Thinking of Quitting Your Job? Here’s How to Create a More Meaningful Career, Based on Your Personality Type

Clinically Reviewed bySteven Melendy, PsyD.on August 13, 2021

Are you searching for more meaning and purpose in your career? You’re not alone. Arecent survey revealedthat more than half of 18 to 25 year-olds are considering quitting their job and an overwhelming 41% of the global workforce is thinking about resigning. The reasons? Burnout, disengagement and feeling unsupported by employers, to name just a few.

But thisunhappiness with workis a symptom of a much larger shift in individual and collective thinking. In the post-pandemic world, people are evaluating all aspects of their lives and searching for what truly fits them. Companies are struggling to hire workers, and people have no desire to go back to the “old normal.”

There is an overall dissatisfaction with the status quo. The“factory worker mentality,”born during the Industrial Revolution, is not a mindset that works for people in the post-Industrial age where information and communication matter more than moving parts and pieces.

To maintain top talent, companies and organizations must shift their cultures to ones that prioritize individual differences and needs. One way to do this is byusing personality tests at work

Unfortunately, the current work culture isn’t going to change overnight. But if you’re part of the 41% searching for something more, there are things you can do now to discover more meaning and fulfillment in your career, based on your personality type.

INFJ

You care — a lot. You care about the people around you and the work you do, and you’re always striving to make a difference in a bigger way. You have the vision to see upcoming problems before they arise, so you may be looking to jump out of a sinking ship soon, or maybe you are looking for a career that’s more personally meaningful.

What can you, as anINFJ, do now to find more purpose in your career tomorrow? One thing you can do is to start planting seeds in the direction of your dreams. Small actions you take today, however meaningless they may seem in the moment, culminate into big rewards in the future. Figure out what is missing, what you want, and start consciously making small decisions daily to help pave the path forward.

INFP

Change is hard, and not always fun, even for anINFP.This is especially true when that change comes along with the intense emotions you likely experienced during the pandemic. You’re exhausted, burned out and sick of the status quo. But what can you do?

Consider the ways the various facets of your life are impacting you mentally and emotionally. Ask yourself, "How do I feel about this?” Then ask yourself, in what ways, even small, can you shift your actions or mindset to produce positive changes in your life. There is a voice inside of you that knows what is right for you. Honor that voice and allow it to guide you toward a more purposeful career.

INTJ

The changes we’re seeing in work culture probably aren’t extremely surprising to you. You likely sensed these shifts months — even years — ago. Always thinking about the future, you’re open to adapting to new ways of thinking and working if it means a better long-term outcome.

But as anINTJ, you may feel frustrated with your colleagues and friends who are struggling with change. So you’re keeping your head down, getting work done, and trying to remain patient while others play catch up. But now more than ever your vision is necessary to help others adapt to the “new normal.” Don’t shy away from sharing your insights and opinions — become an active part of the change you want to see.

INTP

You’re all about the big picture,INTP.But change often comes with a lot of little details that can easily slip from view if you’re not paying attention. Part of you may feel excited about future possibilities, but another part of you may be feeling apprehensive about all that there is still left to do.

You’re not naturally a big planner, but right now, deadlines and schedules are your friends. Narrow your visions down into actionable steps that you can actually achieve. This will help you filter out your thoughts and feel more confident about the future.

ENFJ

You know exactly what other people need — and this trait likely makes you a rock star in your job. But you spend so much time focusing on others, your own needs are probably going unmet. You may have started to feel the very real signs of career burnout for the first time over the pandemic. With so many people struggling, there is only so much oneENFJcan do to help.

Now is the time to focus on self-care. Identify what personal needs may have been ignored in the past. What changes can you make now that will ensure you feel healthy and more capable of effectively supporting others in the future? It’s difficult to be the change you want to see in the world if you’re not taking care of yourself, first.

ENFP

The downside of being a multi-passionateENFPis that there are SO many things you want to do — but only so much time to do them. You also feel pressured to fit into a world that wants you to do one thing, which goes against your nature. During the pandemic, you may have discovered new interests that light a fire in your belly — and left you feeling more confused about your career path than ever before.

The good news is that we’re entering a time period when many people are exploring career transitions and looking for what fuels them, and you’re already a step ahead in the game. Now is the time to ask yourself, “What’s next?” What does a meaningful career look like for you? And how can you turn your passions into work that fulfills you? Buckle down, make a plan and watch your dreams become reality.

ENTJ

Whether it’s leading a team or coordinating an important project, you’re almost always busy getting things done. But you’re so focused on all that you have to do, how much time do you actually take to think about what you want to do?

External gratification is great,ENTJ, but at some point, if you’re not doing the inner work, all of those rewards and achievements will start to feel less than satisfying. Take time to go inward and ask yourself hard questions, like: What do I value most? What about my work is meaningful to me? Spending just 15 minutes a day journaling or meditating on these questions can lead to incredible insights — that could change the course of your career, forever.

