The Worst Job For Each of the 16 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 at night just thinking about it?

Well, we’ve got the lowdown on the absolute worst job for each of the 16 personality types.

INTJ: Customer Service Representative 

While some people love helping customers solve their problems and have the patience of saints when customers vent their frustrations, INTJs...well, let's just say that customer service is not their strong suit. INTJs are highly analytical and logical individuals. They prefer to work independently on complex projects rather than dealing with constantly changing (and often ridiculous) 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."

INTP: Retail Sales Associate 

For INTPs, the thought of working in retail can be utterly painful. Small talk? Being sunny and upbeat when you're not in the mood? Trying to sell products to customers who may not even want them? These are all nightmare scenarios for an INTP. They value logic and knowledge over emotions and superficial interactions, which makes them ill-equipped for the highly social and often unpredictable world of retail sales. B2B sales could be an option...but 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. The chaos, lack of authority and constant interruptions would drive any ENTJ crazy. In their quest for efficiency and order, ENTJs would probably find themselves daydreaming about a strategic takeover of the toy shelf, if only to inject some semblance of structure into their chaotic surroundings.

ENTP: Data Entry Specialist 

Data entry may seem like a simple low-stress job, but for 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, not mindlessly inputting numbers all day long.

INFJ: Telemarketer 

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. These empathetic and sensitive individuals are not cut out for the high-pressure, often unethical world of telemarketing. They would much rather use their 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 their worst nightmare. The competitive and cutthroat nature of this job goes against everything an INFP stands for. Plus, they have a deep dislike for conflict and argumentation, making them ill-suited for the courtroom drama that comes with being a lawyer. Human rights, maybe. Corporate law, definitely not.

ENFJ: Accountant 

For ENFJs, working with numbers and spreadsheets all day would be a literal nightmare. As in, they literally dream about this scenario as some type of hideous parallel universe. These charismatic 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 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 and flashy world of social media influencing. They might be okay with posting pictures of their cat, but the idea of constantly projecting a perfect image is not their cup of tea. ISFJs prefer heartwarming moments over 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 

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 Emergency Medical Technician would feel like swimming upstream in a raging river. ESFJs are the ones who bring cupcakes to the office—not see people 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, this level of chaos can be overwhelming and exhausting.

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 graphic design - not to mention the flighty clients, impenetrable briefs and ever-moving deadlines that come with the territory. For the ESTJ, there's 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 are artists at heart, and they need to feel a sense of freedom and creativity in their work to truly thrive. 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 the outgoing and impulsive ESFPs who crave excitement and spontaneity in their lives. They would much rather use their charisma and social skills to interact with others, rather than figure out risk profiles behind a desk all day.

ISTP: Human Resources Manager 

While ISTPs may have great people skills, they often struggle with authority and structure - two key components of being an effective HR manager. They prefer hands-on problem-solving and action-oriented tasks, which are rarely found in the HR world. 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 career path is as much about learning what you don't want to do as it is finding what you do want.  While these may not be the ideal careers for each personality type, they can still get you one step closer to finding the perfect fit. If you haven't already, taking a career aptitude test and then researching different jobs that align with your personality can be a great way to narrow down your options. Just be sure to avoid those on this list!