Careers for INFP Personalities

Do large groups and structured tasks make you feel drained? Are you happiest when helping others achieve their goals?

INFPs are somewhat rare, accounting for about four percent of the population. One of the 16 psychological types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, INFP combines the traits of introversion, intuition, feeling, and perception.

These sincere and thoughtful individuals tend to be highly intuitive. They are considerate and listen well, which helps put those around them at ease. INFPs do not like conflict, but are surprisingly good at solving other people's problems. They have an innate understanding of the perspectives and feelings of others, as well as a genuine desire to help them, which makes them wonderful mediators.

INFPs do not want just any job or career; they want to do something they love and are passionate about. Above all else, they aspire to use their creative gifts and abilities in ways that bring personal happiness and fulfillment, as well as contribute to the greater good of humankind.

This article will be covering the following careers:

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1. Preschool Teacher

A career as a preschool teacher brings out an INFP's creativity, independence, and need for meaningful relationships with individuals—in this case children—who need their guidance. They make committed, purposeful teachers, using their emotional sensitivity to help their students feel acknowledged and cared for. But they can also be a lot of fun, their originality and open-mindedness sparking countless ideas for new games and learning activities.

2. Massage Therapist

Many INFPs prefer being able to work face-to-face with clients and enjoy seeing that their personal efforts really impact another's quality of life. For this reason, they make excellent massage therapists, using their intuition and thoughtfulness to sooth clients physically as well as emotionally. Because INFPs tend to do best with a somewhat unstructured schedule, they will enjoy the flexible nature of massage work.

Massage Therapist Your Match? Your Match? Avg Wage $53k Growth 26.3 % Satisfaction Low A massage therapist is someone who treats clients by using touch to manipulate the soft-tissue muscles of the body.

3. Psychiatrist

Psychiatry is a career where INFPs can be intellectually inspired, grow professionally, try creative approaches to problems, and, most of all, help others improve their lives. But although INFPs will thrive in this profession, many will find it difficult to complete the long, rigorous years of education required. To stay motivated throughout their training, INFPs may need to remind themselves frequently of their end goal: contributing to the wellbeing of those around them.

4. Social Fundraiser

Social fundraisers act as the intermediary between non-profit organizations and their donors. Although some large events or networking activities may be required, this role usually tends to involve building deep, long-lasting relationships—an appealing pursuit for an INFP. Especially if their employer is social justice-oriented, INFPs will enjoy the opportunity to contribute to a greater good while also earning a salary.

Social Fundraiser Your Match? Your Match? Avg Wage $63k Growth 14.8 % Satisfaction Low A social fundraiser is a public relations professional who works on behalf of businesses or non-profit organizations to raise funds via private donations or grants.

5. Midwife

INFPs love to be a nurturing caregiver to others, and enjoy taking on responsibility. All though they love people, they are naturally introverted and can easily be overwhelmed when working in large groups. This is just one of the many reasons they will enjoy a career in midwifery. As the behind-the-scenes support system for new and future mothers, INFPs can truly put their warmth and devotion to use.

6. Photographer

INFPs seem to be here to reflect humanity back to itself. Through a creative, artistic pursuit like photography, they can use their social awareness and originality to connect with others on a very personal level. Although many kinds of photography will appeal to INFPs, they are perhaps best-suited to the more intimate forms, such as family portraiture or engagement photography.

Photographer Your Match? Your Match? Avg Wage $42k Growth -5.6 % Satisfaction Low A photographer is a professional that focuses on the art of taking photographs with a digital or film camera.

7. Social Worker

INFPs take pride in fostering progress and growth in those around them. They have a tendency to put others' interests ahead of their own, which makes them perfect candidates for a career in social work. Social workers can assist their clients in a variety of ways. For example, they might help them adjust to a major life challenge, like unemployment, divorce, or illness, or they may connect them with important resources, such as healthcare or food stamps. Whatever the specifics of the job, INFPs will find value and meaning in this line of work.

Social Worker Your Match? Your Match? Avg Wage $55k Growth 8.3 % Satisfaction Low There are two main types of social workers: direct-service social workers, who help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives, and clinical social workers, who diagnose and treat mental, behavioural, and emotional issues.

8. Marriage Therapist

Not everyone has the patience or compassion to succeed as a marriage therapist. But INFPs, with their accepting natures and active listening skills, are a perfect match for this job. As marriage therapists, they will enjoy helping their clients make sense of complex or disorganized thoughts. In some cases, they may even adapt or invent a new counselling method altogether to ensure the best possible outcomes for their clients.

Marriage Therapist Your Match? Your Match? Avg Wage $54k Growth 23.4 % Satisfaction Low A marriage therapist (or marriage counselor) is someone who helps couples who are either engaged to be married and would like advice, or who are already married and are experiencing issues that need to be resolved.

9. Author

Growing up, many INFP's dream of one day becoming an author. With a gift for language and written expression, individuals with this personality have the ability to win people's hearts and minds with their words. Whereas others may find it difficult to stay motivated without the structures or routines of an office, INFPs will perform well in this self-directed job.