I think practicality is overrated. But I can pay my bills & clean my apartment just fine. As far as work goes, I don't feel limited by my ability. I feel limited by my strengths; I feel like they'd be wasted in just any job. I also don't want a 9-5 drudgery. I'd rather pursue something impractical that I care about & suffer the consequences than become complacent with something mundane. It's this feeling that impedes me (when I am impeded...not always), not my ability to be practical.
Personally, I am a good worker in that I am honest, get work done efficiently, am very creative in finding solutions for all kinds of things, easy to get along with (no drama at the office for me), don't waste time yacking to co-workers, can be good with interesting details (ie. artwork), have very high standards, learn very fast (everyone says this, but let's not deny the exceptional powers of Ne
), and I take responsibility seriously (which is why I avoid it sometimes
; but I also don't call in sick to go to the beach or whatever). A lot of what I am good at is not what employers look for though, and I see this as a cultural bias, one which fails to note the strengths of a type like INFP. It's not a failing of the INFP to be capable at an occupation though. I've been appreciated over time at every job I've had, oftten becoming indispensable (and disappointing them when I leave); first impressions are the hurdle. I guess my point here is, a main problem is
other people's perceptions of what you can do, not what you actually can do.
I also consider these "Fi traits" quite practical:
Van Der Hoop on Fi (paraphrased a bit by moi) -
Whether they become artists or scientists....they take great care & precision in their work (or "cause"), in these situations showing the persistence & devotion associated with & used as evidence of Feeling
Even this:
-Strength of will....comes to light [in the] strong sense of [moral] duty characteristic of these people, and in their faithful discharge of their duties
- Prove a quiet force that keep respect for morals alive in the world
Van Der Hoop on Ne (stuff I'd see applying to Ne-aux also)-
Sudden possibilities become compelling motives which the intuitive mind cannot disregard, and for which it may sacrifice everything else.
- Readily able to grasp the views of others
- the Ne type shows much spontaneous activity and independence
- Have the art of bringing other people out of themselves
- They will discover fresh possibilities where others have failed
- Take pride in seeing the possibilities of accomplishing something which others regard as impossible
And that above is likely why personalitypage says INFPs with developed Ne can pretty much be good at whatever they set their minds to....it provides that ingenuity to find "appropriate outlets" for Fi ideals.
Personality Page on INFP growth:
INFPs who have developed their Extraverted iNtuition to the extent that they can perceive the world about them objectively and quickly will find that they enjoy these very special gifts:
-They will have a great deal of insight into people's characters......These well-developed INFP individuals make outstanding psychologists and counselors. They might also be great fiction writers...
-They will quickly understand different situations, and quickly grasp new concepts. They will find that they're able to do anything that they put their mind to, although they may not find it personally satisfying. Things may seem to come easily to these INFPs. Although they're able to conquer many different kinds of tasks and situations, these INFPs will be happiest doing something that seems truly important to them. Although they may find that they can achieve the "mainstream" type of success with relative ease, they are not likely to find happiness along that path, unless they are living their lives with authenticity and depth.
-The INFP who augments their strong, internal value system (Fi) with a well-developed intuitive way of perceiving the world (Ne) can be a powerful force for social change....
I think the bolded above explains the other main problem, which is not ability, but
desire.
Sometimes it's not about a 'specific career path'. Look outside of 'career' when considering what things an INFP can offer the world. I personally think that many INTP's and INFP's have a gift for teaching, instructing, informing, offering fresh insight and perspective into the problems/situation of life - and insight/perspective into life itself. When I mention these things - like teaching for instance - I don't "necessarily" mean in a classroom or even in a group setting.
Think about the 1-on-1 discussions you have with your friends and family members.
By understanding who you are and what traits you possess that are unique to this world, only then can you begin to look at careers that will enable you to use those traits. What career will enable you (or give you an avenue) to teach, instruct, inform, offer insight, offer perspective, etc? Writers are able to do those things through their writing. Counselors are able to do those things. Therapists. Speakers. Aquarium/shark tank tour guides can teach, educate, and inform people about the shark kingdom. These are all very real, practical, and tangible careers. People do these things every day and you too have access to these careers. Also remember, however, that your career - no matter which one you choose - will never FULLY encompass who you are. When you go home on the weekends or when you are with friends and family and even encounters with strangers - you are still able to teach, instruct, offer insight/perspective, etc.
Purpose = 24/7/365
Career = 9-to-5 or some other limited amount of hours.
Try to line up career with purpose so that they blend in nicely with who you are and what you enjoy doing.
In terms of career, the talent for one-on-one "teaching" can come in handy too. I at least make a little extra cash doing private tutoring, and I'm pretty good at it, if I do say so myself
. I can see many INPs as good teachers for a classroom also, as long as they tap into their Ne "charisma" & have enough down-time to balance the group setting. Academics seems a good area for the INFP who is inclined that way, IMO.
I agree that you can't make your career your identity either; at best, you may get to do something you enjoy and care about in some capacity. But sometimes a job is just a job, and you have to find fulfillment elsewhere. Again, I think need for personal fulfillment is the real issue for the INFP, and why practicality is avoided, not because we're incapable of it.
INFP's make great parents because they are so in touch with their children's feelings.
True, the propensity is there.
Vam Der Hoop:
- Emanate calm & security without doing much, expressed in indefinite forms, & having a great but indirect influence on the environment, especially as parents over their children
- A parent of this type can have a greater influence on their child than the devoted & radiant Fe parent, by quietly implanting & fostering their own ideals in them