people in distress is one of the most painful scenes for an ENFP to witness and it may cause them to feel burnt out in this career path.
8. Archivist
Archivists are responsible for organizing and preserving historical documents and records. This job requires a high level of attention to detail and working independently. ENFPs may feel constrained in this role, as they thrive on connecting with others. In addition, ENFPs focus on the future by default, as they enjoy considering possibilities and potential outcomes. In some ways, the nature of an archivist’s job is the opposite of an ENFP’s natural strengths and preferences.
9. Laboratory Technician
Laboratory technicians are responsible for conducting experiments and analyzing data in a laboratory setting. This job involves working with complex equipment and following strict protocols, which doesn’t come naturally to ENFPs. The solitary and repetitive nature of this job may also lead to burnout for these individuals, who crave social interaction. Spending hours and hours by themselves in a laboratory generally isn’t their idea of an ideal workday.
10. Tax Accountant
Tax accountants are responsible for managing and preparing tax returns for individuals and businesses. This job requires a high level of attention to detail and working with numbers, which can be draining for ENFPs. They may find themselves becoming bored and disengaged in this role, as it doesn’t give them the creative freedom and big-picture thinking they crave. In addition, the solitary nature of this job may leave ENFPs feeling isolated and unfulfilled.
11. Truck Driver
Truck driving often involves long hours alone on the road and minimal interaction with others. This may not be the best fit for ENFPs, who have an innate need to connect with people. Not having anyone to talk to and bounce ideas off for hours on end can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation for ENFPs. In addition, this job can be physically demanding and require a lot of time away from home, which may not align with an ENFP’s priorities and values.
Final thoughts on ENFP jobs to avoid
ENFPs possess unique strengths that make them creative and visionary thinkers. Not all jobs are created equal when it comes to leveraging these strengths. By avoiding roles that are solitary, repetitive, or highly detail-oriented, ENFPs can find careers that align with their natural abilities and preferences.
Are you an ENFP looking to discover your ideal career path? Understanding your personality type can be a game-changer in finding a job that not only fits your skills but also brings you joy and satisfaction. You may not find your dream job right away, but with self-awareness and perseverance, you can find a career that allows you to thrive.
