The Absolute Worst Job For Each of the 16 Myers and Briggs’ Personality Types

If you’ve spent much time looking into personality science as a basis for your career planning, you likely can name a job or two that would be a dream career for your type.

But what about the no-no jobs? You know, the ones that have you bored out of your mind, rubbing up against a toxic (for you) company culture, dragging your heels on the way to work or waking up in a cold sweat with a bad case of the “Sunday Scaries” at the end of every weekend  just thinking about it?

Decades of psychology research and organizational dynamic theory has shown that your personality traits can be a useful guide in identifying career paths that maximize your unique personality strengths. But as it turns out, your personality traits can also be a great way to steer clear of roles and company cultures that work against your innate preferences and work styles. 

Read on for the lowdown on the absolute worst job for each of the 16 personality types.

Not sure of your personality type or haven’t taken a test in awhile? Take Truity’s free TypeFinder® test based on Myers Briggs 16 personality theory here. 

INTJ: Customer Service Representative 

While some people love helping people solve their problems and have the patience of saints when customers vent their endless frustrations, INTJs...well, let's just say that customer service is just not their strong suit. INTJs are highly analytical and logical individuals, so right away they will come into conflict with the old “customer is always right” golden rule of customer service. And most INTJs will not be able to handle it when customers are acting not just "not right," but unhinged, illogical and emotional. This sort of thing is truly the INTJ’s worst nightmare. In fact, prefers to work independently on complex projects rather than dealing with constantly changing and often nonsensical demands from customers. Businesses want a service rep who says, "I got this," rather than one who says, "I appreciate your enthusiasm for this problem, but please let me know when it transforms into a logical conundrum worthy of my attention."  In addition, anything that involves dealing with the public is probably going to be a no-go for this type, whose Introverted nature, naturally causes them to feel drained of energy when dealing with others (as opposed to Extraverts, who gain energy in interacting with others). So it’s safe to say that talking to people all day and dealing with their problems is going to be next-level exhausting for an INTJ.

INTP: Retail Sales Associate 

For INTPs, the thought of working in retail can be utterly painful. Small talk? Being sunny and upbeat and super-into folding sweaters when you're not remotely in the mood? Trying to sell products to customers who may not even want them? These are all stomach-churning scenarios for an INTP. An INTP deeply values logic and prioritizes knowledge over emotions, which makes them ill-equipped for the highly social and often unpredictable world of retail sales. In fact, this type is known for their aversion to superficial interactions, making sales roles of any kind a form of torture for them. INTPs don’t have the “gift of gab” that typically more Extraverted sales people tend to possess and they will be drained of their entire life force after a day of talking to people and trying to sell them things. INTPs are known for being unconventional and original thinkers and the thought of being a cog in a giant consumerist machine is likely anathema to them (think Lloyd Dobbler in the classic film “Say Anything”). Although B2B sales could be an option as those roles are more focused on sharing in-depth knowledge and expertise and having longer-term relationships with customers, let's face it: that still requires a level of salesmanship that INTPs may not possess.

ENTJ: Preschool Teacher 

ENTJs are natural born leaders who thrive in roles where they can control and shape the direction of a company or organization. So, it’s safe to say that being stuck in a room with 20+ preschoolers all day would be an absolute nightmare for them. ENTJs need control and clarity in their work environments, and there is basically zero of either of those things in a classroom with more than two dozen small, busy humans!  Logic, reason and calm do not reign in such situations, and the ENTJ needs these to thrive at work. The chaos and constant interruptions would drive any ENTJ crazy.  In their quest for efficiency and order, ENTJs would probably find themselves daydreaming about Maggie’s visit to the Ayn Rand School for Tots in the classic Simpson’s episode or plotting a strategic re-org of the toy shelf, if only to inject some futile semblance of structure into their chaotic surroundings.

