10 Reasons INFJs Can't Stand Their Jobs
For many INFJs, having a job they love can often feel out of reach. While there’s no universal job that’s right for every INFJ, some career paths just don't end up working out. Whether it's the hours, the commute time or simply a lack of autonomy and flexibility in how they work - all INFJs have been faced with those jobs where the cons seem to outweigh the pros.
For most, it can be difficult to admit when something isn't working - but sometimes acknowledging discontent is the first step towards finding one’s dream job.
1. Their Work Does Not Offer Variety
An INFJ is a person who craves variety and meaning in their lives, whether it be in their relationships, job, or personal thoughts. This means that a job with no variety may cause an INFJ to feel stagnant and unfulfilled, which can lead to feelings of contempt and resentment towards the position.
Having no variety makes life feel monotonous, and although there might be benefits associated with consistency and repetition, this will never be enough to satisfy an INFJ. Therefore, it's understandable why they hate jobs that do not offer them any form of change or challenge – these things are essential for the INFJ soul to stay alive.
2. Their Work is Not in Harmony With Their Beliefs and Values
For INFJs, a job is much more than a paycheck; it's about aligning their beliefs and values with their work. Without this connection between personal principles and the job tasks, INFJs may quickly become dissatisfied.
Every decision feels as if something that should be aligning with their intrinsic value system. When an INFJ is presented with something or asked to do something that does not match his/her beliefs and values, a sense of betrayal will occur-even if there is no malicious intent from the company or client.
To quell these negative feelings, INFJs must gravitate towards positions that are in harmony with their core beliefs. Otherwise they risk draining away any peace they have found in their professional life.
3. Their Work Does Not Offer Agency to Be Independent
For an INFJ, the ability to take initiative and have independence in the workplace is one of their driving forces. To feel that their individual contributions make a real difference to a project or team gives them a real sense of fulfillment.
Having an occupation that limits this, whether by limiting scope or creativity, denies them this feeling of purpose and can leave them feeling unfulfilled and trapped in a job they hate.
As rare individuals, INFJs want to be able to express themselves with out restriction; failure to provide them with such autonomy can lead them to search for alternate pathways - perhaps even leading to giving up their current task altogether.
4. Their Work Environment is Not Friendly or Respectful
As an INFJ, it can be incredibly difficult to find a job that is truly meaningful and respectful. Something as simple as the environment of the workplace can make or break their day - if the atmosphere isn't friendly, or if people aren't respecting each other's ideas, it can be difficult for them to stay motivated or on task.
They don't want to just "put in time" for a job that lacks any respect for the individual; INFJs crave meaningful work, where they feel supported and encouraged by their colleagues and bosses. But when these basic needs aren't met, it can leave an INFJ feeling frustrated and unfulfilled, ultimately leading them to resent the position entirely.
5. Their Work Will Not Let Them Achieve Goals Creatively
INFJs, as a personality type, are often known for their passion and desire to achieve goals. This is especially true when it comes to their career path – INFJs are driven by a strong need to utilize their creative skills and use them to display their imagination.
As such, they typically do not fare well in jobs that restrict their creativity; instead of feeling fulfilled, these roles can make them feel restricted, uninspired, and frustrated. After all, INFJs take pride in seeing the tangible result of their hard work and creativity displayed in real life – something often impossible with a job that does not allow them to express their true nature.
For an INFJ looking for fulfillment, the only viable option may be to seek out work that allows them to make creative contributions within the scope of their abilities.
6. Their Work Does Not Allow Them Time to Think Deeply
INFJs are idealists; they often gravitate towards occupations that allow them to enter a more philosophical world, free of the expectations and pressures of everyday life. They crave meaningful relationships with co-workers rather than superficial interactions.
Thus, it's no surprise why Infjs hate jobs that don't provide for intellectual pursuits or an opportunity to think deeply about issues. This type of career does not fulfill their longing for connection and mental stimulation that allows them to explore theories and ideas, which is a fundamental part of an INFJ personality.
Because these individuals thrive when presented with challenges that pique their interests and imaginings, jobs without time for analysis miss the mark in meeting these needs.
7. Their Work Environment is Not Free From Conflict or Power Plays
INFJs are naturally conflict-averse and abhor power plays in the workplace. They have a strong value for interpersonal relationships, so when someone tries to take away from the harmonious environment that they desire, it can be a huge detriment to their morale.
INFJs will go above and beyond to build unique relationships with colleagues, but having to constantly defend themselves in an atmosphere of conflict or watch others take advantage of each other simply doesn't appeal to them at all.
Their longing for connection, fairness, and cooperation often make inflexible workplaces uncomfortable and unenjoyable.
8. Their Work Will Not Allow Them to Organize Their Own Time and Workspace
For an INFJ, the ideal job is one that offers them freedom to structure their workspace and schedule in whatever way suits them best. This type of flexibility and control allows the INFJ to maximize their productivity and increase the quality of their work.
Without such freedoms, an INFJ can quickly become bogged down and frustrated by a lack of autonomy, resulting in diminishing returns on their effort. To an INFJ, it feels like something vital to how they function has been taken away, leaving them feeling trapped and longing for their own space and rhythm.
The result is often that an INFJ will be disliked for not fitting in with the typical schedule or workflow of their job, when in truth all they really want is some freedom to make it suit them better.
9. Their Work Will Not Allow Them to Strategize and Envision
For INFJs, having a job that allows them to strategize and envision is not just a career path – it’s an opportunity for personal growth. INFJs crave intellectual stimulation and they view the career ladder as their own individual journey.
Of course, money is always going to be a consideration in taking on any job, but these introspective types of people are in search of meaningful work. When forced into roles that lack the ability to strategize or look ahead with long-term planning, INFJs will struggle to thrive and may eventually burn out.
For this reason, INFJs need employers that genuinely care about their team members and offer avenues for personal growth while also encouraging creativity in problem-solving.
10. Their Work Does Not Have a Positive Impact on Others
INFJs are individuals who are naturally inclined to want to make the world a better place; it is within their nature to strive for making meaningful connections with others. For this reason, traditional nine-to-five jobs that require them to do mundane tasks without any bigger impact on the world can be extremely discouraging and unfulfilling.
The chance to have a real positive effect on the world, even if it's in just a small way, is something many INFJS require as it gives them a sense of purpose. Without that opportunity to make a difference or cause change, most INFJs will quickly become frustrated and ultimately have a lack motivation or pleasure from their work.
Conclusion
Being in the wrong job can be frustrating for anyone – but it can be especially tough on INFJs.
With their strong sense of intuition and desire for peace and harmony, they often find themselves in jobs that don’t line up with their values or meet their needs. Have you found this to be true.