Ideal Job [Archive] - INTJ Forum

Evalis

09-09-2007, 08:25 AM

The ideal job for me would be sitting at home doing nothing and recieving a paycheck.

Of course.. this question is somewhat warped in that the 'ideal' job does not necessarily reflect itself without taking earnings into consideration. An ideal job might contain nothing that person would enjoy; it might contain everything; it might be changing constantly to completely radically different industries, duties, and responsibilities; it might always be exactly 100% the same. Even the pay in these cases could be fluctuating.. the key element however, will always be: X Reward for X Pleasure

My 'ideal' job then contains: Infinite Reward : Infinite Pleasure. The reality is of course that such a job does not exist, so I really can't go about describing what it would be. I can however, answer the first part of the question, which is what my current job is..

Which sucks something Royal. But with good pay. Currently it's my responsibility to answer calls from residents in various 'geared-to-income' housing units. Many of these people feel that they deserve to have everything provided to them on a silver platter, while they sit around collecting welfare, food stamps, and whatever else they can to leech off the government. The other calls come from the managers or superintendants of these buildings which have the liberty of treating us like their lapdogs. (The residents fortunately don't.. we can even make fun of them =D). The work itself is horribly repetitive and without any non-monetary rewards.

Frustrating elements include:
Being forced to inform 100+ callers of any given service, only to have the next 100+ callers ask the same thing.. sometimes it's even the same people asking again.
Sharing responsibility for the workload with co-workers in an environment where failing to perform is neither reprimanded, nor performing above and beyond provided any compensation
Management that introduces new tasks without notice, and without considering the fine details of said task, until after a problem arises, and they are required to issue another 'without-notice' change.
Working sporadic hours - Anywhere from midnights to days to weekends to mid-afternoons
Performing Unchanging, Non-Skill requiring, Repetitive tasks.

Good things:
Very good pay with opportunities for overtime
Indexed-protected Pension
Supervisors that don't give a damn

In summary I think my job fits the Reward : Pleasure ratio at a 4 to 7 : -5 to -8

Aleph-One

09-12-2007, 04:07 PM

My current job is unemployment and, to be honest, I'm better at handling dead friends and relatives than I am being unemployed. Mostly, I drink heavily and read publications on symmetry methods in physics. I do keep my appearances up, though, and I never smell, so nobody notices.

I'm trying to get myself back into academics. I'm a mathematician, and normally wouldn't have this problem, but the city I've moved to has (because of a large mathematics program) an unusual concentration of unemployed mathematicians who graduated from the program and then didn't go anywhere. This mathematics department also doesn't hire adjuncts, and I had a spat with the department head a couple of years back anyway -- so I'm competing with other math graduates for community college positions. It sucks.

Anyway, once my wife finishes her degree, I can leave this God-forsaken hole and get a job at a four year college teaching quantum mechanics and mathematics. That's pretty much all I ask of a job. Failing that, I have been considering going to medical school (but I'm pretty sure the financial situation and stress would destroy my marriage, so I may not).

Jezebel

09-12-2007, 10:00 PM

(Welcome to the forum, Aleph-One! So you're into math and heavy drinking? I like you already ;D )

Ok, so I guess I should answer my own questions. I work in the marketing department of a corporation, mostly doing production art. My job is fun because I have very little direct supervision and I get to decide how to run the department and what projects to take on with a couple other people. I seem to be stuck in this loop of figuring out how to make our department operations run more efficiently. I haven't been able to perfect the system yet, so I've managed to last a good while without getting bored yet.

I suspect a sensing type would probably actually be better at my job though. I miss a lot of the details with the more routine things and it frustrates people sometimes. Instead of steadily drudging through monotonous work, I try to find ways to phase it out.

I don't consider my current position suitable for a career, but I've stuck with it because I feel like I'm on the right path. I suspect I'll either move higher up in the company or (more likely) pursue school more aggressively.

Evalis

09-15-2007, 01:11 PM

Make sure to slap school around a bit. It likes that. And if it moo's a couple times then you know you've hit home base!

Moo

Jezebel

09-15-2007, 04:37 PM

Make sure to slap school around a bit. It likes that. And if it moo's a couple times then you know you've hit home base!

Moo

Yes, this is in fact true. School just doesn't listen when you're passive and gentle with it, it's something which must be relentlessly beaten into submission. :P

HackerX

09-16-2007, 09:30 PM

Make sure to slap school around a bit. It likes that. And if it moo's a couple times then you know you've hit home base!

Moo

If you hit home base with things that moo, it's probably time to go see the school consellor...

Hmmm, my job:

I am a programmer:
Pro's:
Lots of problem solving which keeps me interested (at times)
I'm good at it and I enjoy programming in general
Pay is good considering my experience
Fellow workers are great (Lots of NT's)

Cons:
It's not the kind of programming I'm interested in (database shit)
It's not using a language that has any future
There's zero chance of advancement in the company
Some of the stuff I have to work with (e.g. Financials) I don't know very well, and really don't want to know very well

drc

09-19-2007, 12:39 AM

I agree, If you hit home base and get a moo you might have a good career in a certain adult film industry? D:

I currently work for HP as a CTO. My job includes troubleshooting multi-million dollar computer systems on a daily basis. As far as I can tell that's the only pro to my current job. The pay is decent and the people are friendly but there is no room for advancement. All of the jobs I have ever had were fun for a week or two and then the challenge is lost and it becomes boring. i.e. I go thru six months of training in two weeks and have other people who have been there for over a year asking me questions about how to do things. I was told by an old boss that if I was given a task I was the best person for the job. But if I wasn't given a task that I was completely unproductive. Of course I was productive, it just pertained to what I was working on as opposed to what they thought needed to be done. ;x Has anyone else here had any of these same problems?

Guido

09-22-2007, 06:16 PM

I currently work as a cell phone programmer. I've always had a very strong work ethic, if I'm working on something 'productive' even though I consider everything I do productive :D So I definitely relate. Most people at my jobs tend to really like me, although I'm not sure why o.0 I generally tend to call people on their BS and I don't have much respect for authority. Things also tend to fall apart when I leave a job. I guess that kind of goes with the whole 'System-builder' description.

I can't stand coworkers that are bad at their job. Probably a good thing I'm not in charge, cause I don't think I'd have too much trouble telling these people they're fired.

Firelie

09-22-2007, 08:23 PM

I'm not sure what to call my job.

I basically sit in a cubicle and take all of the mail that my department receives, match it up with the proper file, input what it was in a computer system, and send it along to another person. *It's not my ideal job, but I'm rather good at it and I don't dislike it. *It helps that my boss has finally come to realize that I'm a little socially inept and that I want to know the why's of everything she asks me to do.

Pros:
- I get to organize things and processes the way I want them, and no one bothers me or tries to tell me it's wrong
- I like impressing people by finding things that they've spent considerable time looking for, thereby making me feel like a genius. (oh yes, feed that ego...mmmmyesssss...)
- I get to come and go as I please
- My coworkers are all awesome, and they appreciate me

Cons:
- It gets incredibly boring sometimes
- It's ruining my eyesight
- A lot of the people do things differently every time they do something and it drives me nuts. They are unwilling to adopt a "standard" way of doing things because they're all older ladies and they've all been doing it for so long that they always get their way.

Uhh...my ideal job would be to get paid to travel around the world and take pictures for National Geographic. :D *

Doppelbock

09-24-2007, 09:28 AM

I'm currently chief technologist for Cyberbock Industries, Inc., an Unfortunate 500 company in the aerospace and sex toys industries. Perhaps you've heard of us. My great-grandfather Üffda Bock started the company in 1889 after immigrating from Germany and working for several years as an itinerant potato farmer and dressmaker's dummy. He's long since retired, of course, but his nieces Amber Bock-Light and Esther Bunny Bock-Bock still sit on the corporate board. Our current CEO, my boss, is Jack N. DuBocks, who is from the French side of our family and is a real pain in the ass to work for, let me tell you. My brother Trippelbock is our chief scientist and he has really dicked things up by using his time travel technology to fill our current open positions with underutilized Cyberbock employees from the future. Now our accounting system is so screwed up we're in the process of being audited by the dept. of labor and we'll probably go out of business before long. Which introduces an interesting paradox, if you think about it, because if we go out of business then where did those future employees come from? Or maybe it just explains why they were (will be) underutilized.

Actually the preceding is a moderately fictionalized version of my real life. If I could do anything I'd sit around all day and write stupid parodies and satires like the preceding (I've always wanted to write a parody of Neal Stephenson's "The Cryptonomicon", I'd call it "The Kleptonomicon"), but alas, instead I'm a boring senior-level engineer in a boring job slowly dying to death of boredom.

Doppelbock

radioactivez0r

09-24-2007, 10:27 AM

That was pretty good haha.

drc

09-25-2007, 12:34 AM

Are there any doctors or student doctors here? I'm thinking about going to med school and would value any input on the topic.

deicruxified

09-30-2007, 12:17 AM

lollercancer

09-30-2007, 05:14 AM

lol, as silly as this shit sounds:
I'm on my way to being a movie director/writer and a professional gamer.

Those are my ultimate dream jobs.

