Job Survey

[Dolphin]

I am conducting a survey about jobs that INTP’s have:
1. First tell us what your current occupation is.
2. If this isn’t your desired occupation then tell us the occupation you would rather have.

The reasons for this survey:
1. To test if the INTP job profiles ( you know, those websites that say what jobs INTP’s would enjoy ) are accurate.
2. So that if people have a specific question to ask you about your job ( maybe they are interested in that field ) they can PM you. If you DO wish to be PMd please say so otherwise it is to be assumed not to.

Thank you.

[attila_the_hunny]

I am conducting a survey about jobs that INTP’s have:
1. First tell us what your current occupation is.
2. If this isn’t your desired occupation then tell us the occupation you would rather have.

The reasons for this survey:
1. To test if the INTP job profiles ( you know, those websites that say what jobs INTP’s would enjoy ) are accurate.
2. So that if people have a specific question to ask you about your job ( maybe they are interested in that field ) they can PM you. If you DO wish to be PMd please say so otherwise it is to be assumed not to.

Thank you.

1) Well, I'm going to be a CNA [certified nurse's assistant/aide] in a matter of weeks. You pretty much help people with activities of daily living. Sometimes you have to do them for them [bed pans, showers, dental, hair and nail care, etc] and sometimes you just need to assist or supervise.
2) I like that I can work three 12/hr shifts and get it out of the way. As for long-term will I be a CNA? Hell-fucking-no. It's just a stepping stone for me to be a nurse [travel nurse]...then a nurse practitioner. I don't know what to be, and since all the chicks in my family are nurses, I figured I can't be that bad at it. If I get bored of one floor, I go to another. Job security, people will pay for my education, I can pretend I give a shit about helping people...blah blah blah. I can't really lose either way.
I don't care if people ask me questions. It's pretty self-explanitory, though.

[eyebyte_atWork]

1. Software Engineer (pawn of the oppressor).
2. No - I would rather be a mathematician, physicist, structural engineer, or guru



Anyone can PM me anytime - but if I don't return your PM please don't take offense - its because I hate you (Said seven times).

[Geoff]

1. Chartered Tax Adviser working as a Tax Consultant
2. I like it, it is challenging, intellectually stimulating and well paid. The only weakness is it doesnt 'give anything back' to society. Guess I need to volunteer somewhere or something.

-Geoff

[attila_the_hunny]

Anyone can PM me anytime - but if I don't return your PM please don't take offense - its because I hate you (Said seven times).

In other words: I'll ignore you if you're not a pretty girl.

[Nighthawk]

1) Well, I'm going to be a CNA [certified nurse's assistant/aide] in a matter of weeks. You pretty much help people with activities of daily living. Sometimes you have to do them for them [bed pans, showers, dental, hair and nail care, etc] and sometimes you just need to assist or supervise.
2) I like that I can work three 12/hr shifts and get it out of the way. As for long-term will I be a CNA? Hell-fucking-no. It's just a stepping stone for me to be a nurse [travel nurse]...then a nurse practitioner. I don't know what to be, and since all the chicks in my family are nurses, I figured I can't be that bad at it. If I get bored of one floor, I go to another. Job security, people will pay for my education, I can pretend I give a shit about helping people...blah blah blah. I can't really lose either way.
I don't care if people ask me questions. It's pretty self-explanitory, though.My wife was a nurse for 23 years and became a nurse practitioner about a year ago. She's an ISFJ and loves the field. It seems to me like a lot of documentation and detail work. Loads of paperwork for every patient, in addition to the care you have to give them as a nurse. As a practitioner, it seems to be a mill to see as many patients a day as possible, then document everything so that you can get paid for all the visits. She always stated that nursing was a career for the young, as it was really running her ragged after she hit 40. Practioner is not as draining. She's always been in high demand, with recruiters calling and mailing constantly ... so the profession seems to be very lucrative. Not sure if I could do it, but as a profession it will surely pay the bills and then some.

