David, 

I recently ran across your website, and found the articles you wrote really interesting.  I'd appreciate your insight into a problem I'm facing if you have a moment... 

 

 

 

I'm 44 years old, and fall smack dab between an INFJ and an INTJ.  As you could probably guess, career matters have not been easy for me.  After all, career choices that are spot-on for an INFJ are way off the mark for an INTJ and visa-versa. 

 

 

 

I've been educated and trained for INTJ-type jobs -- business, strategy, analysis, etc. but I've always had a strong pull toward more meaningful pursuits, which I've sought through church and other venues.   To say I've never fit in a traditional box in any job is an understatement.  I've always migrated to unique slots or designed my own positions where I'm able to apply my strengths to build strategies, people, processes, and systems. 

 

 

 

 

 

To a point, I've been able to meet my inner desire for structure by building structure myself.  But when things slow down or I lose my focus on clear objectives, I become very uncomfortable and founder badly. 

 

 

 

 

As a general rule, I've found that where my gifts have been used and valued, I've thrived, and where they have not, I've languished.   

 

 

 

 

So, here is my predicament... The position I'm currently in no longer provides no outlet for my strengths since the company is small and stagnant.  I need to bust a move, but I'm at a complete loss as to what to do.  I have neither the focused skills, nor the desire to pursue a "cookie-cutter" position in marketing or finance.  At the same time, it is exceedingly difficult for a "specialized INF/TJ generalist" to find a niche at my level.  Positions like that are pretty easy to find at age 28, but pretty tough at age 44.  So, I'm considering my range of options. 

 

 

 

 

One option is to buy a business or franchise of some sort.  But I'm fairly confident that I'd build the business and then I'd get bored, and try desperately to apply my strengths whether or not they're what's most needed in the situation. My solution to this would be to build a series of businesses and hire an "operations type" to run them once they're up and going. I can see with crystal clarity how to resolve other people's problems and can analyze the heck out of almost anything, but I'm like a deer in the headlights when it comes to seeing my own path clearly.  Anyway, I'd appreciate any feedback or ideas you might have for me on the broad subject of career, and the specific idea of someone with my termperament buying a business. Many thanks! 

 

 

 

"D"

 

 

HERE'S DAVID'S ANSWER:

 

Hi "D", 

 

Wow.  For a minute there, I wasn't sure if I was reading your story or my own autobiography.  Like you, I walk the line between INFJ and INTJ.  In my more natural state, I am an INFJ.  I tend to turn into the INTJ when I am solving problems for others. 

 

 

This ability to walk the fine line between INFJ and INTJ is not unusual for INFJ's.  It is a little more difficult for INTJ's to play the INFJ role, however, because they place less value on compassion.  Compassion is what motivates INFJ's to solve problems for people.  A true INTJ solves problems for the sake of improving the system.  An INFJ solves problems for the sake of improving the lives of others.  Sometimes the differences between these motivations are minimal, other times they are huge. 

 

 

So, my guess is that, like me, you are an INFJ with a technical background (I have a masters degree in civil engineering).  The technical world can be a haven for Intuitive types, either F or T.  It is the Intuition part that drives the system approach to resolving problems, especially when the Judging function is strong. 

 

This is why many INFJ's choose careers in engineering, sciences, business, etc rather than psychology, social work, etc. (or other careers more related to people). That being said, I am not sure exactly what the best options are for you to follow.  I try to give advice about the MBTI and how it affects our lives and interactions with others.  Career counseling is not my area of expertise - which is why I have been self-employed most of my life. 

 

Here is what I can tell you..... Just as you are able to step back and analyze, scrutinize and direct others, you are also able to do the same thing for yourself.  Here is the hard part - you must do this without fear.  You already know the answers, you just need to accept them. 

 

I have noticed that many INFJ's (especially me) are such strong advocates for change and improvement that others naturally listen to them.  Yet these same INFJ's have a little difficulty directing themselves.  It took me quite awhile to figure this out, but I think I know why. Deep down inside, INFJ's love to solve problems and they are extremely motivated to help others.  INFJ's always place other people's value higher than they place their own value.  We help others because we care about them.  Unfortunately, this also means that we place ourselves last.  We are used to others listening to us, but we are not used to listening to ourselves. 

 

I can assure you that you are as capable of helping yourself as you are helping others.  You already know the answers, you just have to listen to yourself. 

 

I will think about this a little more and contact you again soon.  In the meantime, please feel free to contact me with additional questions or to share more information.  I am always willing to help and greatly enjoy the opportunity to learn from others.  I always share these letters with my good friend and mentor Nancy Fenn.  With your permission, she might print them, so that others can learn from us, as we learn from each other. 

 

David

David DeVaughn is an INFJ that got tired of fighting the corporate world and is now an entrepreneur living in Traverse City, Michigan.