I'd be fine as a professor of english at a really good school (I can't stand dumb students).

i just left my parttime job at a half-way home

bikerscars

09-30-2007, 08:22 AM

would love to be paid to sleep and/or for outdoor recreation(fishing,camping,hiking,gardening,and traveling)

instead- i am in charge of the shipping department for a building materials distribution company

50-70 hour workweeks

well paid

although this position also means i am a babysitter/psychologist/therapist for adults

if it wasn't for the money...

rwyatt365

10-01-2007, 07:25 AM

Currently I am a contractor, working for a "major manufacturer" (think Detroit, think "Big 3") as an Enterprise Architecture Assurance Coordinator. That's a fancy title for a person that sits around and makes sure that people don't do something stupid by introducing unapproved software into the "mix".

What do I like about it? Most of the time I'm not doing anything, my time is my own so I sped it surfing the 'net and answering email. About once every other week a new project will come through and I'll have to chair a meeting to review a new application, but most of the time I'm essentially being paid to do nothing.

What don't I like about it? Most of the time I'm not doing anything… this can get to be excruciatingly boring and I feel like my brains are decomposing and oozing out of my ears. And the cat-and-mouse game of looking busy while not really doing anything is not challenging enough to keep my attention for 8hrs a day.

My ideal job is one where I am a technical strategist. What that means is a job where I can put my (considerable) strategic planning and organizational skills to work in an IT-related environment. I think that such a position would satisfy my inner geek as well as exercise my strategic mind. Also, I'm sure that I'd be sufficiently challenged to keep from being bored, but not so over-stressed that I would want to escape.

Jbmontag

10-01-2007, 08:56 AM

I don't think I have a dream job. I work to pay my bills and eat food. What do you call someone that gets to stay home quite a bit and do whatever they want when they feel like it. Whatever that is....sign me up

rasoirviolon

10-04-2007, 08:15 PM

through my father, i've been in the advertising industry. i've worked for two different companies editing ads that come my way. this past august, while in singapore, i attended meetings, met clients and helped pitch presentations and ideas.

recently though, i decided to quit since the differing time zones was getting to me and i wanted to concentrate more on college and high school. a huge pro was the pay *;D and the creativity involved in it was something that sustained my interest. quite frankly though, business is exactly what i'm not considering as a future career. having to meet clients and socialise was always the downside of it for me.

based on my medical history, i've been steered into the path of cardiovascular medicine; a part of me feels that this is the "right" path... but there's always that secret longing to be a ghostwriter!

jeffersonian

10-05-2007, 07:58 AM

Like HackerX, I do database programming.

Pros:

Intellectual challenge
Independent work

Cons:

Databases
Office environment, structured hours

Ideal job: Professor of philosophy or political philosophy

INTJohn

10-05-2007, 12:28 PM

My current job is my ideal job and I love my boss - he's a great guy to work for even if he does demand the best of me:

(My boss pays me most of the money he makes with full benefit package; I get a vehicle, work my own hours, pretty much do what I want; when I want & how I want and I get about 3 to 4 months vacation per year. He lets me use his boat & drive his vette whenever I want.......when he was married, he even woud let me bang his wife once in while.)

I'm a self employed Professional Land Surveyor & Geodetic Engineer. I work predominately with larger acreage wilderness tracts and recreational properties in remote areas. Its hard, tough, very physically & mentally demanding work that keeps me far from "civilization" and some times I'll go days with out talking to another person face to face. Its very complementary with my Pantheistic Lifestyle

(In as much as I believe in life BEFORE death - YES! ITS HEAVEN ON EARTH having no one asking or saying stupid stuff to me or being a total distraction to what I'm trying to accomplish.)

My office is in my home, have a great core clientelle and can pik & choose my jobs. I wake to no alarm; punch no clock. Times, dates, calenders, appointments are all but meaningless to me.

Perform all the work myself - have no staff or employees (thank god -if there is one) as most employees , I've seen, are sniveling pieces of protoplasm wrapped around a skeleton-the skull of which is the only thing which keeps their heads from imploding.

Well, that's how I make my money........ I'm also a Philosopher - aren't we all?

INTJohn

Jezebel

10-05-2007, 02:54 PM

Off topic replies have been moved to This Thread

NotWorthIt

10-06-2007, 01:04 AM

I guess you could say I'm in leadership. I'm in the Army, worst mistake I've made as of yet. Never understood why I had such a problem with it (I got promoted fast, always did my job well, just couldn't stand it) until I found my personality type and it cleared up A LOT of things about my life to date.

Anyways, I'm a Sergeant, and while I enjoy being in leadership, I don't particularly like to volunteer for it. My biggest issue is that my leadership style and that of the Army don't exactly mesh very nicely. I'm more into the efficiency/competence thing than the tradition/regulation thing.

INTJohn

10-06-2007, 01:10 PM

I guess you could say I'm in leadership. *I'm in the Army, worst mistake I've made as of yet. *Never understood why I had such a problem with it (I got promoted fast, always did my job well, just couldn't stand it) until I found my personality type and it cleared up A LOT of things about my life to date.

Anyways, I'm a Sergeant, and while I enjoy being in leadership, I don't particularly like to volunteer for it. *My biggest issue is that my leadership style and that of the Army don't exactly mesh very nicely. *I'm more into the efficiency/competence thing than the tradition/regulation thing.

I spent years working with the Joint DOD Special Forces Community........having a job in the military where you can utilize your talents and creativity in an unconventional manner with minimum amount oir total lack of supervision by persons who are results oriented (unlike the conventional traditionalist SJ's) makes for a very more satisfying military career, I think, for an INTJ.......

INTJohn

biased

10-06-2007, 01:57 PM

student working to become a teacher outside the usa (somewhere in asia not japan like taiwan, singapore, phillipines, etc.)

i crave novelty and there is nothing like having to think on a daily basis how i will order food

cottontail

10-07-2007, 12:03 AM

I'm a paralegal. I was in the Army for four years as a legal specialist for JAG. After that I got my paralegal degree and worked for a divorce lawyer. Worst experience of my life because dealing kindly with crying spouses is just NOT in my nature.

Then I worked for six years for a company that did international investigation jobs for US attorneys. That was a very interesting job because I got to correspond with a lot of international agents in really remote parts of the world. Alas, my boss was cheap and wouldn't pay me what the job was worth. So I quit.

Now I work for a criminal law JAG office as a civilian. Department of Defense has all the benefits I was missing in my last job and I enjoy the work environment. The ordered structure of the military without having to actually BE IN the military again. ;D

But if I was going to have my ideal job, it would be something in the area of animation and art.

quartertone

10-09-2007, 05:42 PM

I'm studying to become a musicologist or composer or something.

patobrocks

10-10-2007, 12:15 AM

Of course I was productive, it just pertained to what I was working on as opposed to what they thought needed to be done. ;x Has anyone else here had any of these same problems?

Exactly, I am always busy, even when I am screwing off, like right now.

I am retired on SSDI, with a crazy check, and I go to school. I should get my BA in the spring, then I am going to grad school, so I can learn how to right books at home alone.

More Tea

10-10-2007, 02:00 PM

I just finished law school, and am currently hunting for work. There's one INTJ profile out there that says that we'd rather have no friends than no job: I just had to laugh at the familiarity of that. I always dread unemployment and the fickle job-hunting process.

In the past, my favourite time on the job was when I worked worked in network troubleshooting, and had the time to isolate issues. But as soon as a customer was on the phone or I had to deal with dispatch technicians, it became very grueling. I suppose I do not like having to rely on other people (dispatchers) or listen to people vent their frustrations on me (customers).

My ideal job would involve applying an area of law that I enjoyed studying in school; working is a respectful, collegial environment with reasonably-competent people; getting a chance to learn something new everyday, without the work being *so* out of my league that it is highly stressful; and having my own space (even a small one will do)/being able to work in solitude when I need it.

Sergeant

10-11-2007, 06:56 PM

I work as a Systems/Software Engineer at Lockheed. *I also write. *I enjoy the work in both "jobs" but tire of all the meetings and detail.

Rich

10-11-2007, 07:46 PM

Ideal job: managing 600k of my own cash in an account bearing 5% interest (2.75% conservative accounting for inflation), raising my own kids full-time while Shel (my girl) does her post-doc in psych.

GOD

10-13-2007, 04:38 AM

I guess you could say I'm in leadership. *I'm in the Army, worst mistake I've made as of yet. *Never understood why I had such a problem with it (I got promoted fast, always did my job well, just couldn't stand it) until I found my personality type and it cleared up A LOT of things about my life to date.

Anyways, I'm a Sergeant, and while I enjoy being in leadership, I don't particularly like to volunteer for it. *My biggest issue is that my leadership style and that of the Army don't exactly mesh very nicely. *I'm more into the efficiency/competence thing than the tradition/regulation thing.

I'd definitely say the army is not the INTJ area, unless you become the General on the field.

Taking orders and the conformity as well as the absolute consensus of thought required is far too inhibiting.

As previously mentioned, the army is for ISTJ's. Perhaps as an Officer you'll be able to use the N to keep the troops out of harms way.

Irrespective though, high 5 to anyone in the forces...

