Thank you for writing that article, Jayne. I appreciate the two-sided approach, stating both strengths and weaknesses. Too many articles just state that INTPs are stereotypically good at technical and science related careers and leave it at that, without mention of whether companies want to hire INTPs, which they frequently see as unpredictable wildcards. There is a great need for practical advice on how to get a job, a paycheck, and personal satisfaction as an INTP, without compromising who you are.
No offense intended, but it sounds like you stated that the best way to succeed is learning to be someone different, or at least adopting traits contrary to our nature. I would humbly (and to be honest, obstinately) disagree. Those things you recommend changing are the very things that make us INTPs. I can't argue with your logic that INTP traits are not appreciated or desired in business culture, particularly the disrespect for authority and short attention span, which I personally have in spades. Unfortunately, what we consider our greatest strengths are what many companies consider liabilities. As a personality type, we tend to pride ourselves with not fitting into boxes, however companiesareboxes, focused on producing things that make them more money than they provide their workers. Welcome to capitalism.
I've been working in the IT sector for nearly 30 years now with companies both large and small, and I've managed to make a career out of it. That said, I've also worked for nearly 20 different companies, primarily as a contractor. I'd be lying if I said I didn't frequently feel like a square peg (or rather a rectangular cuboid) in a round hole. I've learned that work is a 2-way street. It's not only providing something useful to the employer. It's also about the reward I get from working, primarily the paycheck, but also some form of satisfaction or personal reward. I have found that after about 1.5 years with a company I get bored with the pigeon hole I was hired into, and leave for another company with different challenges. There's a lot of employment insecurity and gaps in insurance, but for me, it beats remaining unchallenged in a small role. Perhaps that's the price I pay for being true to my own nature. Besides, I've gotten fairly good at interviewing without playing the suck-up game. I've been fortunate in my latest role to get in with a group of INTP and INTJs (with the token extroverted manager). For the most part we're left alone to do what we do best, and though we're not appreciated as people, we're well-respected for the work we do. I suppose thereisstrength in numbers.
这s is all to say that it's important to be true to yourself. Work is not a servitude, but a 2-way deal. You are the only one who can look out for your own well-being, and you've got to make that a priority or you'll get worn-down. Nobody can take from you what you're not willing to (or able to) give. There's nothing wrong with using the employer just like they use you, and then leaving when you're done. Isn't that the same thing they do with employees (or as they call them, human resources)? There are plenty of companies willing to hire, especially if you're willing to relocate, but few I've found worth staying with for the long term. And you always need to be on the lookout for the next opportunity (excuse my starting a sentence with a conjunction). If your gut is telling you it's time to move on, listen to it and start looking. However, it's not smart to jump before you have the next gig lined up. Be flexible and resourceful. As an INTP, it's one of your greatest resources.
Petersays...
Thank you for writing that article, Jayne. I appreciate the two-sided approach, stating both strengths and weaknesses. Too many articles just state that INTPs are stereotypically good at technical and science related careers and leave it at that, without mention of whether companies want to hire INTPs, which they frequently see as unpredictable wildcards. There is a great need for practical advice on how to get a job, a paycheck, and personal satisfaction as an INTP, without compromising who you are.
No offense intended, but it sounds like you stated that the best way to succeed is learning to be someone different, or at least adopting traits contrary to our nature. I would humbly (and to be honest, obstinately) disagree. Those things you recommend changing are the very things that make us INTPs. I can't argue with your logic that INTP traits are not appreciated or desired in business culture, particularly the disrespect for authority and short attention span, which I personally have in spades. Unfortunately, what we consider our greatest strengths are what many companies consider liabilities. As a personality type, we tend to pride ourselves with not fitting into boxes, however companiesareboxes, focused on producing things that make them more money than they provide their workers. Welcome to capitalism.
I've been working in the IT sector for nearly 30 years now with companies both large and small, and I've managed to make a career out of it. That said, I've also worked for nearly 20 different companies, primarily as a contractor. I'd be lying if I said I didn't frequently feel like a square peg (or rather a rectangular cuboid) in a round hole. I've learned that work is a 2-way street. It's not only providing something useful to the employer. It's also about the reward I get from working, primarily the paycheck, but also some form of satisfaction or personal reward. I have found that after about 1.5 years with a company I get bored with the pigeon hole I was hired into, and leave for another company with different challenges. There's a lot of employment insecurity and gaps in insurance, but for me, it beats remaining unchallenged in a small role. Perhaps that's the price I pay for being true to my own nature. Besides, I've gotten fairly good at interviewing without playing the suck-up game. I've been fortunate in my latest role to get in with a group of INTP and INTJs (with the token extroverted manager). For the most part we're left alone to do what we do best, and though we're not appreciated as people, we're well-respected for the work we do. I suppose thereisstrength in numbers.
这s is all to say that it's important to be true to yourself. Work is not a servitude, but a 2-way deal. You are the only one who can look out for your own well-being, and you've got to make that a priority or you'll get worn-down. Nobody can take from you what you're not willing to (or able to) give. There's nothing wrong with using the employer just like they use you, and then leaving when you're done. Isn't that the same thing they do with employees (or as they call them, human resources)? There are plenty of companies willing to hire, especially if you're willing to relocate, but few I've found worth staying with for the long term. And you always need to be on the lookout for the next opportunity (excuse my starting a sentence with a conjunction). If your gut is telling you it's time to move on, listen to it and start looking. However, it's not smart to jump before you have the next gig lined up. Be flexible and resourceful. As an INTP, it's one of your greatest resources.
At least that's my 2-cents.
Pete