ENTP: Data Entry Specialist 

Data entry may seem like a simple low-stress job, but for most ENTPs, it's pure torture. These creative and innovative individuals thrive on challenge and variety, and the repetitive nature of data entry would quickly crush their spirit. ENTPs need mental stimulation and the opportunity to come up with new ideas, so mindlessly inputting numbers all day long would be like spiritual death. If forced into such a role, they may end up coming with a new, more innovative way to capture data or address the original business requirement. But they are never going to take pleasure in a simple, rote job like this. ENTPs are also highly social and enjoy banter and human interaction at work, all things which they are very unlikely to get in this kind of role.  

INFJ: Telemarketer (or sleazy marketers of any stripe)

Which types have what it takes to stay optimistically resilient in the face of constant rejection? Which types are capable of being pushy and aggressive when it comes to trying to convince people to buy something they don’t need? A few personalities fit the bill, but the list sure doesn’t include INFJ. The rarest of the 16 Myers and Briggs personality types, INFJs are highly empathetic and sensitive individuals, who are not cut out for the high-pressure, often unethical world of telemarketing.  For an INFJ, watching Glengarry Glen Ross is as close as they ever want to come to unethical, aggressive sales people battling each other for money.  And chances are even watching that movie is a little traumatic for an INFJ! INFJs tend to be highly ethical and principled, which suffice it say could be highly problematic when selling collector edition gold coins and robot insurance to elderly shut-ins living on fixed incomes. INFJs have a strong moral center and they would much rather use their intuitive ability to understand people’s motivations and emotions in a more meaningful and positive way. 

INFP: Corporate Lawyer

INFPs are dreamers who value harmony and authenticity above all else. So, it's no surprise that a career as a corporate lawyer would be the road to unhappiness for many of them. The competitive, demanding and cutthroat nature of corporate law goes against everything an INFP stands for. INFPs have a deep dislike for conflict and argument, making them spectacularly ill-suited for almost all aspects of legal work—from constantly dealing with the problems and disputes of others, to the courtroom fireworks that come with being a lawyer. Human rights or environmental law, maybe. Corporate law, definitely not.

ENFJ: Accountant 

For ENFJs, working with numbers and spreadsheets all day would be like a dystopian nightmare of indentured servitude. Chances are, most ENFJs have probably dreamed about this scenario as some type of hideous parallel universe! These charismatic, outgoing and people-oriented individuals thrive on helping others and making a positive impact. Being stuck in an office crunching numbers would be the opposite of what they need to feel fulfilled in their work. ENFJs are natural leaders who excel at motivating and inspiring people, not sitting behind a desk staring at Excel formulas.

ENFP: Insurance Adjuster 

Imagine being sentenced to a life of counting beans and navigating a mountain of paperwork—welcome to the glamorous world of an insurance adjuster! For the vibrant and spontaneous ENFP, this job is about as exciting as watching paint dry in a dimly lit room. These free-spirited souls thrive on creativity and adventure, so the thought of sitting behind a desk sifting through endless claims is enough to make them break out in a cold sweat.

ISFJ: Social Media Influencer 

Picture this: An ISFJ, usually known for their practicality and knack for nurturing, suddenly thrust into the fake, snarky and let’s face it— kind of gross—world of social media influencing. Although ISFJs might be okay with posting the occasional pictures of their cats or kids on the socials, the idea of constantly promoting a perfect image, vanity projects, fake beefs and intrigue online, is not going to be their cup of tea. ISFJs prefer heartwarming moments over drama, snark and highlight reels. Instead of crafting the latest viral dance moves, they’d much rather bake cookies for their neighbors—at least there’s a tangible result and fewer hashtags involved.

ESFJ: Emergency Medical Technician or ER Doctor

If you thought being the glue that holds social gatherings together was a challenging role, try being the first responder in heart-stopping emergencies! For ESFJs, who thrive on harmony and connection, the chaotic world of an ER would feel like swimming upstream in a raging river. ESFJs are the ones who bring cupcakes to the office—not the ones who see people through in life-or-death scenarios. Better leave this job to those equipped with a strong stomach and a taste for adrenaline.