Lumbering Jack

10-15-2007, 05:17 AM

I work as a copy editor for a newspaper. In general, I enjoy the job because I deal with an avalanche of information every day. It keeps my mind occupied, and since copy editors at this newspaper are also page designers, I get to do a lot of creative things.
So, yes, this is a darn good job for me.
My dream job would to be a creator. Just creating things all day long. Whether ideas, objects, stories, games, logos, pieces of art or characters. Whatever it is, I just want to create. I long to create. I ache to create.

vulcan

10-16-2007, 11:48 PM

Ideal job is either a cognitive psychology researcher/professor or God.

mind_wander

10-18-2007, 06:49 AM

Has anyone heard of X-teams? In my Effecient Management Teams course, we talked about this. After hearing this, hmm this sounds very interesting because it is a rare and selective types who qualifies to think internal/external organization structural dimensions. The only problem, need to work on my E skills.

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For support questions please send an email to To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.. Source:To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Does INTJ's fit into this X-teams category?
Since the working environment is changing quickly, so as a business must used the Just-In-Time concepts, now most INTJ's know yeah I can do that; find a solution to the problem by seeing the big picture. As in the traditional just go with the usual ways; AKA boring jobs.

Ian

10-18-2007, 07:48 AM

I have been involved in ‘quality’ for over 25 years: having been a Quality Manager in precast concrete (railway sleepers, bridges, stadia). My last job was Company Auditor (again quality systems) for a training company and I currently work as a Senior Quality Engineer for an electronics company.

This all looks a bit disjointed (I suppose it is, really – heavy industry, training, electronics), but I do the jobs that appeal to me at the time – I am not one of these people who seek the linear promotion path of status and more money with every move, it is more to do with what interests *me* and what I want to do. I don’t care what other people want or do with their career or even what people expect me to do with mine.

As SQE, I manage the global customer complaints system – we have customers and manufacturing plants all over the world which helps to make the job quite varied. This also means that I get to handle every product that we make instead of just sticking with one flavour. Plus I get involved in on-site H&S and environmental issues and audits, problems with suppliers and anything else that grabs me. I am currently working on a database that has been an on-going (and failing) project for over 10 years. (Not my failing – I have only been working on it for a few weeks)

I am also used as the main supplier auditor – since joining my present firm I have been sent out to China and USA (Boston and Chicago) to visit problem / potential suppliers and sub-contractors.

I suppose I am seen as a sort of general business systems support guy with the ability to identify potential problems, do the research then come up with practical solutions, put those solutions into place and then monitor how well they work. I think I am also seen as being impartial, very honest and down to earth – people know that if they ask me for an opinion I will just give them the facts and back it up with more facts, figures and a few more facts for good measure – or nothing if I don’t know the answer. This annoys some people, but I am never afraid to say ‘I don’t know’. But if I don’t know the answer to a question, I usually know who does.

That’s it – what I do…. for now, at least.

Pro’s – it is varied and pays the bills.
Con’s – having to deal with stupid people of different nationalities on a daily basis.
Ideal job – probably a sports photographer.

mind_wander

10-18-2007, 07:54 AM

As SQE, I manage the global customer complaints system – we have customers and manufacturing plants all over the world which helps to make the job quite varied. This also means that I get to handle every product that we make instead of just sticking with one flavour. Plus I get involved in on-site H&S and environmental issues and audits, problems with suppliers and anything else that grabs me. I am currently working on a database that has been an on-going (and failing) project for over 10 years. (Not my failing – I have only been working on it for a few weeks)

I am also used as the main supplier auditor – since joining my present firm I have been sent out to China and USA (Boston and Chicago) to visit problem / potential suppliers and sub-contractors.

I suppose I am seen as a sort of general business systems support guy with the ability to identify potential problems, do the research then come up with practical solutions, put those solutions into place and then monitor how well they work. I think I am also seen as being impartial, very honest and down to earth – people know that if they ask me for an opinion I will just give them the facts and back it up with more facts, figures and a few more facts for good measure – or nothing if I don’t know the answer. This annoys some people, but I am never afraid to say ‘I don’t know’. But if I don’t know the answer to a question, I usually know who does.

That’s it – what I do…. for now, at least.

Pro’s – it is varied and pays the bills.
Con’s – having to deal with stupid people of different nationalities on a daily basis.
Ideal job – probably a sports photographer.

I got to asked this question, when dealing with people in China. There is going to be language barriers and how do you deal with that? Not a dumb question at all. It seems, one day I will also fit into general business systems support guy too. Thanx for sharing :)

Ian

10-18-2007, 08:58 AM

This needs to be answered on two levels:

1. English is very common in China, especially in the south with the influence of Hong Kong
2. You must be very precise and very patient with the Chinese: ask one question, get the answer - if you ask (say in an email) 2 or 3 questions in the body of the text, you will only get half an answer to the first question on the list.

It may be a cultural thing, but the Chinese do not seem to like to say 'No' in rsponse to a given question - be prepared to ask the same question in a different form at least 3 times to get the true answer. I am not saying that they are devious or try to hide the truth - far from it, I think they naturally want to give answers that do not offend and saying 'No' or giving a negative reponse is probably seen as 'not the done thing'.

mind_wander

10-18-2007, 12:10 PM

Everything you have there is all correct observation, as an Asian. Its true the English is popular in Asia; only problem the English speaking still needs work; due to lack of confidence, as for reading/writing there is no problem. You also must have patience with Asian people, yeah there will be the same questions repeated about 3 times. It is a cultural thing for Asians, not to say "no", not an easy thing, in offending the other person. But, great observation, hmm it seems to me one day, I can be ready in that setting or in that kind of environment.

Kevin

10-19-2007, 01:25 PM

I'm a computer support guy at a large insurance company. I know nothing about insurance (and don't really care to). Know a fair bit about computers (all self taught - completed high school and obtained a couple interesting credits at University [nothing dealing with computer science actually], and nowhere near a degree).

I work on a team of about 30 people. Quite independent work. Problem tickets come into a queue from our Help Desk and we pick and choose what to pick up. I haven't picked up anything for a while. It's review time right now and I expected a promotion a year ago. Still working on that (some miscommunications with upper-management [I'm not much of a talker / butt-kisser] and was overlooked a few times. I'm a bit bitter [been burned at a few previous companies and hold a grudge about what I viewed as unfair treatment - don't wish to be burned again]).

We have to meet our service level expectations (which is annoying - I am a firm believer of customer service and feel quality is more important than resolving a problem "on time"). It hasn't been a big problem for me yet though (guess I'd need to pick up some tickets before I get caught for not resolving them within the metrics).

The work isn't bad. People here are pretty good. Gives me some time to browse the net and post on intjforum.com. Losing respect for management and getting a bit tired of talking to people over the phone. Not using the brain much these days. Lots of different depts I could move to in the company, but I have no idea where to go? I have to always be "moving up" and making more money. It'd certainly be nice if the quality of work (enjoyment) kept increasing as well. Might possibly be reaching the pinnacle here now? Hope not.

Came across Enneagram typing (I'm a 5). Very interesting. Heard of a possible correlation between Ennagram and Jung's studies - even more interesting. Reading through Enneagram to maybe learn more about myself to help decide my next career direction. Stumbled across this website. Some of your posts make me feel like I've come home - nice work. I look forward to reading more. :)

Dream "job"? I want to win the lottery and stay at home to pursue my own independant studies (playing wtih the latest computer video editing software, watching my new children develop their own personalities, working with my hands on projects around the house, tinker around with making the sports-car go faster, etc).

mind_wander

10-19-2007, 07:50 PM

Miscommunications can happen with INTJ on upper-management. Yeah, you got to used simple anologies, which offend the INTJ personality types. But, it does work, give it a try; back it up with facts too. That will moved up the hierarchy ladder.

logan235711

10-20-2007, 01:53 AM

My ideal job is pretty much retirement with another INTJ/INFJ perhaps. Something where I can kind of just go at my own pace, enjoy exploring things, but at the same time have a small push here and there from some source so that when I might be getting too rusty in the relaxation I can get out of it and keep doing things.

Bossy Mom

10-20-2007, 09:16 AM

I am an executive assistant at a graduate school of business at a leading university in southern California. Most of my life I have worked at corporations, which I prefer. At least in the corporate world, results are expected! I'm doing what I have done most of my career, which is international travel coordination. I've never liked it, but I'm good at it. It also has great benefits.

My dream job would be to do research at the Cato Institute or the Ayn Rand Institute.

GOD

10-20-2007, 10:18 AM

The ideal job for an INTJ (That’s bright) could be in two types of scenarios.

1) Do the boring drudge job during the day and have an interest outside of it that covers your underutilized skills. Biggest problem with INTJ's is they tend to be successful and as such there is a high opportunity cost from say working in IT (earning six figures+) or getting another job that might be more fun/interesting but pay half as much. See?

So, if you are in the 1) zone, then you simply need to get "hobbies" or start small "businesses/inventions" that cover your other intellectual needs. You might take a year out of work every decade and head off to University and do something that intellectually balances you out.

2) This is more for INTJ's that have been in the workforce long enough to get enough skills and money to start seriously considering the ability to move into their own "business". Also, this business might have started with the 1) scenario above and is just growing all the time.