[attila_the_hunny]

My wife was a nurse for 23 years and became a nurse practitioner about a year ago. She's an ISFJ and loves the field. It seems to me like a lot of documentation and detail work. Loads of paperwork for every patient, in addition to the care you have to give them as a nurse. As a practitioner, it seems to be a mill to see as many patients a day as possible, then document everything so that you can get paid for all the visits. She always stated that nursing was a career for the young, as it was really running her ragged after she hit 40. Practioner is not as draining. She's always been in high demand, with recruiters calling and mailing constantly ... so the profession seems to be very lucrative. Not sure if I could do it, but as a profession it will surely pay the bills and then some.

I think if I tired of being a NP, I would result being a professor at a nursing school. Everyone needs a professor that won't bite your head off. Which, would be me.
And I totally agree with her about nursing is for the young. I've been to each hospital my mother has worked at and some will only give you a minute to rest when you chart. The idea that a hospital will pay for me to get my degree at Columbia or Cornell is just too good to pass up...hence the decision. It seems being a nurse is probably the best decision for me, realistically.
There is a slim line between a recruiter and a stalker.
What is your wife's daughter going to school for?

[Nighthawk]

What is your wife's daughter going to school for?School? She don't need no estinkin' school. She was the poster child for social promotion throughout her entire junior high and high school career. Usually failing 4 or 5 out of the 6 classes (passing PE). They still passed her along every year, even over our objections. After working retail sales for a year or two after high school, her mother convinced her to go to dental technician school. Well, she blew the student loan on clothes and partying ... and never attended any classes. Now she gets nasty letters from the student loan people in addition to all the places where she has written hot checks. Basically, she's 23 and working two jobs at the mall to barely make ends meet. Hopefully, she will not bear offspring, or that will be the beginning of the end.

If I sound bitter, its because I am. She had all kinds of minority aid available and attended one of the best high schools in the region ... a free ride at home with a car and everything provided. Four good universities here within daily commuting distance. I wish I'd had that kind of support for schooling when I was her age. Yet, she threw it all away.

[eyebyte_atWork]

School? She don't need no estinkin' school. She was the poster child for social promotion throughout her entire junior high and high school career. Usually failing 4 or 5 out of the 6 classes (passing PE). They still passed her along every year, even over our objections. After working retail sales for a year or two after high school, her mother convinced her to go to dental technician school. Well, she blew the student loan on clothes and partying ... and never attended any classes. Now she gets nasty letters from the student loan people in addition to all the places where she has written hot checks. Basically, she's 23 and working two jobs at the mall to barely make ends meet. Hopefully, she will not bear offspring, or that will be the beginning of the end.

If I sound bitter, its because I am. She had all kinds of minority aid available and attended one of the best high schools in the region ... a free ride at home with a car and everything provided. Four good universities here within daily commuting distance. I wish I'd had that kind of support for schooling when I was her age. Yet, she threw it all away.\


You know Attila once said something about daily beatings for children - and I am not an advocate of beatings, spanking or any form of physical punishment system - but after reading that I will go home and beat any child I see.

[attila_the_hunny]

School? She don't need no estinkin' school. She was the poster child for social promotion throughout her entire junior high and high school career. Usually failing 4 or 5 out of the 6 classes (passing PE). They still passed her along every year, even over our objections. After working retail sales for a year or two after high school, her mother convinced her to go to dental technician school. Well, she blew the student loan on clothes and partying ... and never attended any classes. Now she gets nasty letters from the student loan people in addition to all the places where she has written hot checks. Basically, she's 23 and working two jobs at the mall to barely make ends meet. Hopefully, she will not bear offspring, or that will be the beginning of the end.

If I sound bitter, its because I am. She had all kinds of minority aid available and attended one of the best high schools in the region ... a free ride at home with a car and everything provided. Four good universities here within daily commuting distance. I wish I'd had that kind of support for schooling when I was her age. Yet, she threw it all away.

