Are you an INFJ personality type?
Do you find yourself constantly searching for ways to better understand yourself and others?
As an INFJ, your idealistic and nurturing nature makes you highly suitable for careers serving others and humanity at large.
But what about outside of work?
What hobbies and activities can you pursue that align with your values and interests?
In this article, we’ll explore the best careers for INFJs, as well as hobbies that allow you to grow personally while benefiting others.
So grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and let’s dive in!
What To Do As An INFJ
As an INFJ, you have a deep desire to help others reach their full potential. This is why many INFJs find fulfillment in careers such as counseling, advocacy, and humanitarian work. However, it’s important to also find hobbies and activities that align with your values and allow you to grow personally while benefiting others.
One of the best hobbies for INFJs is journaling. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you better understand yourself and others. It can also serve as a form of self-care and stress relief. Additionally, journaling can be a way to document your personal growth and reflect on your experiences.
Another hobby that many INFJs enjoy is volunteering. Whether it’s at a local shelter, community center, or non-profit organization, volunteering allows you to make a positive impact on the world while also connecting with like-minded individuals. Volunteering can also provide opportunities for personal growth and learning new skills.
INFJs also tend to enjoy creative hobbies such as writing, painting, or playing music. These activities allow you to express yourself in a unique way while also providing a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
When it comes to careers, INFJs should look for opportunities that allow them to use their intuition, empathy, and altruism to make a positive impact on the world. Careers in counseling, social work, education, and therapy are all great options for INFJs. It’s important to find a career that aligns with your personal values and allows you to make a difference in the lives of others.
Understanding The INFJ Personality Type
The INFJ personality type is characterized by a deep sense of empathy, intuition, and idealism. INFJs are often introverted, but they are also highly attuned to the emotions and needs of others. They have a strong sense of personal values and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
One of the defining characteristics of INFJs is their ability to see hidden meanings and connections. They are often visionary, able to grasp underlying patterns and implications. This can make them very strategic in pursuing their goals and ideals.
INFJs are also highly empathetic, deeply caring about others and attuned to how they feel. They are often good listeners and are deeply concerned with improving the world and the lives of people outside themselves. They can be very selfless in their pursuits.
At the same time, INFJs are also highly determined, driven by a singular vision of the future. They trust their insights and visions with such passion that they can be relentless in their pursuit of a goal or ideal. Once they’ve settled on a path for their life, they are very difficult to dissuade.
INFJs are both emotional and logical when making decisions. While they place a greater emphasis on their emotions than objective facts, they do not see the world through rose-colored glasses. INFJs understand the world, both the good and the bad, and hope to be able to make it better.
Best Careers For INFJs
INFJs are well-suited for careers that allow them to connect with others on a deep level and make a positive impact in their lives. Here are some of the best career options for INFJs:
1. Counseling: INFJs have a natural ability to understand and empathize with others, making them excellent counselors. Whether working in private practice or in a community clinic, INFJs can guide individuals, couples, families, and groups through mental health issues and help them make positive choices.
2. Social work: INFJs are motivated by their desire to help others, making social work a great career choice. Social workers help individuals and families navigate difficult situations such as poverty, domestic violence, and addiction. INFJs can use their empathy and intuition to connect with clients and provide support.
3. Education: INFJs enjoy helping others learn and grow, making education a rewarding career choice. Whether working as a teacher, professor, or educational counselor, INFJs can use their creativity and intuition to inspire students and guide them towards success.
4. Therapy: Similar to counseling, therapy allows INFJs to help individuals overcome emotional struggles and lead happier lives. INFJs can work in a variety of settings including hospitals, addiction treatment centers, and private practices.
5. Non-profit work: INFJs are driven by their desire to make a positive impact in the world, making non-profit work an excellent career choice. Whether working in fundraising, marketing, or leadership positions, INFJs can use their creativity and empathy to further the mission of the organization.
Hobbies That Align With INFJ Values And Interests
INFJs tend to gravitate towards hobbies that align with their values and interests. These hobbies often involve personal growth, creativity, and altruism. Here are some hobbies that INFJs may find fulfilling:
1. Writing: INFJs are known for their love of writing, as it allows them to express their thoughts and feelings in a unique way. Journaling, poetry, and creative writing are all great options for INFJs.
2. Volunteering: INFJs have a strong desire to help others, and volunteering is a great way to make a positive impact on the world while also connecting with like-minded individuals.
3. Art: Many INFJs enjoy creative hobbies such as painting, drawing, or playing music. These activities allow them to express themselves in a unique way while also providing a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
4. Reading: INFJs love to learn and expand their knowledge. Reading is a great way to do this while also enjoying a relaxing activity.
5. Cultural events: INFJs enjoy immersing themselves in different cultures and experiencing new things. Attending cultural events such as festivals or art exhibits can be a great way for INFJs to learn and grow.
6. Socializing in small, intimate settings: While INFJs may not enjoy large crowds or parties, they do enjoy spending time with close friends and family in small, intimate settings.
7. Playing or listening to music: Music is a great way for INFJs to relax and unwind while also expressing their emotions.
8. Cooking: INFJs enjoy creating things with their hands, and cooking allows them to do just that while also providing nourishment for themselves and others.
Benefits Of Pursuing Hobbies As An INFJ
Pursuing hobbies as an INFJ can have numerous benefits. For one, it can provide a sense of personal fulfillment and allow you to explore and express your creativity. Hobbies can also serve as a form of self-care and stress relief, which is especially important for INFJs who tend to be highly empathetic and sensitive to the emotions of others.
Moreover, hobbies can provide opportunities for personal growth and learning new skills. INFJs are known for their desire to constantly improve themselves and the world around them, and hobbies can be a way to do just that. Whether it’s learning a new language, trying out a new recipe, or taking up a new form of art, pursuing hobbies can help you expand your horizons and develop new perspectives.
Another benefit of pursuing hobbies as an INFJ is the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. Many hobbies involve joining clubs or groups where you can meet others who share your interests and values. This can lead to meaningful friendships and connections that can enrich your life in many ways.
Finally, pursuing hobbies that align with your values and allow you to make a positive impact on the world can be incredibly rewarding for INFJs. Whether it’s volunteering at a local organization or using your creative talents to raise awareness for a cause you care about, hobbies can be a way to make a difference in the world while also fulfilling your own personal goals and desires.
Tips For Balancing Work And Personal Life As An INFJ
As an INFJ, it can be challenging to find a balance between work and personal life. Here are some tips to help you maintain that balance:
1. Set boundaries: It’s important to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. This can mean setting specific work hours and sticking to them, or turning off your work phone/email during non-work hours.
2. Prioritize self-care: As someone who is naturally inclined to help others, it can be easy to neglect your own needs. Make sure to prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.
3. Learn to say no: INFJs often struggle with saying no to others, but it’s important to recognize your limits and not overcommit yourself. Saying no can be a form of self-care and can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
4. Find meaning in both work and personal life: As an INFJ, you likely value meaningful work that aligns with your values. However, it’s also important to find meaning in your personal life through hobbies or activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
5. Communicate with your employer: If you’re struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance, consider talking to your employer about potential solutions such as flexible scheduling or remote work options.
By implementing these tips, you can find a balance between work and personal life that allows you to thrive both professionally and personally as an INFJ.
