job hunt

[Jedi_sena]

With my husband now employed full-time I'm considering job hunting for something that suits my personality better than my current position. I always under-estimate my acquired skills and feel like my personality is my best selling point. Most of the jobs suggested for INTJs are professional, requiring more schooling than I have or can afford. What are some high-school diploma grade jobs for INTJs?

[RoqueBear]

Find something where you can work on projects or in a small team?

Working retail or with the general public was enough to drive me to the brink when I was younger. I can't help but build up a revolting sense of sheer hatred for people who are dumb. Thats what i would suggest.

[Doppelbock]

I would agree that jobs to avoid are "serving others" jobs. As an INTJ it would likely drive you insane.

Assuming you are an idea/creative person as are most INTJ's, I would look for a job where you work at least partly alone/independently, doing something creative/productive. Not knowing what your skills and interests are it's hard to be more specific than that. For example, if you know html and css you could do web page design.

[Zilal]

I worked for four years doing education at an aquarium, it was heavy contact with the public and that part was exhausting but it also involved a lot more variety and getting to learn new things than most non-degree-requiring jobs have. There were some other positions there that only required a diploma too, like taking care of the fish.

Ideally I only would have stuck with that job for a year and then found something without public contact that still allowed me to learn and have some variety... I never did, though. I admit I didn't throw myself into searching, just scanned the classifieds in the paper.

My opportunities opened up when I went back to college for the sciences... I've gotten a couple jobs now in labs or doing field work, which have been good for me.

[Jedi_sena]

I don't mind working w/ the public so much because I can ignore the person and see only their issue or problem or question.
But something that was said reminded me that I had thought I'd be good at doing tours of museums or some such thing. I can remember things that interest me in great detail and don't have a problem w/ public speaking and I love to talk. In fact, I prefer to talk to a group to talking one-on-one. Hmm. We live in a small town, but surely there is something if I put some thought into it.

The ideas are flowing again. Thanks! Other suggestions are welcome!

[med2006]

I would suggest speaking with a career coach that specializes in working with MBTI.

I hired one a few years back that I found in a listing in the back of the book titled WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE. She helped me make the decision to leave a dead-end admin job and go to grad school to get an M.Ed.

Additionally, a career counselor may be able to help you identify your strengths and the transferable skills you can emphasize in order to find a job that is more to your liking.

Best,

M. Ed. 2006