I think when kids have it easy in life, they don't really have anything to aspire to. Then again, some kids just don't want to do anything. My step-siblings are a fine example--pretty much just like your wife's daughter. They also hate their father, but I would give my right arm for him to adopt me!
But I do think that your wife's daughter is a fine candidate for The Beat Your Children awareness campaign. She may be 23, but lives at home. If you beat her, maybe she'll move out.
Children with so many opportunities but do not take advantage of them are just plain sickening. I share your disgust.

[Nighthawk]

But I do think that your wife's daughter is a fine candidate for The Beat Your Children awareness campaign. She may be 23, but lives at home. If you beat her, maybe she'll move out.
Thankfully, she does not live with us. She forged some of her mom's checks a few years ago for about $16,000. Her mom refused to press forgery charges (which I would have done), but did toss her out of the house. She is not allowed to return. Cannot trust a thief in our midst.

[attila_the_hunny]

Thankfully, she does not live with us. She forged some of her mom's checks a few years ago for about $16,000. Her mom refused to press forgery charges (which I would have done), but did toss her out of the house. She is not allowed to return. Cannot trust a thief in our midst.
:shock: :shock: :shock:
Your wife is too lenient. I can see why you are especially frustrated.

My step-sister stole my brother's Adderall to sell for pot money. He has the maximum dose you can get in one pill. My mother didn't press charges. She would if it were me, though.

[Nighthawk]

:shock: :shock: :shock:
Your wife is too lenient. I can see why you are especially frustrated.

My step-sister stole my brother's Adderall to sell for pot money. He has the maximum dose you can get in one pill. My mother didn't press charges. She would if it were me, though.
It's a fucked up world, that's for sure. Some people get away with all kinds of stuff ... and they seem just smart enough to push it to the limit.

[Yardvark]

I am conducting a survey about jobs that INTP’s have:
1. First tell us what your current occupation is.
2. If this isn’t your desired occupation then tell us the occupation you would rather have.

The reasons for this survey:
1. To test if the INTP job profiles ( you know, those websites that say what jobs INTP’s would enjoy ) are accurate.
2. So that if people have a specific question to ask you about your job ( maybe they are interested in that field ) they can PM you. If you DO wish to be PMd please say so otherwise it is to be assumed not to.

Thank you.

Well, I'm Maitre D' at a semi-fine dining restaurant / wedding palace. It's a big old house by the sea... the perfect setting for the wedding ceremony and reception of your dreams. I like the people I work for. And it's a thrill, in way, that it's been a pretty tough chalenge for me and I've done well.

There's lots of being the centre of attention, and schmoozing with the clients. I have to remember lots of things like, for example, that there's a champagne toast at eight o'clock or the names of bride, groom, mc, etc. I have to juggle a whole bunch of things at the same time pretty often. So, a lot of things that an INTP like me isn't so good at, I've had to try to learn. It's been a good stretching-of-my-limits kind of experience... and in the process I've discovered that I actually kind of like being the boss and being the centre of attention sometimes.... but, now that I have a clearer idea of what my strength's are, I'd rather be doing something that I'm better at. Something more up my alley.

So I'm thinking something in the field of psychology - idealy as a constultant or a researcher, or something like that. I studied philosophy and psychology in university. But I worry about going back to school because I was such a procrastinator the first time around.

[coffeezombie]

1. Urban Planner
2. It's a pretty educationally fulfilling and easy low-stress job (as long as you're smart enough not to fuck things up and piss the public or local politicans off). I wouldn't do anything else, although sometimes I think I might enjoy being a professor and doing my own research more. But I'm sure that job has its own problems too.

[Hustler]

1. Hustler.
2. Filthy rich and retired.

[misutii]

1. university student
2. historical museum curator

if at any time i can marry into old money and never have to work i will relish the moment

[seba]

there was a similiar topic not a while ago, about which jobs we had. but i'm too lazy to search it. lol.

1. software programmer, mostly web applications (php and shit).
2. yes and no. is an easy rutine and well paid + i can work at home. well i don't like rutines, but as long as they are easy and well paid. hm, is ok.

anyway, i would rather work like in science, independent research... or maybe a professor? hm. i don't know... i don't know... i would need to try.

