How Your Personality Can Help You Find Your Dream Job

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

It’s a seemingly innocent and simple question that’s posed to most small children at one time or another. Some say a teacher. Others may want to be a police officer or firefighter. Small children are encouraged to dream big. But what isn’t talked about is that some grown adults - college students, graduates, and those currently in the workforce looking for a career change - don’t even know the answer to this question. Or, the answer changes often.

Deciding what career path to choose isn’t always an easy decision. There are so many variables that come into play from salary and location to benefits and educational requirements. But before you even consider these factors, how do you determine what type of job you want? Two-thirds of the American workforce is disengaged at work. That’s a sad reality. So how can you find yourself in the minority of people who actually enjoy going to work each day? Take a look at how your personality, interests, and talents can help you find a career you actually like.

A nurturing personality means you find joy in taking care of others. This often applies to children and elderly individuals, since they’re the demographic that often requires the most care and attention. People that are nurturing often possess a protective personality. They’re patient, calm, and kind. They believe in the adage that it’s better to give than receive. Giving for them is a reward in itself. If this describes you, perhaps a career as a teacher or nurse would suit you well.

Teachers, especially those in early childhood education, are nurturing by nature. School quickly becomes a child’s second home, which means their teacher must be a constant source of support and positivity. Nursing is another career that requires a nurturing personality. Your job description is to take care of those in need, whether they’re sick, injured or worse. There are many different types of nurses which allows for flexibility within this career path. You can be an ER or OR nurse, a pediatric nurse or a nurse in an elder care facility. Whatever position you choose, nursing will allow you to nurture and take care of others each day.

Some people are persuasive by nature. They simply have a way of speaking to people and convincing them to feel or think a certain way. But being persuasive shouldn’t be mistaken for being manipulative. There’s a big difference. Manipulation is done with the hopes of tricking someone into doing or believing something. It’s deceitful and dishonest. Persuasion is a skill that allows you to help people see things in a new and different way using facts and information. This characteristic will serve you well if you decide to embark on a career in sales. Pointing out all the reasons why your customer needs a certain product or service is the name of the sales game. Lawyers are also extremely persuasive. They need to convince a jury and/or a judge that their client is either guilty or innocent of whatever charges they face. This requires collecting evidence, conducting interviews, and persuading others to believe their version of the truth. These careers allow you to use your persuasive personality for good.

Who said that your job couldn’t be fun? Or feed off your inner adrenaline junkie? If you like the thought of a fast-paced, exciting, and even dangerous career, consider becoming a firefighter or police officer. Not only will your job require you to live on the edge but you’ll also experience the reward of helping and saving people. Each day will offer new and different experiences, which means boredom won’t be an issue. You’ll be faced with life-threatening scenarios where both your physical and mental strength is tested. These careers are not for the faint of heart. But if you’re prepared to give the ultimate sacrifice and thrive on challenging situations that also offer unmatched rewards, a career as a public service professional might be right for you. You can also explore different avenues within this position including SWAT, undercover and detective work, as well as more administrative positions.

There’s no shortage of careers in the tech industry. In fact, as of 2017, there were nearly 7 million tech jobs in the United States alone. That’s a staggering number and all the more reason to take your computer skills and fascination with the tech industry to the next level and make it a career. Are you highly skilled with computers? Do coding and program software excite you? Or are you simply a master at it? Why not consider a job in computer programing or as a computer engineer?

Did your mother tell you that playing video games would never amount to anything? Well, mom may have been wrong! If you understand the inner workings of creating a catchy and addictive video game, you could become a gaming developer or editor. Getting paid to play, troubleshoot, and develop video games seems too good to be true, but if you have the know-how and creativity, you may just have a lucrative career on your hands.

Have you ever been referred to as a “people person”? Do people instantly feel comfortable and relaxed around you? Do they open up and confide in you without much persuasion? If so, there are several jobs where this warm personality will serve you well. Reporters need to be persistent when it comes to gathering information and conducting interviews. You need to think quickly on the fly and be able to obtain facts and news that other reporters can’t. If you have a way with people, you’d probably make a great journalist or reporter. You can use your finesse to get the real story and get it fast.

Are you the one that all your friends and family come to for advice? Do complete strangers feel the need to confide in you and take your opinion to heart? Why not use this to your benefit and help others? Pursuing a career in counseling might be the perfect fit. Whether you choose to be a school counselor, family counselor or practicing psychologist, you’ll have the opportunity to listen and help hundreds of people. Your advice and insight might just change someone’s life.

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to choosing a career, start by making a list of the things you enjoy doing and you’re good at. We’re all born with natural characteristics that make us different from others. Some people are better communicators while others work better behind a computer screen. Others are excited by the thrill of dangerous work and some find joy in shaping young minds. Figure out what it is that you’re good at and capitalize on it. You may be surprised at what job opportunities stem from simply doing what comes easily to you. This will cut down on stress and help you feel accomplished in your position, which leads to feelings of fulfillment and confidence.