ISTJ: Event Coordinator 

At first blush, being an event coordinator doesn't sound so bad. ISTJs are great at planning and organizing, and their meticulous attention to detail should make them a shoe-in for this job. But let's not forget the social aspect of event coordinating—working with vendors, managing guests and dealing with all kinds of unexpected eleventh-hour problems that arise during an event.  For ISTJs who value efficiency and structure, talking down a panicking client, changing out color palettes or finding a rain tent at the last minute is likely going to be incredibly stressful and just too much for them. Chances are, the level of chaos in most event planning will be overwhelming and utterly exhausting for most ISTJs.

ESTJ: Graphic Designer 

While ESTJs may have many creative gifts to share with the world, they often find themselves at odds with the creative process. As individuals who value practicality and logic above all else, they may struggle with the abstract and subjective nature of the creative arts, including graphic design. Additionally, the ESTJs personality is not super well-suited to dealing with flighty clients, impenetrable briefs and ever-moving deadlines that come with the territory. For the ESTJ, there's just too much ambiguity and not enough structure in this field to feel successful and satisfied.

ISFP: Data Scientist 

While this role involves some interesting problem-solving, the heavy reliance on algorithms and statistical models can feel stifling to the ISFP  – there just isn't enough room  for personal expression in this field. ISFPs thrive on independence and personal expression at work, and there is likely not enough of it in this field. ISFPs are artists at heart, and they need to feel a sense of freedom and creativity in their work to be truly fulfilled. Manipulating data all day is so far away from that ideal that it's volunteer-for-the-next-Hunger-Games levels of unappealing.

ESFP: Actuary 

Actuaries may not be the most exciting people at parties, but they play a critical role in assessing and managing risk for insurance companies. However, this type of analytical work is a snooze-fest for outgoing and impulsive ESFPs who crave excitement and spontaneity in their lives and in their career. These types would much rather use their charisma and social skills to interact with others on work projects, rather than being stuck behind a desk managing risk profiles all day.

ISTP: Human Resources Manager 

While ISTPs may have great people skills, they often struggle with authority and structure, two absolutely key components of being an effective HR manager. They prefer hands-on problem-solving and action-oriented tasks, whereas most HR roles focus a great deal on soft skills, mediating complex interpersonal conflicts, and relationship building. ISTPs value autonomy and independence, so being stuck behind a desk dealing with company policies and employee disputes is definitely not their idea of a fulfilling career.

ESTP: Librarian 

The thought of an ESTP working quietly in a library seems almost comical. These outgoing and energetic individuals thrive on action and adventure, which are hardly found in the stacks of books. They need a job that allows them to be spontaneous and hands-on, two things that don't often come to mind when you think of librarians. For ESTPs, a career as a librarian would feel like being trapped in a quiet, dull box all day long. No thank you!

The Takeaway 

Figuring out a fulfilling career path is a journey of self-discovery, often revealing as much about what you don't want to do as what you do. While some of the careers types listed here are somewhat niche, the types of work styles involved and the personality trait incompatibilities were hopefully helpful in refining your search and getting closer to finding that perfect professional fit.

If you haven't already, try taking a career aptitude test and then researching different jobs that align with your personality. These tests are designed to highlight your natural strengths, preferences, and work styles, offering insights into potential career fields that align with your unique psychological profile. Once you have a better understanding of your personality and aptitudes, dedicate time to researching various jobs that resonate with those findings. Explore different industries, roles, and company cultures. Read job descriptions carefully, ask for informational interviews in fields you are curious about, and ask questions about the nature of the day-to-day work when interviewing. 

And remember, while the ultimate goal is to find a career that brings you satisfaction and success, part of that journey involves recognizing and actively avoiding those roles that are incompatible with your core personality and aspirations. By understanding what to avoid, you can save valuable time and energy, directing your efforts towards paths that are more likely to lead to long-term happiness and career fulfillment.  Good luck, and know that you deserve better than dreading your Monday mornings!