[coffeezombie]

1. Hustler.
2. Filthy rich and retired.
You know, everybody just assumes you live in the basement with your parents when you don't give any details about how you acquire your wealth, Hustler.

[attila_the_hunny]

You know, everybody just assumes you live in the basement with your parents when you don't give any details about how you acquire your wealth, Hustler.

I'm sure it's a really big basement, though.

[Hustler]

You know, everybody just assumes you live in the basement with your parents when you don't give any details about how you acquire your wealth, Hustler.

Everybody does? Maybe only you and your insecure, unimaginative ilk do.

[Melange]

My god Nighthawk! Lets be glad you are so laid back, I am laid back myself, but if I had a child, I would never let her get away with crap like that. I'm younger then she is, going to start college soon enough (still in highschool) and I feel absolutely awful letting my family pay for parts of the tuition and have this great fear in spending any money of theirs. She sounds like a real hedonist from what I've read so far, man I'm sorry thats all I can say. I hope she gets some sense knocked into her and realises she cannot depend on you for everything.
I agree with the motion to 'beat children awareness' or just not even beat them but threaten to and make it believable as humanly possible.

[Nighthawk]

My god Nighthawk! Lets be glad you are so laid back, I am laid back myself, but if I had a child, I would never let her get away with crap like that. I'm younger then she is, going to start college soon enough (still in highschool) and I feel absolutely awful letting my family pay for parts of the tuition and have this great fear in spending any money of theirs. She sounds like a real hedonist from what I've read so far, man I'm sorry thats all I can say. I hope she gets some sense knocked into her and realises she cannot depend on you for everything.
I agree with the motion to 'beat children awareness' or just not even beat them but threaten to and make it believable as humanly possible.Thanks for the vote of sympathy. We tried everything with that girl ... being nice, being nasty, positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, counselling, psychiatric help, thousands of hours of effort, you name it. One of the shrinks even told us, "To hell with her, save yourselves from her!" I put less than 1/10th of the effort into my son, and he turned out just fine. My wife is at wits end and I know it hits her F pretty hard. Anybody who thinks they have all the answers about parenting should take responsibility for this demon-child for a year. I breathed a huge sigh of relief when she turned 18 and I was no longer responsible financially for all her destructive actions. Even more so that she moved out. We changed all the locks after the forgery incident and do not let her in the house anymore. She's been more or less on her own for about the last 4 years and has succeeded in obtaining a criminal record (hot checks), 6 months probation, and a rock bottom credit score.

My wife tried to help her out with a business venture recently (you know how Fs are), but the girl and her boyfriend (another SP) spent all the money in the till with nothing to show for it. The venture was against my advice, but it was my wife's money ... so her call. Then, my wife thought she had cancer and, in a moment of weakness, co-signed for loan for the girl's car. The tumor was benign ... but the car loan remains ... for a person who has never paid a bill on time in her life. I can smell repo on that one and my wife's credit taking a hit. I left it up to my wife to solve that problem (since she created it), but I have a feeling I will have to intervene soon to make sure something gets done. Daughter has also stated that it is her goal in life to split apart my wife and me, so "mom will let me do what I want." (i.e. keep funnelling money her way). So far, my wife has come down on my side consistently ... despite a few fuck ups.

[MKhailey]

1. First tell us what your current occupation is.

Organ Donation Specialist at a trauma center.

2. If this isn’t your desired occupation then tell us the occupation you would rather have.

I fantasize about news writing, becoming a demolition expert, or floral design. Each of those, though, would likely take me right back into dealing with the crisis-ridden, traumatized and grieving. I can see pursuing floral design nly to become the local 'go to' person for funeral arangements. I could photograph pugs if it kept me in plant-money.

[libertarianjim]

Currently: Statistician for the state government

Past (and will be again): Professor of Political Science

[Nighthawk]

Current Occupation: Software Engineer

Desired Occupation: University Professor

[Leftfield]

Current: Student of Finance and International Business

Desired: Graduate Student of International Business - to lead to an International Business Strategist - to setup being a University Professor of International Business

...looks like a lot of fun if I can commit to it.

