Feel like you're at the wrong job? Then check out some high-pay careers that could be a better fit for your personality.
Do you feel like you're stuck in the wrong job? You may be left
wondering what careers would suit your personality better. Well, you
don't have to figure it all out on your own. You can look to the
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment test for some guidance.
This test is commonly used to divine whether a person is, for
instance, more introverted or extroverted or whether someone makes
decisions based more on feeling or logic. The MBTI outlines 16 distinct
personality types, specified through a series of letters that correspond
to personality traits. For example, "E" is for extrovert, or "I" is for
introvert.
Many professionals use the test as a tool to guide them toward the
right career choice for their particular personality. If you are taking
the test for that purpose, then you may want to take it through a
professional and certified administrator, says Dr. Suzanne Anthony, a
practicing clinical psychologist.
extrovertextrovertMatching your personality type up with a career
that requires that type's strengths can help you succeed and enjoy your
work more, says Anthony.
However, she says there is not a direct correspondence between a
personality type and a specific career. "There may be several
personality types that could lend themselves to a given career and each
personality type may be a good fit for several different professions,"
she says.
But Anthony was kind enough to match some personality types to some
specific well-paying careers. So keep reading to see if your personality
might extrovertbe fit to pursue one of these professions.
Career #1: Psychologist
- Median Annual Salary:*
- $67,650
- Top 10 Percent of Earners:
- $109,340
- Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:
- $38,450
Are you highly attuned to the emotions and needs of others? Are
you sociable, but also good at providing leadership? Those are just a
few traits The Myers & Briggs Foundation says are indicative of an
ENFJ, and which Anthony says would be a good match for the career of
psychologist.
About the Career: There are various types of
psychologists, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Some assess and treat
people for emotional or behavioral problems, while others help people
deal with problems at home or work.
Why It Could be a Good Match: Anthony says ENFJs
- extroverts who use intuition - may make good psychologists, because
they possess the following traits: extremely good people skills, loyalty
and honesty, and strong organizational abilities. "In addition, ENFJ's
generally are highly attuned to the emotions, needs and motivations of
others, and can act as a catalyst for growth and change," she says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Psychology Program.
How to Get Started: The education needs for
different psychologists vary, from master's degrees in psychology for
school and industrial-organizational psychologists to Ph.D.s in
psychology for clinical, counseling, and research psychologists, says
the Department of Labor.
Career #2: Human Resources Manager
- Median Annual Salary:*
- $99,720
- Top 10 Percent of Earners:
- $173,140
- Botton 10 Percent of Earners:
- $59,020
Are you extroverted, with a good intuition combined with the
desire to make decisions based on logic and consistency? You may be an
ENTP, which is a good fit for the career of human resources manager,
says Anthony.
About the Career: Human resources managers often
recruit, interview, and hire new staff, as well as serve as the liaison
between management and staff, according to the U.S. Department of
Labor.
Why It Could be a Good Match: "Some of the
traits of the ENTP personality type would lend itself well to a human
resources manager, such as outstanding communication skills, ability to
solve problems, excellent people skills, and the capacity to read other
people," says Anthony.
How to Get Started: Human resources managers
usually need a bachelor's degree in human resources or business
administration, says the Department of Labor.
Career #3: Software Developer
- Median Annual Salary:*
- $90,060
- Top 10 Percent of Earners:
- $138,880
- Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:
- $55,190.
Perhaps you’re a bit of an introvert, who enjoys organizing facts
according to logic, along with solving complex problems, always staying
open to new options. You could be an ISTP, a personality type that
lends itself well to this career, says Anthony.
About the Career: Software developers are those
creative types who design all those cool computer applications we love
to use on our laptops, smart phones, and other computing devices, says
the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Could be a Good Match: "The ISTPs are
described as tolerant and flexible observers who are interested in how
and why things work. They generally have a superb ability to apply logic
and reason and are able to ‘troubleshoot.' I think these traits would
work well in the career of a software developer," says Anthony.
How to Get Started: According to the Department
of Labor, software developers usually have a bachelor's degree in
computer science, software engineering, or a related field. A degree in
mathematics may also be accepted, adds the Department.
Career #4: Event Planner
- Median Annual Salary:*
- $45,810
- Top 10 Percent of Earners:
- $79,270
- Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:
- $26,500
If you’re an extrovert who is bored by dry theories but loves
acting energetically to solve problems, learn best by doing, and are
considered spontaneous, you may be an ESTP personality type. You may
also be a perfect fit for the career of events planner, says Anthony.
About the Career: Meeting, convention, and event
planners coordinate every facet of occasions ranging from weddings and
large parties, to business meetings and conventions, notes the U.S.
Department of Labor.
Why It Could be a Good Match: "Someone who has
an ESTP type might make a good events planner due to the traits usually
associated with this personality: flexible, adaptable and tolerant;
action-oriented and resourceful; focused on results; and fast-paced and
energetic," says Anthony.
How to Get Started: Many employers prefer
applicants with a bachelor's degree and work experience in hotels or
planning, notes the Department of Labor. These workers often come from a
variety of academic fields, such as business, public relations,
communications, and marketing.
Career #5: Engineer
- Median Annual Salary:*
- $80,580
- Top 10 Percent of Earners:
- $121,530
- Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:
- $52,030
If you're introverted, but also have an innate ability to see
patterns in the external world, and possess a great drive to accomplish
your goals, you could be an INTJ. You could also be a natural born
engineer, says Anthony.
About the Career: There are of course many kinds
of engineers, from civil to petroleum. One of the broadest engineering
disciplines, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, is that of
mechanical engineer. These professionals design, build, and test
mechanical devices.
Why It Could be a Good Match: "Being able to
absorb extremely complex material, logic and rational thought,
creativity, innovation, and resourcefulness are all traits typically
held by the INTJ personality type, and are traits that would be
beneficial to an engineer," says Anthony.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Engineering Program.
How to Get Started: The Department of Labor says
that virtually every entry-level mechanical engineering position
requires a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical
engineering technology.
Career #6: Police Officer
- Median Annual Salary:*
- $55,270
- Top 10 Percent of Earners:
- $89,310
- Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:
- $32,350
If you’re an extrovert who is practical and forceful in
implementing your plans, as well as seeing yourself as a guardian, you
might be an ESTJ, which Anthony says sets you up nicely to pursue a
career as a police officer.
About the Career: "Police officers protect lives
and property," says the U.S. Department of Labor. Their duties include
patrolling neighborhoods, arresting suspects, and, yes, filling out
paperwork. Why It Could be a Good Match: "Sometimes
called ‘The Guardian' personality type, the ESTJ would be a good fit
for the responsibilities of a police officer. This personality type
includes descriptors such as: decisive and quick to implement decisions;
loyal and honest; follows a clear set of standards and beliefs by which
they live; enjoy creating structure and order; and value security and
tradition," says Anthony.
How to Get Started: Police officer applicants
must have at least a high school diploma (or GED), but many departments
and agencies require college coursework or a college degree, says the
Department of Labor. Applicants must also graduate from their agency's
training academy.