Essentially they strike out alone. Then they can create the ultimate business or concept that they deem most important. This will also allow them to self actualize as well.

Nb: Here's a signpost for you INTJ's with huge ambition, understand and learn about Intellectual property (IP) in great detail... it’s your shield against the biggest players on the field who'll rip your ideas off at will.

Santana28

10-23-2007, 11:12 AM

well, like any true INTJ i've done just about everything...

i'm currently a mall security officer. Believe it or not, i absolutely love this job despite the fact that "i don't like people, and i HATE shopping!" (to quote a friend).

complete 100% learning curve - i have never done anything remotely similar before
continuous on the job training, seminars, classes, certifications
no two days are alike - and assignments change frequently
able to work independantly and "be in charge"
able to moderate other people's behavior towards standards of accepted behavior ;)
wear a uniform... its very nice being expected to wear the same thing every day
everything is results-oriented or has specific prescribed actions pre-determined
as much or as little social interaction as you desire
opportunities to take charge and lead in situations where others fail to do so
interaction with other people of similar mindset :)
ability to "do something meaningful"

All in all, i love my job. I'm thinking about becoming a Police Officer. But then again... i have strong INTP leanings...

I'm about to start a position as an emergency dispatcher. Trying to hone my abilities at expressing myself.

mind_wander

10-23-2007, 07:33 PM

Actually, in my class today we were commenting that security officers are on the low status. Hmm, after reading your list, the "Eureka" came up. INTJ's, don't like change all the time, the low status is not a bad thing because we like to hide anyways. In your case, when their is a theif coming and rolling; guess who is gonna behind the theif. The smart INTJ, hey theif, "Now why you have to screw up my plans. I wanted to enjoy my day and not have to catch you. Your definitely going to jail, bud." ;D

Santana28

10-24-2007, 08:08 AM

You know what? I really could care less about my "status" - in fact, i have a lot of disdain in particular for individuals who think a college degree = intelligence. I wasn't able to go, and even now if i wanted to - i couldn't decide on a major anyways.

I guess i'm unusual for INTJ's in that i really can't stand science or mathematics. I enjoyed algebra for a short while when i had a teacher who actually knew how to teach it, but not enough to want to learn further. My father is an electrical engineer and growing up he had me working on all sorts of projects for the family business... but again, completely not interested.

I'm about to get a job as an emergency dispatcher. Which you might find odd, since it deals with primarily talking to people in distress, and empathy... the security gig has improved my communication abilities in general 100%. I'm hoping to hone up on my skills at communicating empathetically and dealing with unreasonable people. I'm not very good at that right now :)

Kevin

10-24-2007, 08:44 AM

Education pretty much means zip to me. You work hard and you can get good grades. Being out in the "real world" is a whole other experience.

I never cared to overexert myself in high school (homework? Bah...). Took a couple university credits and depending on the prof - the subject matter could be very stimulating, but it just wasn't worth the expense. I did much better getting into the workforce right away and getting the experience - I'm making more than 90% of the university grads I know (and have a whole lot less debt to show for it too). Who knows - I did have a lot of lucky breaks as I moved between jobs. School is overrated though.

I'm really awful at math. With the amount of science credits I have in highschool, I probably shouldn't have graduated. I could have done it - just chose not to. Really not my thing.

I considered being an emergency dispatcher myself at one time. Personally, the stress of the position would probably get to me after a few months. You are always dealing with distraught people. It'd certainly be a challenge. I think I'd want to start telling people off - "Calm down already and just give me the facts so we can resolve this problem quickly, rather than screaming your head off and getting nowhere." ;) Good luck with that though. :)

Santana28

10-24-2007, 09:38 AM

Is there a thread anywhere about the differences between male and female INTJs?

You see... i've never been able to keep a job for any amount of time. The one i'm currently at is the longest i've ever had, and it hasn't even been 2 years. As a female, a lot of my personality "quirks" end up costing me dearly...usually. In Law Enforcement they seem to come in handy, strangely enough. But out there in the "real" world - when people look at me, they expect to find a congenial, pleasant, typical social young girl. Instead they find a person who has near zero ability or interest in small talk, who obsesses over efficiency, who blows through projects so fast that it makes everyone (and even the boss) look bad... and who sucks at answering phones :)

Growing up i wanted to be an architect, or in the military. I worked in architecture for a year and loved the work... but the atmosphere and the people and the pace of work was completely stifling to me. Military is out of the question for me at the moment.

Its just difficult for me and i think i've been less successful than others because in the working world, the qualities i have are valued in males and looked down upon in females. People look at me and judge me and expect me to be something that i most certainly am not. And i don't have a degree, so that even further blow to their egos.

thegnat

10-24-2007, 09:55 AM

Right now I'm not sure but I think I want to go to grad school and then be a researcher/professor. Research is sounding more and more appealing. I just have to check out industry before I say for sure.

As one of my friends said, "Once I get tenure, I'm like a freakin' God" and we all know how INTJs have God complexes...

chem research. more likely inorganic than anything. no med school plans.

mind_wander

10-24-2007, 05:11 PM

You know what? I really could care less about my "status" - in fact, i have a lot of disdain in particular for individuals who think a college degree = intelligence. I wasn't able to go, and even now if i wanted to - i couldn't decide on a major anyways.

I guess i'm unusual for INTJ's in that i really can't stand science or mathematics. I enjoyed algebra for a short while when i had a teacher who actually knew how to teach it, but not enough to want to learn further. My father is an electrical engineer and growing up he had me working on all sorts of projects for the family business... but again, completely not interested.

I'm about to get a job as an emergency dispatcher. Which you might find odd, since it deals with primarily talking to people in distress, and empathy... * the security gig has improved my communication abilities in general 100%. I'm hoping to hone up on my skills at communicating empathetically and dealing with unreasonable people. I'm not very good at that right now :)
Very good point, but in this reality, not everyone got the chance to enter college, even if they wanted to go. Not sure, if that make you feel better, but yeah. I am not great with math.

mind_wander

10-24-2007, 05:16 PM

GOD

10-25-2007, 10:29 AM

The only ideal job for an INTJ is one that is set by that person.

Control of destiny, access to resources, and ability to implement them.... are likely indicators.

The BIG difference that clearly jumps out at me is the difference between INTJ's as shown in the Ennegram (sp) tests. This is like a steer for the thought processes you have. All INTJ's THINK. But how do you direct it?

Me as the 8w7 is a challenger. I challenge. It’s the "warrior" mode rather than the 5 enquirer mode. I think the 5 type is most likely to be "scientist".

Hence an 8 will want to lead; it will be more like the Kerisey definition of an INTJ. To leverage "resource" to achieve huge plays that maximise return (in any definition of return you propose).

I = Working the hours
N = Innovation
T = Administration/Contingency/Strategy
J = Logistics and systems

An 8's ideal role may well be a venture capitalist or business start up. Quite possibly utilising Intellectually property to achieve huge returns for little capital.

Santana28

10-25-2007, 11:56 AM

I just took the test...

I'm a Type 1
Wings 5w6

Reading the descriptions my career choice now makes a lot of sense ;)

thegnat

10-25-2007, 12:24 PM

Hm. I'm a type 5, wing six, which is "investigator/problem solver" which would make sense why I'm in science :) It also makes me feel good about wanting to go into research :)

paradigmclub

10-25-2007, 02:20 PM

During my career, I represented large corporations and pension funds in the management and investment management of real estate. I found each of the 4 positions to be interesting for the first 60 days or so. Much of the time was spent being entertained as I was the gatekeeper in most positions for large amounts of capital.

Approximately 15 years ago, I came to realize that our entire system of living was unsustainable. In 11 of the last 15 years, I have conducted research (including exploring MBTI) and developed a new institution that is sustainable. (My spouse, an INTP, is supportive of my work. A necessary component as the compensation has been zero.)

My ideal "job" is to spend 20 hours per week building, gardening and cooking gourmet meals at a first class combination university/spa. The rest of the time I would spend on further research and outdoor recreation. This just happens to describe the club that I have designed. It also just happens to be the only comprehensive response -- in my humble intj opinion -- to peak oil, global climate change, environmental degradation, and overpopulation that I have come across. It will likely appeal to INTJ's.

GOD

10-28-2007, 05:09 AM

During my career, I represented large corporations and pension funds in the management and investment management of real estate. *I found each of the 4 positions to be interesting for the first 60 days or so. *Much of the time was spent being entertained as I was the gatekeeper in most positions for large amounts of capital.

Approximately 15 years ago, I came to realize that our entire system of living was unsustainable. *In 11 of the last 15 years, I have conducted research (including exploring MBTI) and developed a new institution that is sustainable. *(My spouse, an INTP, is supportive of my work. *A necessary component as the compensation has been zero.)

My ideal "job" is to spend 20 hours per week building, gardening and cooking gourmet meals at a first class combination university/spa. *The rest of the time I would spend on further research and outdoor recreation. *This just happens to describe the club that I have designed. *It also just happens to be the only comprehensive response -- in my humble intj opinion -- to peak oil, global climate change, environmental degradation, and overpopulation that I have come across. *It will likely appeal to INTJ's.

The question I'd ask, is whether "global warming and everything else" actually matters?

Basically, unless it kills us does it matter?