[file cabinet]

1. First tell us what your current occupation is.
web developer


2. If this isn’t your desired occupation then tell us the occupation you would rather have.
no idea.. maybe actuary, or something to do with computers/code but not in the same capacity that I work with them now.

[Rajah]

1. Unemployed lawyer.
2. Writer. College professor. Or, really, anything but a commercial litigator. Yick.

[jgreensp]

Current: Student of Finance and International Business

Desired: Graduate Student of International Business - to lead to an International Business Strategist - to setup being a University Professor of International Business

...looks like a lot of fun if I can commit to it.

Wow!! I'm a recent finance grad. I am working in the sector now but I would love to be a University Professor of International Business. While I was studying abroad in Europe, I took a course on comparitive management and it basically changed my life.

[nihilist]

Current: none; voluntarily ensconced in the basement with an internet connection and a couple hundred books

Desired (or more like indulging in a fantasy): University professor

There seems to be a significant proportion of people here who want to be professors. This leads me to question how many are actually competent. Personally, I would love to be a computer science professor , but my math skills are mediocre at best. CS is pure mathematics at the doctoral level.

[PsiKik]

1.My current job has many names - software engineer, computer programmer, software designer, analyst programmer, software developer, 21'st century laborer.

Programming in it's purest form is great, it's like any job - when you have a hobby and have to do it as 'work' it becomes torture, for the most part. I can imagine some having their job as their hobby and loving it.

2. I would rather be a writer, actor, photographer, film director, musician, philosopher, scientist, travel researcher, political advisor, cult leader, game park warden, mountain guide, benevolent dictator.

[eyebyte_atWork]

1.My current job has many names - software engineer, computer programmer, software designer, analyst programmer, software developer, 21'st century laborer.



You forgot Corporate Bitch.

(I am one too. )

[Nighthawk]

You forgot Corporate Bitch.

(I am one too. )How about Code Whore ... you know, doing all those nasty things just for money.

[PiccoloNamek]

Photographer, and loving every second of it!

[PlayerOfGames]

1. Programmer (or suitably glamorized euphamism) - recovering corporate whore, now doing the dot com startup version 2 thing with cellphones)

2. I'm really happy right here. I was progressively less happy working in my previous salaried corporate environment coding boring crap for boring people. Working in a media-ish interesting environment and having a stake and a say in the direction of the company makes everything shiny.

The guys above who code and don't enjoy it anymore, but did as a hobby - for me, all of that was the environment, people I worked with and the goal of what I was doing, and now that those things are sorted out, I love coding. Of course, quite possibly it will all fall through and I'll be back to salaryland - we'll see what happens

[MaroonBells]

current: project manager
desired: operations manager

I like setting up, implementing, fixing and improving ongoing processes better than one-off projects which (sometimes) do not provide enough framework for me. I tend to wander when the pressure is low in a project environment while I love the discipline and demands of an operational environment

[YardGnome]

Current: Programmer / Software Engineer / Whatever you'd like to call it (For an Insurance Company)

Desired: Since I was 4 or 5 years old I've wanted to be a video game programmer...

[Master O]

1. Crap
2. Well-paid Hedonist

[Madrigal]

1. Translator (it sucks).
2. Artist (figures).

[Nighthawk]

1. Programmer (or suitably glamorized euphamism) - recovering corporate whore, now doing the dot com startup version 2 thing with cellphones)

2. I'm really happy right here. I was progressively less happy working in my previous salaried corporate environment coding boring crap for boring people. Working in a media-ish interesting environment and having a stake and a say in the direction of the company makes everything shiny.

The guys above who code and don't enjoy it anymore, but did as a hobby - for me, all of that was the environment, people I worked with and the goal of what I was doing, and now that those things are sorted out, I love coding. Of course, quite possibly it will all fall through and I'll be back to salaryland - we'll see what happensThroughout my software engineering career, I've flip-flopped between startups/dotcoms and the corporate world. I've seen pros and cons to both sides and usually end up jumping when the cons become too much for me.

