10 Career Struggles Only ENFJs Will Understand

Charismatic, idealistic and sociable, ENFJs often gravitate towards careers that allow them to do what ENFJs do best: helping people. They're known for their drive, creativity and ability to influence others, making them a natural fit for leadership positions and a great asset in almost every workplace.

How cool is that?

Yet, like everyone else, ENFJs also have their fair share of career struggles. Here are 10 challenges to watch out for in the professional world if you're an ENFJ.

1. Being Too Invested in Others' Success 

As a natural caretaker and empathizer, you can sometimes get caught up in helping others achieve their goals and neglect your own career development. You may put your own needs and ambitions aside to focus on supporting and uplifting those around you, which can lead to burnout or a lack of personal growth. 

• Tip: Boundaries, boundaries, boundaries! Remember to prioritize your own goals and needs, and don't feel guilty for saying 'no' or setting limits when needed. 

2. Struggling with Performance Feedback

You are known for your sensitivity and desire to please others, which can make you highly vulnerable to criticism. You may take feedback VERY personally and have a hard time separating it from your sense of self-worth. 

• Tip: Practice receiving constructive criticism without taking it as a personal attack. Try to reframe it as an opportunity for growth and improvement rather than a reflection of your value as a person. For example, you're coming across as "condescending" because you care so much about the subject and want to help others understand it better, not because you're a bad person.  Your growth objective could be to learn different ways of presenting your ideas.

3: Feeling Out of Place in Competitive Environments 

ENFJs thrive in collaborative and supportive environments, but can struggle in highly competitive ones. The cut-throat nature of some workplaces can be overwhelming for an ENFJ, who values harmony and cooperation over individual achievement. 

• Tip: Seek out companies or teams with a strong sense of community and shared goals rather than a dog-eat-dog mentality.  The best careers for ENFJs are often those that allow them to work towards a greater good or make a positive impact on others. 

4. Difficulty Saying "No" 

Your desire to help others can sometimes result in you taking on too much work or agreeing to tasks that may not align with your priorities. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, which can ultimately impact your performance. 

• Tip: Practice setting boundaries and saying "no" to tasks or responsibilities that do not align with your goals or values. Remember, saying no is not selfish – it's necessary for your well-being. 

5. Struggling with Decision Making 

ENFJs are known for their strong intuition and ability to read others' emotions, and they also have a good sense of logic. This rare and valuable combination should result in highly effective communication,  using data and feelings in equal measure to persuade and influence others, but it can also lead to difficulty in making tough decisions. You may second-guess yourself or consider too many perspectives, which can delay the decision-making process. 

• Tip: Trust your gut instincts and don't be afraid to seek help from trusted friends or mentors when faced with a difficult decision. Also, remember that sometimes there is no perfect answer and it's okay to make a decision based on what feels right in the moment. 

6. Feeling Undervalued or Unfulfilled at Work 

With your strong desire to make a positive impact, you may feel unfulfilled if your job doesn't align with your values or allow you to use your strengths. This can lead to feeling undervalued and questioning your career choices. 

• Tip: Regularly reassess your career goals and make sure they align with your values. Don't be afraid to explore new opportunities or make a change if you feel stagnant in your current role. That doesn't always mean changing your job or career – it could also mean finding new projects within your current workplace that align with your values and strengths.   

7. Struggling with Work-Life Balance 

ENFJs can have a hard time disconnecting from work, especially when it involves helping others or making a difference. This can lead to burnout and neglecting personal relationships and self-care. 

• Tip: Set boundaries around work hours and prioritize self-care activities, such as exercise, hobbies and quality time with loved ones. Remember that taking care of yourself is essential for being able to help others. 

8. Difficulty Delegating 

You may have a hard time letting go of control and trusting others to take on tasks or projects, especially if you feel they won't do it as well as you would. This can lead to taking on too much work and feeling overwhelmed, and it also blocks others from learning and growing.  

• Tip: Identify tasks or projects that can be delegated and work on letting go of control. Remember, it's okay if things are done differently as long as the end result is achieved. Also, delegating tasks allows others to learn and grow, which benefits everyone in the long run. Keep a notebook of your growth objectives for these items so you can see how far you've progressed!

9. Feeling Drained By Office Politics 

ENFJs value harmony and open communication, so navigating office politics or conflict can be draining and uncomfortable. You may also struggle with being assertive in these situations. 

• Tip: Try to remain neutral and objective, and prioritize finding a solution that benefits the team as a whole. Don't be afraid to seek help from a mediator or mentor if needed. 

10. Struggling to Choose a Career Path 

With so many interests and talents, you can find it difficult to pinpoint one specific career path that truly aligns with your passions and values. You may feel pulled in multiple directions and struggle to commit to one direction, fearing that you'll miss out on other opportunities.

• Tip: Don't be afraid to explore different paths and try out different roles—even if they seem unrelated or unconventional. One low-risk way to do this is to take a career aptitude test. This can provide valuable insights into your strengths, interests and values and help identify career paths that suit your unique personality. Remember, your skills are transferable and can be applied in various fields. Trust your intuition and don't rush into a decision.