From the times of industrial revolution through to the 1960's many cities in Britain had huge pollution problems.. Sure it shortened people’s life expectancy and so forth...

But Technology has improved the situation... what’s to say that our technology cannot restore the world to its previous "steady state" some time in the future?

thegnat

10-28-2007, 07:27 AM

The question I'd ask, is whether "global warming and everything else" actually matters?

Basically, unless it kills us does it matter?

From the times of industrial revolution through to the 1960's many cities in Britain had huge pollution problems.. Sure it shortened people’s life expectancy and so forth...

But Technology has improved the situation... what’s to say that our technology cannot restore the world to its previous "steady state" some time in the future?

Please....do....not.....get....me....started.....

jtskinner

10-30-2007, 01:57 PM

Though I have an aptitude for computer programming and it's the only job I see myself doing, I would rather become a philosopher and mathematician, both of them like Descartes was. I also really like theoretical physics and chemistry. I think I'd be good at electrical engineering too. My ideal job would be a philosopher or professor(in math or any physical science) or a scientist(any physical science).

BloozeGit

10-30-2007, 04:56 PM

Curator cum manager for the Playboy Mansion does come to mind, but otherwise I'm on the path towards combining my hobby with intellectual pursuits, hope that turns out ok.

mind_wander

10-30-2007, 05:19 PM

During my career, I represented large corporations and pension funds in the management and investment management of real estate. *I found each of the 4 positions to be interesting for the first 60 days or so. *Much of the time was spent being entertained as I was the gatekeeper in most positions for large amounts of capital.

Approximately 15 years ago, I came to realize that our entire system of living was unsustainable. *In 11 of the last 15 years, I have conducted research (including exploring MBTI) and developed a new institution that is sustainable. *(My spouse, an INTP, is supportive of my work. *A necessary component as the compensation has been zero.)

My ideal "job" is to spend 20 hours per week building, gardening and cooking gourmet meals at a first class combination university/spa. *The rest of the time I would spend on further research and outdoor recreation. *This just happens to describe the club that I have designed. *It also just happens to be the only comprehensive response -- in my humble intj opinion -- to peak oil, global climate change, environmental degradation, and overpopulation that I have come across. *It will likely appeal to INTJ's.
Thanx, for sharing because most of the times as an INTJ. I do felt more like a natural Gatekeeper when I'm doing any team projects, hmm sounds like INTJ trait.

Gabrielle

11-07-2007, 01:32 AM

Are there any doctors or student doctors here? I'm thinking about going to med school and would value any input on the topic.

That'd be me!

Errr, well, I've discovered that clinical physician IS NOT my thing. I've been told by pretty much everyone that I'm not cut out for touchy feely clinical physician path, unless I'm going into surgery. Apparently I'm more cut out as a clinical researcher.

The academics don't really require much thought (I KNEW I should have gone into nuclear engineering). Just memorization over and over again.

So... do I recommend med school for INTJ's? If you want a med license as a tool (like me... I need a med license to operate on people, which is my goal anyway), then go for it. If you are on a philanthropic aim, then NO. Most likely you'll turn into Cuddy or House from the show House MD.

mind_wander

11-07-2007, 06:23 AM

Oh, you watch HOUSE MD, that is an awesome show :thumbsup:

Gabrielle

11-11-2007, 04:13 PM

I am NOT a math person originally. I'm much better at languages... unfortunately my father decided when I was three that he needed to mutate my thought patterns to those of science-oriented individuals. 15 years of training ensued.

Interestingly though, I always struggled in English. So maybe I was just stupid.

Nomad

11-11-2007, 04:52 PM

I spent six years in the Army, assigned to various units within SOCOM. After that, I did security consulting doing K&R management, corporate risk mitigation in third world facilities and provided personal security for executives and dignitaries and whatnot. When things were slow, I did contract investigations for the two largest investigative firms in the world.I grew disillusioned with the whole thing( ironically, before 9/11. I could be making serious retirement money now if i was inclined.), and realized corporations really, truly, were not worth taking a bullet for, so I quit.

Now, I work in a dive shop. I was angling to obtain inexpensive training in order to complete a couple life goals that I have. Mission accomplished. I have to figure out what's next. I'm thinking a nice little homestead, permaculture design, sell the proceeds at farmers markets and such.I've had quite enough of the pace of the corporate world.

-Nomad

Happydayz

11-11-2007, 07:37 PM

Academia, for sure. You get paid to read and learn about subjects that interest you. Now if only the success rates for graduation and tenure weren't so abysmal

thegnat

11-11-2007, 08:25 PM

Academia, for sure. You get paid to read and learn about subjects that interest you. Now if only the success rates for graduation and tenure weren't so abysmal

what subject?

The Many

11-12-2007, 06:25 PM

I have considered journalism, law, research/science/academia, economical analysis, and many more things. I still haven't got a clue about what to study...

As of now, I work partly as a freelance journalist, and partly at a Call Center. It's ok, I suppose - at least I'm not a telephone salesman, which would kill me... I hate trying to convince people of things that are not my own ideas. At least doing interviews for various statistical purposes is more constructive. I live in a small town, though, and I will move out of here to study somewhere else soon (next year probably).

Happydayz

11-12-2007, 07:37 PM

what subject?

me personally? Or that have horrendous job prospects? Personally I'm more into international relations theory / security studies, and work professionally in a related field. So I would love getting into that on an academic basis. Already spend a lot of my free time reading up on the related literature, so getting paid to continue this and go more in depth would be great.

As for job prospects: I think only about 60% of Harvard's newly minted English PhD's actually got tenure track positions upon graduation. So yeah, employment prospects in academia are generally not so great.

lhsimm

11-21-2007, 07:55 AM

My current job:
I am a designer/illustrator for a non-profit that creates interactive media for elementary and middle school students on environmental science issues.

Pros:
I make my living doing things I love
Work from home
I get to do work that's useful
I am not just making pretty pictures, they teach science concepts
My work is varied - sometimes it's visual assets for interactives, sometimes it's a coloring book, sometimes it is an exhibit, sometimes it's animations for video.

Cons:
Pay sucks.
Freelance assignments to make up for the pay shortfall take up my "free" time, so I literally will work 80 hour weeks.
No time to do (much) personal work
No insurance

Dream Job:
Exhibit Designer at a Science Museum
Experience Designer
Brand Strategist

Jedi_sena

11-21-2007, 12:15 PM

I currently work as an administrator in a small branch of a publicly held company. Basically anything that happens in the branch outside of sales and service is my job. I like having ownership over my entire realm and am relieved that I don't share duties with anyone. I hate the fact that corporate america makes decisions that don't make sense. Prior to working here, I have only worked for small business that could not afford to make decisions that don't make sense or hire people who slack and shirk. This is my first experience where I actually have agressive differences with superiors. I have always been happily submissive to work for small business owners and always felt valued. Here I am just one player in a mass and no one ever recognizes anything I do. My supervisor is seldom in the office and too lazy to interfere for the most part. Occasionally, he and I have conflict because he will declare some plan of action that fails to take into account the detrimental effect such a plan would have on other departments and I never hesitate to vocalize my disgust and refuse to cooperate until a sensible plan is substituted. I asked him "can't you see why that won't work?" His reply: "how do you know it won't work before you try?" We don't see eye to eye. He may be my supervisor, but I work for the company, not a man and therefore cannot tolerate something that is so harmful to so many people. Another coworker is a people person (an artisan-performer) and does nothing but socialize and distract diligent workers from their duties with endless questionings such as "what did you do last night?" and "how are the kids?" and "what are you going to have for lunch?" Were I the branch manager, she would be unemployed in a New York minute. The only valuable service she ever preforms is finding a personal connection through a complex network of who-knows-who for some backdoor contact to a target account we're trying to procure. Once after hearing a news report about a tornado tearing through a little town 100 miles away, she came running in breathlessly reporting the news adding, "I hope Jim's grandchildren are okay!" Concerned, I question, "who is Jim?" "JIM--our FedEx guy! His grandson lives in the town where the tornado touched down! I think they live on the outskirts though, so I think they're alright." I asked how she knew Jim (thinking that he was at least a shirt-tail relative to her), but the only connection she has with this man and his family who she's never met is that he is the FedEx guy. It would never in 10 million years occur to me to even learn the name of the guy who brings our packages. The part that really bends my mind is that she is one of the most beloved employees by fellow-workers and customers alike, even though she doesn't DO ANYTHING USEFUL!

My favorite job ever was doing picture framing, secluded in a dingy basement of a craft store. It didn't pay well, but allowed for creativity and privacy. Uninterupted flow. My dream job is to be some sort of consultant that moves around in a company from department to department streamlining procedures and firing weak links. "You are the weakest link; goodbye!" Is that gal INTJ?

mind_wander

11-22-2007, 10:18 AM

Actually, about the female worker connecting with the Fedex guy; might not seem important to you, but its kinda important. Here is why, incase there is a delivery packaged needed to be delayed or needed to be sent/received. For the most, chances are you will see the same Fed-ex person at your loading dock department. You pissed off that Fedex guy, next time whatever you ordered will not be shipped on time or delayed. Then, everyone get pissed at each other[For you, might be a great amusement, but others around you will take this seriously]. Something, just to clear it up.