I've found that the startups/dotcoms often have SPs running the show. They share my utilitarian approach on getting things done. I'm not bound by senseless rules or regulations blocking my ability to get the job done. They also permit me more leeway in accomplishing tasks the way I see fit ... as long as the final product works. There is less overhead and usually I can go to one person to get something approved, if it needs approval at all. The environment is often high energy and interesting, but can be loud and distracting. On the down side, there is often little planning and I end up doing a lot of throw-away work. SPs can come up with some wild, half-baked schemes that don't end up flying very well. The hours are usually longer as well, because of the "succeed at all costs" mentality and because of jumping around from one half-finished SP idea to another. The benefits, if any, usually suck. I've never had stock options pan out for me either. Whenever I've had enough of this, I jump over to the corporate side.

I've found that the corporate shops usually have SJs running the show. They are methodical and there is little wasted work effort. The environment is usually more conducive to concentration, without loud noises, albeit a bit boring. The work hours are usually more humane, as they are planned for in advance and the bean counters often do not want to pay excess. I've also found that the workloads are usually not as heavy and there are great benefits, particularly health care. On the down side, there are often numerous bureaucratic layers involved in doing even the smallest things. Most things need to be run through endless committees for approval. There are often more managers than there are implementers, sometimes as high as a factor of 5:1. Sometimes appropriate technologies cannot be used because they are not on the corporate "approved" list. The SJs also tend to lock down things like email, web access, and instant messaging. When I've had enough of this, I jump back over to the dotcom/startup side.

Right now, I've been in the corporate SJ world for a little over three years ... which is usually too much for me. I'm addicted however, to the salary, easy work, and good benefits. I'll probably stay here for a while longer ... even though the bureaucratic and boredom factors have grown quite annoying.

[geniusndisguise]

1. Waitress (uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!)

2. Entrepreneur, but it requires too much follow through
Professor, but it requires too much schooling
Forensic psychologist/criminal profiler, but it also requires lots of schooling, specialization, and little pay
Freelance desktop and website designer, but there are so many out there it may not be worth the time to get myself to the professional level
Political advisor, but I'm afraid to get into any field that requires 60, 70, 80 hours a week.

I'm doomed.

[eyebyte_atWork]

1. Waitress (uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!)

2. Entrepreneur, but it requires too much follow through
Professor, but it requires too much schooling
Forensic psychologist/criminal profiler, but it also requires lots of schooling, specialization, and little pay
Freelance desktop and website designer, but there are so many out there it may not be worth the time to get myself to the professional level
Political advisor, but I'm afraid to get into any field that requires 60, 70, 80 hours a week.

I'm doomed.


Waitress - that is a fun job - most of the time.

[geniusndisguise]

Waitress - that is a fun job - most of the time.

It actually was at first. I went to school to be a paralegal, but then HATED that. So I went back to waitressing. I've basically gone back and forth between the two to the point that now I have to stay put even though I'm miserable because I've jumped around too much.

Sometimes I think that if anyone orders "2 eggs any style" (exactly as it's written in the menu), or listens through the list of salad dressings and then says "I'll have (insert obscure type I didn't mention here)", I'm going to scream and become a homicidal maniac. Somehow I manage to keep it together, sometimes just.

At this point I don't want to be anything but a lottery winner.

[jjt]

Current: Self employed. Work part time, Nutrition consultant and mail order business. Mother to two challenging adopted kids from Russia. Also own / manage a few investment properties (old age pension hopefully)
(Nighthawk - google attachment disorder, is this your wifes daughters problem?)

Would like: to get into nutrition research and get known for something in that area. start a Masters degree next year / combine with naturopath papers.

Past lives (careers) registered nurse (almost 8 years on and off), design degree (furniture), post grad design of equipment for people with disabilities (career for 10 years),artist (couple of years), International traveller (2 years).
Also dabbled in lots of other enthusiasms, mostly craft / art / design related.