ENTP

As anENTP, you’ve likely already had a few dozen careers in your lifetime. You’re constantly coming up with new ideas, and sitting in the same office chair for the next 20 years was never in the cards. While a stereotypical career path is probably not for you, there are lessons you can learn that can help you find more meaning in whatever career path you choose.

Don’t simply focus on all the things that you want to start. Instead, spend some time putting your head down and working towards getting things done. Your grit and determination can take you far when you commit to it. There’s so much to learn from getting your hands dirty and accomplishing things — even when they’re not super exciting.

ISFJ

Reliable and trustworthy, you make it a point to always be there for your colleagues, clients and friends. But your giving nature paired with uncertainty about the future can make things especially challenging for you during times like these.

Take time to evaluate your boundaries. If you’re feeling more burnt out than usual, it may be because you’re stepping in to pick up a co-worker’s slack or volunteering for more work than you can actually handle. As anISFJit feels good to be of service to others — but there’s such a thing as doing too much, and it’s essential to recognize when you inch too close to crossing that line.

ISFP

It’s scary to think too far into the future. You prefer to focus on the present and take life day by day. You’re a quick learner and can easily adapt to career transitions. But you can also get stuck in jobs that you don’t particularly enjoy. Sure, you’d like to make a change — but you’d prefer to worry about that later.

If you find yourself passively floating through life, there is no better time than now to take action. You likely know, deep down in your gut, what motivates you as anISFP.Spend some time talking with others about your passions and look around at what possibilities exist for you. You may find that the path ahead of you is actually much clearer than it seems.

ISTJ

There aren’t many people who work harder than you do,ISTJ.Through the ups and downs of the past few years, you’ve remained committed to what you need to do for your job and your family. But what about you? Are you truly where you want to be right now?

You may feel the pull of a small voice in the back of your mind questioning if your current career path is really where you want to be. It may be easy to ignore that voice and go about business as usual. But what if you listen to it instead? What would it tell you? And what would it look like if you took that voice as seriously as you take all of your other priorities?

ISTP

As anISTP, you’re all about getting things done. And you enjoy work that allows you to do that without too much socializing or working with other people. Resilient and flexible, you take each day as it comes and respond relatively well to change. But what happens when things aren’t totally in your control?

You may find yourself getting impatient when others can’t make a quick decision or when things get held up, and your reactions may be negatively impacting your work relationships. Now is a good time to work on your communication skills as you navigate these uncertain times. Adding effective communication to your toolbox of many talents could also open up more meaningful career opportunities in the future.

ESFJ

You wear a lot of hats,ESFJ.You’re a rock for your family but you’re also a rock star in the office. You can handle a lot — but usually, it’s because you’re ignoring what you need. Lately, you may have discovered a small itch to explore a new side of yourself.

Don’t hesitate to traverse wherever that itch is leading you. Dive into the side hustle that excites you or take that course you’ve had on your wish list for a while. You may discover that the interest that you’ve always wanted to get around to is actually what gives you purpose and meaning.

ESFP

Like everything else in your life, you like to make work funESFP.You’re all about hyping up your co-workers and maintaining the perfect balance between work and play. But in your pursuit of happiness, you may find yourself confusing pleasure and purpose.

需要一些时间来评估你的价值和佛r areas in your work life where you may be missing opportunities for growth. There are likely skills you can build upon with continuing education or other areas of untapped potential. As you learn you may even notice your career taking a different direction — enjoy the journey.

ESTJ

You’ve been the rock keeping everyone else sane over the past year — and keeping things at work on track. You’ve helped implement new systems and processes to keep business running as usual. You’ve adapted and remained calm throughout the turbulence, likely at your own expense.

More than anyone,ESTJ, it is likely you who’s earned a well-deserved break. Your workplace notices your effort, even if it doesn’t always seem like it. So take some time away to relax, refresh, and think about what you can do outside of work that gives you a sense of peace and purpose. Consider taking up a new hobby that allows you to go inward and reflect.

ESTP

When it feels like the world is flipped upside down, you excel in keeping cool and carrying on. You’re naturally adaptable and often navigate changes with ease. Once you know what you need to do, you go after it with full force. Basically, you’re a pro at getting things done.

But planning too far out can be stressful forESTPs.你喜欢关注现在,你需要做什么not in the future. Neglecting to plan or think about where you want to be 5 or 10 years from now can have a negative impact on your career trajectory. Now’s a good time to take inventory of your life — where you’re at and where you’d like to be — to make sure you’re on the right track.

Megan Malone

Megan is a freelance writer and brand marketing consultant at Truity. She is passionate about helping people improve their relationships, careers, and quality of life using personality psychology. An INFJ and Enneagram 9, Megan lives quietly in Fort Worth, Texas with her husband and two pups. You can chat with her on Twitter @meganmmalone.

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About the Clinical Reviewer

Steven Melendy, PsyD., is a Clinical Psychologist who received his doctorate from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, California. He specializes in using evidence-based approaches in his work with individuals and groups. Steve has worked with diverse populations and in variety of a settings, from community clinics to SF General Hospital. He believes strongly in the importance of self-care, good friendships, and humor whenever possible.

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