13 Careers That Sound Fun But Actually Suck for ENFJs
ENFJs, known as the “Teachers” of the Myers-Briggs world, are energetic, idealistic and deeply people-oriented. They thrive on collaboration, meaningful connection and the sense that their work is making a real difference in the lives of others. With their charisma and knack for seeing the potential in people, ENFJs are often drawn to careers that seem exciting, dynamic or cool...but not all “fun” jobs are a good fit for this personality type.
Beneath the surface, ENFJs have a special set of needs to be happy at work: they require harmony, opportunities to inspire and lead, and a sense of purpose in their work. Jobs that lack these qualities—or, worse, actively undermine them—can quickly become a source of stress. ENFJs often become irritable, impatient, sarcastic and short-tempered under stress. When that happens, they lose their status as the "inspiring" coworker, which drives them further from their goals and relationships and creates additional pressure. You don't want a job that pushes you into this state.
Here’s a deep dive into 13 careers that sound fun but, in reality, often suck for ENFJs, with real-world scenarios to illustrate the mismatch.
1. Event Promoter
Why it sounds fun:
You’re at the heart of the action, organizing concerts, parties, and festivals, constantly meeting new people.
Why it sucks for ENFJs:
On the surface, this job is social, but it’s also cutthroat and transactional. ENFJs will quickly tire of the relentless self-promotion, shallow networking and the pressure to “sell” fun rather than create genuine connection. Imagine spending your day cold-calling venues, negotiating with sponsors who care only about profit, and smoothing over angry guests at 2 a.m.—all for a few hours of celebration that rarely make a lasting impact.
2. Fashion Model
Why it sounds fun:
Glamor, travel and creative expression.
Why it sucks for ENFJs:
The modeling world is highly competitive, image-focused and often emotionally isolating. ENFJs crave meaningful collaboration and feedback, but modeling offers little in the way of genuine connection or personal growth. Behind the fashion and the jet-setting, there are long hours alone backstage, being judged on your appearance and having no say in the creative process. ENFJs will feel unseen and undervalued.
3. Travel Blogger
Why it sounds fun:
Adventure, new cultures and sharing your experiences with the world.
Why it sucks for ENFJs:
While ENFJs love people and new experiences, travel blogging is often a solitary grind. The pressure to constantly produce content, chase likes and monetize your life can feel hollow. Imagine spending days editing photos and writing posts alone in hotel rooms, while meaningful interactions are replaced by fleeting online engagement.
4. Stockbroker
Why it sounds fun:
High stakes, fast-paced and potentially lucrative.
Why it sucks for ENFJs:
This world is driven by competition, profit and risk—it's a rare ENFJ who resonates with those values. The lack of collaboration and the focus on personal gain over collective good can feel soul-crushing. Picture yourself glued to screens, making split-second decisions that impact strangers’ finances, with little room for empathy or teamwork.
5. Video Game Designer (in a Large Studio)
Why it sounds fun:
Creativity, teamwork and building worlds.
Why it sucks for ENFJs:
Large studios are notorious for crunch time, rigid hierarchies and little creative control for most employees. ENFJs may find themselves stuck implementing someone else’s vision, with little opportunity to inspire or lead. Think months of overtime, endless bug-fixing and being told to “just do your part.” It's a long way from the collaborative, visionary work ENFJs crave.
7. Advertising Copywriter (for Aggressive Brands)
Why it sounds fun:
Creativity, wordplay and shaping public opinion.
Why it sucks for ENFJs:
You'll be shocked by the solitary nature of much of the work. Even in busy agencies, copywriters often work in solitude, crafting slogans and campaigns for someone else to run with, rip up or tweak until they become a different animal altogether. And you'll have to put that people-reading skill on the shelf again, because now it's all about appealing to the masses and their wallets.
8. Solo Freelance Coder
Why it sounds fun:
Autonomy, problem-solving and high pay.
Why it sucks for ENFJs:
While ENFJs can be tech-savvy, the isolation of solo coding is draining. There’s little opportunity for teamwork, mentorship or big-picture vision. Imagine days spent alone coding to a brief, with client interactions limited to terse emails and no sense of shared purpose.
9. Nightclub Bartender
Why it sounds fun:
Socializing, energy and cocktails.
Why it sucks for ENFJs:
Bartending in a nightclub is fast-paced and chaotic, yes! But the interactions are fleeting and often superficial. ENFJs will eventually tire of the noise, late hours and the lack of opportunity for real connection. Picture yourself breaking up fights, dealing with drunk patrons and feeling invisible behind the bar.
10. Movie Extra
Why it sounds fun:
Being on set, meeting actors and seeing movie magic up close.
Why it sucks for ENFJs:
Extras spend long days waiting around, with little interaction or creative input. The work is repetitive, unrecognized and offers no opportunity to inspire or lead. Imagine spending 12 hours on set for five seconds of screen time, with no one remembering your name.
11. Professional Poker Player
Why it sounds fun:
Excitement, strategy and big winnings.
Why it sucks for ENFJs:
Poker is solitary, cutthroat and requires reading people for personal gain, not for connection or understanding. ENFJs will struggle with the lack of collaboration and the ethical gray areas. Imagine hours of silent competition, hiding your emotions and celebrating others’ losses. Plus, you really don't have a poker face.
12. Fashion Buyer
Why it sounds fun:
Travel, trend-spotting and influencing style.
Why it sucks for ENFJs:
The job is highly competitive, with constant pressure to predict trends and negotiate deals. The focus on profit and aesthetics over people can feel empty. Imagine spending your days in showrooms, making snap decisions, and justifying your choices to skeptical executives.
13. Professional Critic (Food, Movies, etc.)
Why it sounds fun:
Trying new things, sharing opinions and influencing culture.
Why it sucks for ENFJs:
Critics must often deliver harsh judgments, sometimes publicly. ENFJs, who value harmony and encouragement, will find this emotionally taxing. Imagine writing a negative review of a local restaurant, knowing it could hurt someone’s livelihood, and receiving angry backlash online. You need a thick skin for this job, and ENFJs are usually too empathetic to develop one easily.
So What Careers Are Best for ENFJs?
If you’re an ENFJ, don’t be discouraged if these “dream jobs” leave you cold. Instead, seek out roles where your empathy, leadership and vision can truly shine, because that’s where you’ll find work that’s not just fun, but deeply fulfilling. You can find some top career choices for ENFJs here, or take our career aptitude test for even more ideas that fit your exact strengths. The right career lets you bring your whole self to the table, and that’s when everything clicks.