[meshou]

Waitress - that is a fun job - most of the time.Are you insane? It's either boring or claw-your-eyes-out stressful. It's the only profession where you can get litterally spit on and go home with nothing for services rendered. Plus the eggs-any-style/ salad dressing stupidity is a daily problem, and people are generally paranoid that clarifying their order = trying to sell them something. Oh, they're too smart for me! Wanting to know what sort of soup they want when they order soup is a clever rouse to charge them more money! They've got MY number!

Current: Guess.

Ideal: Graphic designer, interior decorator, professional money collector.

Realistic: Librarian. Actually a pretty good income for a quiet mousy person who doesn't want to talk much, and for a non-graduate degree. 60-70 thousand a year.

[PlayerOfGames]

Throughout my software engineering career, I've flip-flopped between startups/dotcoms and the corporate world. I've seen pros and cons to both sides and usually end up jumping when the cons become too much for me..

Yeah, this is my second time round. Weirdly enough, the first time had stock options that didn't pan out. Heh.



Right now, I've been in the corporate SJ world for a little over three years ... which is usually too much for me. I'm addicted however, to the salary, easy work, and good benefits. I'll probably stay here for a while longer ... even though the bureaucratic and boredom factors have grown quite annoying

Join us... it's bliiiissss... :P

[Nighthawk]

(Nighthawk - google attachment disorder, is this your wifes daughters problem?)
I think you might be onto something there. I'll research it a bit deeper. Thank you.

[Nighthawk]

Join us... it's bliiiissss... :PIf I can get my wife to work somewhere with decent medical benefits ... I might just jump again.

[eyebyte_atWork]

Are you insane? It's either boring or claw-your-eyes-out stressful. It's the only profession where you can get litterally spit on and go home with nothing for services rendered. Plus the eggs-any-style/ salad dressing stupidity is a daily problem, and people are generally paranoid that clarifying their order = trying to sell them something. Oh, they're too smart for me! Wanting to know what sort of soup they want when they order soup is a clever rouse to charge them more money! They've got MY number!

Current: Guess.

Ideal: Graphic designer, interior decorator, professional money collector.

Realistic: Librarian. Actually a pretty good income for a quiet mousy person who doesn't want to talk much, and for a non-graduate degree. 60-70 thousand a year.


I must have remember that work wrong - it was over 10 years ago. Sorry to bring up horrible - yet entertaining memories.

[Dumpy]

Current: Lawyer for U.S. government agency (non-litigating position). Went to law school because I was horrified at the thought of what I could do with a poly sci degree and average to below-average grades.

Ideal: I have no idea and agonize about this constantly. I feel like I'd be best suited at some applied mathematics/analyst type position, but the thought of going back to school sickens me. I'd like to write fiction, because there are a number of stories inside my head, but they just stay there. Every time I try to write something creatively, I write a paragraph, then spend about two weeks editing it, and then give up in frustration. Like the rest of you, I want to solve big problems without having to produce any work product associated with it. You know, the whole INTP/ when-something-is-solved-in-your-head-there's-no-point-in-following-through thing. I think in a year or two I will try to get a job as a strategic planner for a company in the industry my agency regulates.

[MacGuffin]

Current: Lawyer for U.S. government agency (non-litigating position). Went to law school because I was horrified at the thought of what I could do with a poly sci degree and average to below-average grades.

Ideal: I have no idea and agonize about this constantly. I feel like I'd be best suited at some applied mathematics/analyst type position, but the thought of going back to school sickens me. I'd like to write fiction, because there are a number of stories inside my head, but they just stay there. Every time I try to write something creatively, I write a paragraph, then spend about two weeks editing it, and then give up in frustration. Like the rest of you, I want to solve big problems without having to produce any work product associated with it. You know, the whole INTP/ when-something-is-solved-in-your-head-there's-no-point-in-following-through thing. I think in a year or two I will try to get a job as a strategic planner for a company in the industry my agency regulates.You sound just like me. Work for the man because we went to law school for no good reason, can't get the stories out on paper.