Interesting observation, I am planning after graduation going into Business administration and wanted to be prepared, for this stuff.

binofhay

11-24-2007, 09:13 AM

I'd like to be an editor or proofreader of science/philosophy/history books so I can get paid to read interesting stuff all day while correcting grammar. Either that, or teach language. I thought about going to grad school to get a doctorate (in Sociology or English maybe), but I've slowly become turned off by what universities are doing, churning out academics who seek employment in academia, in a circular fashion. Also, I like breadth of learning and grad school confines one to such narrow specializations. Plus I don't need to accumulate more loans on top of my undergrad loans. My ideal job would have to involve a stimulating atmosphere, one that encourages creativity and thinking outside the box, and being around people I respect/could learn from.

Amaranth

11-27-2007, 04:25 PM

Right now I split my time being a work-from-home editor for a dot com and working on a farm. Both are enjoyable, but if farming paid as much as editing did, I'd be farming all the time. I'm getting there, though; next year the work week will shift so that I'm doing farming full-time and editing part-time (i.e. 60 hour weeks) and still making what I expect to be making.

Now, I know that farming ain't what you picture an INTJ doing--My initial interest was in environmental science, you see, and agriculture is a directly applicable and productive way to APPLY ecological principles. Plus, I can't stand offices. If it wasn't for having to sit in front of a computer all day (even if at home), I'd love editing completely, because I love learning. But I'm learning more than ever through farming (right now I'm studying soil science on my own) and I enjoy being physically active and fit. So I'm fortunate in that I'm moving towards my dream job at a pace that I'm happy with.

banzai

11-27-2007, 04:32 PM

Photographer for the National Geographic, which is nowhere near my current and plausible career.

Right now, the best next step is either Google or something like NASA or CIA.

BadgerDad

12-08-2007, 08:27 AM

I am an in-house corporate counsel. I have been doing this long enough now that what I really am is a senior advisor to senior leaders. That's a pretty good gig for an INTJ.

I now have enough tenure/goodwill/top cover that I can ocasionally get away with small indulgences, like snarling at HR people when they bother me. Its pretty funny when that happens. They recoil in horror, have a few meetings to decide what to do, then timidly go complain to the same people that give me top cover. (As an aside, I feel compelled to add that, as a group, HR people are essentially useless, and one of the key reasons that the best and brightest no longer run American Business.)

But that's now, when I'm harvesting the fruits of ~ 25 years of consistently brilliant performance. It wasnt always that way, and there were long stretches where the existence was difficult. I once had an ESFP boss that I almost took our behind the building and beat to death (figuritively, of course). But I also had a ISTJ boss early in my career that quickly recognized the benefit of my package of intellect and work ethic. He took the time to teach me the core truths of my profession. In true INTJ fashion, I would take a bullet for that guy...

I think its more difficult today for young professionals just starting out, and I have my fingers crossed for my oldest, also an INTJ (no, we didnt get along well when he lived at home), because the conformity requirement in business is stronger today than it was post-Vietnam.

I have been lucky in that I have (almost) always had a fair degree of latitude in how I acomplish what I have been given to acomplish. But that's changing, too.

For me, its been a good ride so far. But as an INTJ, its always about tomorrow, isn't it?

Max T

12-08-2007, 09:27 AM

Ideal job will be:
4 days a week starting own investment fund in a decade from now- a small office, maybe employing someone and analysing companies. Ridiculing the investment results of the establishment (Wall St./ City) that I couldn't fit in with.
2 days a week working on ideas and possibilities- shaking things up.
Nice balance of N and T.

Previously I was a junior project manager (and partial business analyst) at a large financial services company.

I would be given instruction for what needed changing and why, then plan the changes to products, coordinate them via multiple departments making the changes, and then I'd analyse the effects of those changes and report to senior management.

Pro: Making a real difference and having the autonomy to plan and coordinate to completion.
Con: The people-side was tiring. I was often politically dumb and viewed as a bit of a task master (it's in everyone's interests that the changes were made- we were all shareholders). Also the bureaucracy was frustrating- little creativity.

Seven

12-08-2007, 12:10 PM

Photographer for the National Geographic...

Now that would truly be the ultimate dream job for me. Field biologist would be a close second.

In the meantime, I'm employed as in-house legal for an international marketing company. Pros - autonomy, constant flow of interesting new files, creative problem solving, travel and decent pay. Cons - having to grin and bear a company full of rah, rah, hugs & kisses, fake love personality types. All in all, I can't complain.

Diva

12-08-2007, 12:58 PM

banzai

12-08-2007, 09:13 PM

Now that would truly be the ultimate dream job for me. Field biologist would be a close second.

In the meantime, I'm employed as in-house legal for an international marketing company. Pros - autonomy, constant flow of interesting new files, creative problem solving, travel and decent pay. Cons - having to grin and bear a company full of rah, rah, hugs & kisses, fake love personality types. All in all, I can't complain.

Ah, that is not one I considered...

Interesting choice, though. I've been looking for a good travel-focused line of work but haven't had much luck. I'm willing to try just about anything short of joining the peace corps (though I considered that too!)

SeekingHim80

12-08-2007, 10:25 PM

Wow! Lots of interesting stuff.

I am a support engineer for a small technology company. It's nice being able to meet and talk with different people all of the time. I do get very, ok extremely, tired of talking and interacting. It is fun though. I don't get paid very well, but the company is growing. There is a lot of need for new processes and procedures, and my boss is always open to input. I enjoy coming up with new ideas.

It's difficult to come up with the perfect job. I don't really want all of the money in the world. I don't want all of the responsibility of being a high level executive. I don't want the publicity or media attention of a politician. I enjoy Philosophy and Psychology, but I wouldn't be able to do those things for a living. I guess being a computer or electrical engineer for a big company would be cool. Being a mathematician or computer programmer would also be ideal.

Don't you all think that "perfect" or "ideal" is just a bit subjective? One day you can love your job, and the next you can hate it. The way you see your job is so dependent on how you are feeling about your boss, your coworkers, other people you deal with, your own self, and so many other things. I guess what I am saying is that there is always going to be something that can be improved. Is it possible to truly see your current position as "the ideal job"? More times than not, people say that they want something that they do not or cannot have. An old philosopher said that once you have something, you cannot desire it anymore. Maybe that is the key. I think that enjoying what you do and who you do it with means everything; all of the other stuff can be modified.

Gabrielle

12-09-2007, 03:36 AM

My perfect job is easy. House! (just kidding). I actually want to be someone like Foreman... so I'm going into Neurology.

Thistle

12-09-2007, 10:50 AM

Hmmmm. Pretty close to where I'm working at the moment - Management consultancy. I'm especially attracted to both the business element and also the OD, softer side - it gives an INTJ a vehicle through which to rationally learn about other people and all things 'f' and 's' and 'p' and, in turn, providing fodder to learn about oneself. Hope to reduce my working days down to 4/7 in the next couple of years - allowing me to pick up the paintbrushes again.

terencec

12-09-2007, 04:32 PM

I am an electrical engineer and have worked for different big and small companies e.g. hp, ti, some small companies in San Jose.I was/am doing "monkey" works most of time and need to deal with some BS coworkers/managers sometimes. Paid is ok, but not great. I can't see very bright future about engineering since most companies move to Asian for cheap labors. Don't think I will be out of the job but the paid won't be great due to supply and demand.

Electrical engineer has a few majors, circuit design, control, semiconductor, electromagnetic. Analog circuit design is the hottest field but I am not in the field.

My ideal jobs in my "dream".
A philosopher professor but get the medical doctor salary ($500K a year)!
Fund/Money manager looks over billion dollars fund. It is challenging! They make good money too. (Some can retire mid 30s)
Game programming if I don't have to make my living on it and don't care if I will still have a job in the future due to outsourcing.
Work for none profit organization if I had enough money to retire.

Now, my ideal job is the job (whether I like or not) I can make a lot of money in short time and never have to work for anybody again so I can understand what is ideal job!

Rheya

12-14-2007, 02:03 PM

I used to be a production assistant, a line producer, a sales girl, an academic researcher, a journalist, a copywriter, a columnist. I'm 26 so you can say that I move on quickly. I never give up a job, I always finish when I feel the job is done. And no longer a challenge (god, I hate that word).

Now I head an online department at a newspaper. It's all new since I'm the first person doing this job. I enjoy thinking out the best news flow in an online environment and motivate people to go along with the new demands.

Other profession that would suit me: being somebody who goes to a company and fixes everything that goes wrong (don't know what it is called) and make a lot of money doing so. I would be good at this. Seriously. My mind never stops working in this way. It's really tiring, so better make some good money off it. :-)

Booko

12-14-2007, 02:22 PM

Are there any doctors or student doctors here? I'm thinking about going to med school and would value any input on the topic.

I'm working on my Ph.D. in naturopathy.

Should we start a war over allopathic vs. naturopathic medicine? bwa ha ha!

But seriously -- first ask yourself why you want to be a doctor.

I've got plenty of friends who were thinking about going to med school and darned few who found out they actually wanted to be doctors.