[NoahFence]

1. Network Engineer (Mostly LAN/Server but a bit of WAN/Firewall)

I do this job because I can, and it pays better than washing dishes. Computers have always just been intuitive to me, even non-intuitive aspects come naturally and stick. I'd be a fool not to exploit this knack, so I do.

2. Writer, Sci-Fi

Gah...you guys aren't exactly filling me with confidence here...I've got a book that is just aching to get onto paper, I've got about three chapters worth (scattered, of course) plus the skeletal outline, a number of important "waypoints", and character interviews. But still no book :( It's not entirely encouraging that so many INTP's are in the same boat, but I'm still hopeful I can get enough "OMG-I-gotta-write-this" surges that a book will emerge eventually.

Questions about Networking are welcome, PM at will.

[Elizabeth B]

My brother (also an INTP) once worked as a security guard, one summer he got paid to sit in his car and read books while he watched a parking lot. He had a convertable, even better. Next summer, his security guard job wasn't as cushy, but he met his wife, which was good.

My Current Job: Mom. Random hours, right now too much on the SJ side, but they're growing up and getting slightly more independant and rational (at least, that's what I keep telling myself). Recent benefit: 3 1/2 year old likes me to "help" her with an online computer game at www.learningplanet.com called Ratz. I don't know who thought this was an appropriate game for preschoolers, it's very challenging. So far, I haven't tired of it.

Previous jobs: Air Force Chemist (had a Bio degree, go figure), Operations Analyst (Statistitian), and TALCE (an operational leadership job).

Pros: AF is more laid back than Army, although still mostly run by SJs. In the Chemistry and Statistitian fields, you're expected to act like an INTP type so things were pretty laid back, I could come in late as long as I stayed late when needed to complete my work. Also, you change jobs every 2 - 3 years, so just when you're getting bored of what you're doing, you get a new challenge. My statistitian jobs especially were about designing the optimum way to do things/test things, so very interesting. I got to work on my own schedule and come out with a product later. I was also encouraged to be creative in my Chemist job, although it was a little more repetitive.

Cons: Lots of SJ's running around, you could get stuck working for the wrong kind, or in an office run by some SJ General that sets some crazy decree for everyone to follow.

Volunteer Job: Re-training people to read that have been taught with whole word methods. I created my own lessons after experimenting on many students. Language and how people learn to read, and the challenge of retraining someone who has been taught poorly are fascinating. Plus, every student has their own learning style and specific problems, so you can be creative every time. Language really is a complex system, but it has orderly rules if you care to find them.

Cons: So far, none, except I can't really schedule live students right now with my kids so young and my husband's random schedule. I have a bunch of virtual students now. I'm a big introvert, but I do like to watch my students progress, so the virtual thing isn't quite as rewarding.

You could get paid to do this, if anyone wants to try to tutor, I can recommend lots of commercially available products, also you could use my free lessons. Of course, it might not be as fun if it was a job.

[Elizabeth B]

Gah...you guys aren't exactly filling me with confidence here...I've got a book that is just aching to get onto paper, I've got about three chapters worth (scattered, of course) plus the skeletal outline, a number of important "waypoints", and character interviews. But still no book It's not entirely encouraging that so many INTP's are in the same boat, but I'm still hopeful I can get enough "OMG-I-gotta-write-this" surges that a book will emerge eventually.

I wrote one chapter of a Sci-Fi book, little pieces of a few others, not gonna happen.

However, I printed out my webpage in case of hard drive failure (it's backed up on 2 other drives and DVD, but I'm paranoid) and it was as long as a book...I'll placate myself with that for now.

[Dumpy]

I've written about 80 pages, but It has taken me a long time to get this far. I haven't touched it in a couple of years. Everytime I decide to start it up again, I feel this need to go back and edit what I've already done. After five or six months of this, I'm so worn out, I stop again.

[Dolphin]

A big thanks to everyone who has participated in this survey.

A thread similar to this one exists here: http://forums.intpcentral.com/showthread.php?t=2478&page=1&pp=10


If there is anyone else who would like to participate in this survey please feel free to do so.