Oh, and you don't have to be a Bio major to get into med school. There are advantages to being a Chem major with the needed Bio classes, uh, not the least of which is you'll be spending less time with pre-meds :yuck:

Also, if you haven't already done Organic Chemistry (that's my field) if you have a choice between a class for pre-meds and one for chem majors -- take the one for Chem majors.

Org Chem for pre-meds demands you mindlessly memorize 80 equations per week. Chem major classes just go through the five (5) major mechanisms and teach you to apply them. It's easier to learn and you'll actually know how to apply things in the future.

That's my nickel's worth. I hope it was of some use.

Caramel

12-14-2007, 02:22 PM

I honestly don't know what my dream job would be. I had my whole life figured out but lately it seems that I'm doubting everything, so that includes the aspect of work.

I am about to graduate from university, where I study molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, virology.. informatics, algoritmics..

My general plan was to become a PhD student, post-doc, (full)professor.. do research.. cure cancer.. get on discovery channel, you know.

But right now I have too many doubts to really be sure.

Booko

12-14-2007, 02:33 PM

anything not ssdd and not 8-hour-desk-bound. i love my other job coz i get to travel and have a time of solace. my heart loves being an environmentalist and i often skip work to do some work outdoors. i will be quitting in my day job soon once i'm settled with the finances...

Ah, you might like my paying job then. I have a small gardening business and we specialize in native plants and wildlife friendly landscapes. That usually means low-maintenance as well and often amounts to xeriscaping.

I'll probably add some tutoring to that in a year or two, once my daughter can drive herself to the dance studios. I live very near a high school, and someone always needs tutoring in sciences. A friend of mine who has her Ph.D. in mathematics got laid off from a local university and has found she makes more money in less time with more tax writeoffs tutoring math at her home than she ever made as a prof. She says a good tutor in Chemistry can command an even higher rate than she does for math, which works for me!

I hope I am past the point in my life where I have to work my butt off to make someone else rich.

Booko added to this post, 6 minutes and 32 seconds later...

I never give up a job, I always finish when I feel the job is done. And no longer a challenge (god, I hate that word).

Yeah, I usually figure about the time I become very competent it's time to learn something new. I've been remaking my career for years, but it's been interesting to see how what I've done previously feeds into something you would think would be totally unrelated.

Other profession that would suit me: being somebody who goes to a company and fixes everything that goes wrong (don't know what it is called) and make a lot of money doing so. I would be good at this. Seriously. My mind never stops working in this way. It's really tiring, so better make some good money off it. :-)

It's called "consultant." And yeah, depending on what you know, you can make a lot of money at it. My husband does that, and his expertise is in computer systems and telephony. But the real inefficiencies are always where people work together, and you can see where his father's penchant for psychology comes into play.

Be very very careful trying to fix inefficiencies from the inside, though. I can't tell you the number of times I've had my butt handed to me by some traditionalist who couldn't stand the idea of change but who had more pull with the powers-that-be. urgh.

Danisty

12-14-2007, 02:37 PM

Be very very careful trying to fix inefficiencies from the inside, though. I can't tell you the number of times I've had my butt handed to me by some traditionalist who couldn't stand the idea of change but who had more pull with the powers-that-be. urgh.This is why I stay unemployed. :laugh:

Currently, I'm basically a housewife, which I like far better than being an accountant, but it obviously pays a whole lot less. I'm thinking of going into linguistics.

Hey Booko, how do you become a consultant without having a specific field? I'm really good at finding people's flaws, but I don't actually need any background in any particular subject to do it.

tom330

12-14-2007, 02:41 PM

My ideal job would be a lottery winner!
But until that happens I'm sticking with my current career as a Builder and home designer. The design part feeds my need for creativity and puzzle solving, and builder parts lets me strategize and solve the daily problems of being a contractor. And, since I am one of the owners I can take some time off for other pursuits.
If I retire I think I would like to be a travel writer.

Zilal

12-18-2007, 03:26 PM

My ideal job would have me traveling to remote or wild places some of the time, doing creative or analytical work some of the time, and doing education some of the time. I should think there are a lot of positions where that would be possible.

nls

09-09-2008, 10:35 AM

Ideal job is either a cognitive psychology researcher/professor or God.

Seriously, you should consider becoming a Mormon. Mormons believe that just as children grow up to do the same kinds of things as their parents, mankind has the potential to grow up and become just like God; creating new worlds, raising spirit children, etc. The ideal religion for any INTJ in my opinion.

rewhu

09-09-2008, 12:23 PM

nls way to resurrect a thread! I’ll join in. Why the heck not?

What's your current job? What do you like and dislike about it, and how does it compare to your vision of your ideal job?

Currect job: Accounting / Payroll

Likes: My likes are more about the company I’m with and less about the actual job. Mostly independent / very little managerial interference, spacious work area, brief commute, competitive pay and benefits.

Dislikes: I don’t like accounting or payroll processing, can’t stand moronic vendors, office politics are vomit inducing

Comparison to ideal job: the independent environment and commute are comparable, that’s about it.

I do not hate my job, but neither to I love it. Some days are almost unbearable, but my level of contentment is always directly related to how many idiots I have to deal with. On the days I’m left alone I’m usually fine.

Jedi_sena

09-09-2008, 12:27 PM

mankind has the potential to ... become just like God
I have always thought that to be the oddest characteristic of the Mormon belief. Once a woman who had converted to mormonism explained her belief in Satan to me this way: Satan was created as a perfect angel but misused free will and made himself into the devil because he coveted the position of God. I agreed, that was how I interpret the scriptures too. Then I asked what her hope for the future was and she explained that there are different levels to heaven and that she hoped to make it into the first tier of heaven because there you share the position and glory of God. I asked her how that was different than the wrong desires that Satan had. She could not explain the difference.

Jedi_sena added to this post, 1 minutes and 36 seconds later...

My job search continues. I think I would like to work in staffing at a temp agency. I think I would be good at matching people to jobs.

cognosco

09-09-2008, 07:58 PM

If I knew what my ideal job was, I could stop reading threads like this looking for answers and spending hours and hours on the internet trying to find something that I think would interest me for the rest of my life. However, I can definitely say that my current job in retail/food service is so far from my ideal job (which would at the very least be intellectually stimulating) that I can feel my brain rotting. That being said, I have honed my people skills quite well for an INTJ, so that's something.

I'm thinking some sort of investigator/examiner/inspector. I can't help but find things wrong (so that's something I'm good at) and I like to find out how they got that way or how to fix it (which would keep things interesting).

As I my husband and I have been making nearly minimum wage for the last three years while trying to raise our son, we're so used to being broke, that money's not really an issue, since pretty much anything pays better than what we're doing now. I would like to own a house someday, though.

Dave C C

09-13-2008, 08:17 PM

Manufacturing, it requires almost nada in the thinking department which allows me to spend 95% of the day daydreaming. May not be the best thing for my mind, but I am willing to take the risk.

Silence

09-16-2008, 07:15 AM

I'm a private investigator.

As with most jobs, there are up sides and down sides, but the nice thing about this particular field is that it's diverse enough to provide new areas to branch out.

All in all, I think I'm sticking with this one.

justagirl

09-16-2008, 11:32 AM

I am not a doctor but work in the medical field. Let me just say, make sure your personality can mesh with the work environment. After quite a few years of struggling to fit in - more interest was placed on being 'nice' and 'happy' and 'making the customer happy', then knowledge base, skill base, I've decided to leave. It can be a rewarding career, but for me and my personality it gave me a lot of heartache and headache.

blues

09-16-2008, 06:44 PM

Ideal Job - somewhere in the out of the lime light working on a major TV show (if I had my pick I'd choose House). Right now I'm a Media Production student in college. I think this job would suit me well becuase while I enjoy being busy and around people some of the time, and I would not like to be center stage (except maybe excepting my emmy :)

I think I would be good at this job because I'm not a person that gets "star struck", but rather I focus on the job well, work well under pressue, and have been working on being a good team member (which suprisingly is going well, becuase one of my professors just said I "play well with others" and put me in a huge Directing position).

I would just like to be involved in some great project, working with talented people, and finding my niche. Don't know if this will ever happen (which makes me a little depressed) but all one can do is try.

lancelot

09-22-2008, 07:00 PM

What's your current job? What do you like and dislike about it, and how does it compare to your vision of your ideal job?

Current job, sign language interpreter, it's fun I learn a lot and enjoy working with the kids.

What I don't like, sometimes the kids are hard to understand. When they get up and present a report it can be frustrating if I don't understand what they are saying. Soon will be in grad. School Ed. Psych Major.

Ideal job would be cognitive psychologist, and linguist working at a top university on the west coast: Would like to be a Steven Pinker or Noam Chomsky type.

konacoffee1

09-23-2008, 03:15 PM

Ideal Job: Ruling the world, but since no one will let me...

I'm actually in the process of going back to school for psychology or nursing. I'm debating between psychiatric nursing or clinical psychology. I know they both are similar in many ways, but also very different.

Right Now: Assistant to the Director. Very boring for me.

Ligda

09-23-2008, 10:40 PM

as a few people on here already stated, a cognitive scientist/experimental psychologist would be my ideal job. either working as a full professor or a principle investigator of a lab.

right now, i'm a research assistant of a human factors lab at a nasa site. it's very cool, and strokes my small ego, but being a research assistant at the bottom of the totem pole isn't really ideal for very long. but it's a start.

Jedi_sena

10-24-2008, 08:03 AM

I finally found the perfect job for me! I just got hired to be the online sales coordinator for my local branch on To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. which is an auction similar to eBay. I basically list and ship items for the auction. I work independently which eliminates virtually any chance of having conflicts with coworkers. I'm responsible for the entire department so the success of the project is all mine from end to end which gives me a lot of fulfillment. And the cherry on top is that it is also for charity! What could be better?!?!

blue tie

10-24-2008, 08:12 AM

My current job is programmer. The thing I don't like about it is barriers and working with stupid people. If I had my way, I would be making decisions up and down the entire stack and I would improve the shit out of the code base. Improvements!

Kisai

10-24-2008, 03:33 PM

I am a test technician. I am lucky to have it because I have no previous experience as a tech and the economy is sucky right now. I was waiting tables before.

I like it okay, but it isn't as challenging as I like. I'm midway through getting my EE and I want to complete it ASAP (even if it means going back to waiting tables because the hours are more adjustable).

Once I get my EE, I'm going to start collecting MS's in Chemistry & Physics and learning some machining. Then I'm going to (hopefully) invent something while I contract or start my own business. Somewhere in my later years I'm going to get a law degree.

Fairlane

10-24-2008, 07:36 PM

Hi all,

This will be first post here, as I only recently began to develop an interest in psychometric analysis.

Okay... I think I have a job that is very much in line with my personality, namely manager (only since very recently) within a financial risk-analysis and control environment. Basically my teams are responsible for analysing credit risk for customers that do not settle their outstanding invoices on time.

Sounds boring, right ? :)

How does my INTJ personality help:
I: My department is highly un-organised and I am currently defining and implementing change projects to make us more efficient.
N: I rely on making quick assessments of the information people provide to me and have to make decisions based on limited input.
T: Because I am not only new to the company, the department and the team, but lso to the profession, I am constantly challenged to think about my new working environment...
J: And due to internal (several highly dysfunctional processes and people in my department) and external (credit crisis) circumstances, I have to use my ability to judge constantly.

In short... I am a happy puppy.

However, this is my 5th job in 8 years, as I tend to get easily bored when I am done "fixing" stuff. I also have a tendency to run into trouble with those higher up the ladder (sr. management) and some people-types that I have to lead (those that are less "able" to think and analyse, but tend to focus more on feeling).

Now that I am reading up on different psychometric systems, their personalities start to make more sense to me and I hope I can break this viscious circle.

Solaris

10-24-2008, 08:35 PM

Working for Subaru of America as either a community relations type; in some sort of philanthropic capacity; or, as the person who educates salespeople about the product.

Alternately, doing something similar for other companies.

Outside of that, running some sort of non-profit.

Krazy P

10-24-2008, 08:57 PM

I am a CEO for a billion dollar retail financial services company. I love my job and am pretty good at it. We didn't get into the mess of a lot of financials and are now gaining market share like crazy. Our customer loyalty numbers (called the Net Promoter score) are in the top 1/2 of 1% of all companies. Our employee satisfaction numbers are the highest in absolute terms in the industry (best place to work and so forth) and in our last survey they went up again - in every category. I get resumes put in my windshield wipers when I go out around town.

I like my job very much.

It is very demanding - we have high standards for performance. My co-workers watch my every move, facial expression, comment, etc. Especially today with things changing so fast (the U.S. appears to be on the verge of nationalization of insurance companies, for example - just announced today), my co-workers depend on me to lead them through the uncharted waters. Their families depend on me to do the right thing. Not the pressure of a military situation, but a strain nonetheless.

At any time I can, through action or inaction, make a mistake that will cause pain, hurt or anxiety in others - all unnecessary if I handled the situation differently. Just failing to acknowledge someone when I am walking around can be misinterpreted.

That part I don't like. I also don't like the inevitable sycophancy. I have a new senior staff person who can't help herself. It is painful to me.

On the other hand, the thank yous and appreciation I do get (this is the best place I have ever worked in my life!) make it very worthwhile. Of course, one always wonders if any positive comment is truthful - I sense that at least some of them are.

Is that insightful to you?

radames

10-24-2008, 11:40 PM

I drive a truck and find it ideal for the type of daily regimen I possess. It is more of an independent type of job which is the kind of person that I am. I also take classes online.

Nikita

10-24-2008, 11:45 PM

I'm an attorney (let the jokes begin, lol), but my ideal job would be an explorer (this includes both world and space exploration) or some kind of on-the-road rescuer of missing and/or oppressed people.

sid4wisdom

10-27-2008, 04:18 PM

Anton

10-28-2008, 07:06 PM

Don't you all think that "perfect" or "ideal" is just a bit subjective? One day you can love your job, and the next you can hate it. The way you see your job is so dependent on how you are feeling about your boss, your coworkers, other people you deal with, your own self, and so many other things. I guess what I am saying is that there is always going to be something that can be improved. Is it possible to truly see your current position as "the ideal job"? More times than not, people say that they want something that they do not or cannot have. An old philosopher said that once you have something, you cannot desire it anymore. Maybe that is the key. I think that enjoying what you do and who you do it with means everything; all of the other stuff can be modified.

That was very insightful. I appreciate that :)

If I knew what my ideal job was, I could stop reading threads like this looking for answers and spending hours and hours on the internet trying to find something that I think would interest me for the rest of my life. However, I can definitely say that my current job in retail/food service is so far from my ideal job (which would at the very least be intellectually stimulating) that I can feel my brain rotting. That being said, I have honed my people skills quite well for an INTJ, so that's something.

I feel you. If I knew my ideal job I wouldn't be here reading about it, I'd be out there gunning for it. Anyways I work in food industry too and it also has improved my social skills.

Okay the formality:

I'm employed as a Lubrication Technician (Day job) and as a Cook (part-time/weekend)

I'll start with the cook job, since I've been working with food for a few years now and have been there the longest.

What I love about that particular job is my standing with everyone else.
I get respect there, and that is very important to me.
Even my supervisor and manager give me a great amount of respect and allow me to take a leadership role.
I go in, I do my job, I leave.
Sometime my supervisor let's me call the shots while he sits down and takes a breather. I enjoy leadership positions and have a "let me *show* you how it's done" kind of attitude, so no complaints with what he's doing.

The downside is, it's not using my full potential. And when things get boring, and I feel like I've done enough and the rest of the staff can handle the lull, I go to the back and begin reading on the laptop, or a book..

Now the Lube Tech.

I can't stand this job and mostly it's because I'm "the new guy" and don't get very much respect. People treat me like I'm incompetent and it makes me furious. I make a lot of mistakes because I'm learning the work, and for the most part, all the downsides to this is just the social aspect.

The work itself is the greatest positive part to it. It involves a lot of manual dexterity, and that's something I'm good at. The machine never talks back, or gives a **** about my feelings towards it and that makes the process so much easier. It's a lot slower pace than working in a kitchen and as such, there's no pressure for me to bust my ass and get the job done- I love that aspect very much.

I go around observing the people who have been there for years, and the certified mechanics have it pretty well. They are very independent, and in comparison to working in food, they hardly have to deal with any people.

My ideal job? I don't know. But all throughout life, I've found myself in #1 of the poster God's scenario: performing a day job, and afterwards I have a hobbie to keep my brain from turning to mush. Recently I've ordered 3 books on Physics by Isaac Asmiov. There are a few reasons for this.

1. My 5 year plan was to get an apprenticeship as a mechanic, and in the next 5 years work on that: getting out of debt while simultaneously achieving a certification. Then afterwards, go back to school and get my long...long desired degree in physics/philosophy.

2. I read in a book that if you're waiting for things to change or to have more finances or your kids to grow up or that you're only doing this until you can do what you "really" want to do: just do that thing now. An hour a day, or whatever you can, just do it.

I think that taking the course of action to buy the books NOW, instead of waiting 5 years to go to school, is that I won't feel like I'm waiting to do what I really want to while for now I shove my nose into the grindstone and make a dying. The added benefit is that I'll be able to find out if Physics truly does hold my interest like I believe it does, and will expand my mind to possible career options based on that knowledge.

Avital

10-29-2008, 03:31 AM

I kinda have 2 ideal jobs; fighter pilot and black project manager (defense contracts).

My family is/was heavily involved in the military; my granddad was a cryptologist in WWII, my father went to Top Gun School as an adversary pilot (very similar to 'viper' did in the movie). I like pushing machines and myself to the limit and finding their breaking points. As morbid as is may sound it would be pretty awesome to dieing in flaming wreak pulling 10+gs. Although being in a top secret think tank creating new technologies would be amazingly cool also.

I would rather be a lifetime fighter pilot but after a while your body just cant keep up with younger people; if i dont feel the rush of adrenaline i dont feel alive at all i just feel like i'm going through the motions and what i do doesnt really effect later outcomes. I can debate though the tech i would develop working for a DoD contract wouldnt nessecarily be used in the most constructive ways for humanity but being on the bleeding edge of the technologies would give me a lot satisfaction even if i couldn't gloat about it.