If you’ve ever scrolled through lists of the “best careers for Mediators” (INFPs), you’ve probably noticed that certain jobs tend to get mentioned over and over again, such as mental health counseling, writing, and social work. Caring and creative, Mediators can indeed excel in these fields. But it’s a big world out there, and people with this personality type are thriving in all sorts of jobs that are rarely (if ever) mentioned among the usual recommendations.
In this article, we’ll offer three career ideas for Mediators that may seem a bit outside the box, and we’ll explain why they can actually be a great fit for people with this personality type. Even if none of these jobs speak to your Mediator soul, we hope that they’ll inspire you to see that your gifts can lend themselves to a range of professional paths – including ever so many that won’t find their way onto a standard “best careers for Mediators” list.
These ideas are inspired by our Thoughts and Stories section, where real people with different personality types submit insights and anecdotes from their own lives.
Career Idea #1: Fitness Instructor
Why It Seems Like an Unlikely Match
Mediators are Introverts, which means that they often feel drained after spending time with groups of people. It’s easy to assume that they would feel worn out after leading a fitness class and that they’d be uncomfortable being the center of attention.
Why It Can Be Magical
Mediators love to inspire growth in other people – and that’s exactly what a good fitness instructor does. Whether they’re leading a yoga flow or a spin class, fitness instructors can help the people they teach recognize their strengths and appreciate every bit of improvement that they make. With their warmth and empathy, Mediator personalities can turn a workout into an environment where participants can be their authentic selves and feel a sense of belonging. Plus, the physical aspect of the job can help keep Mediators from getting stuck in their own heads.
Takeaway
As Introverts, Mediators do need alone time to recharge their energy. But as long as they feel a sense of mission in their work, they can still thrive and find fulfillment in jobs that require a fair amount of interpersonal interaction.
Career Idea #2: Genetic Counselor
Why It Seems Like an Unlikely Match
Careers that involve science and technology are often associated with the Thinking personality trait. But this is just a stereotype – people with the Feeling trait, such as Mediators, can excel in technical fields, just as people with the Thinking trait can excel in the arts and humanities.
Why It Can Be Magical
When someone is learning whether they or their children are at risk of an inherited disorder, the situation is stressful, to say the least. Genetic counselors not only help assess a patient’s genetic risk, they often also communicate directly with the patient to answer their questions and offer guidance. As genetic counselors, Mediators can satisfy the calling that they feel to help others and to offer support, insight, and empathy to those who need it most.
Takeaway
Anyone who tells you that Mediator personalities aren’t suited to scientific and technical careers is, in a word, wrong. Mediators can absolutely master the expertise needed for careers in science and tech, and their compassion and communication skills can help them make even more of a difference in these roles.
Career Idea #3: Custom Carpenter
Why It Seems Like an Unlikely Match
Because Mediators have such rich imaginations and inner lives, it’s easy to assume that they would gravitate to cerebral careers rather than hands-on work. This is yet another stereotype without any real foundation – people with the Mediator personality type may be daydreamers, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t find satisfaction in working with their hands.
Why It Can Be Magical
As custom carpenters, Mediators can use their creativity and insight to help people find more joy, comfort, and utility in their homes and businesses. A good custom carpenter listens to their clients’ frustrations with their current space and devises beautiful, functional solutions. This is an excellent opportunity for Mediators to put their listening skills and their intuition to full use. Plus, doing hands-on work allows Mediators to get out of their heads and enjoy making tangible progress.
Takeaway
Because Mediators often get lost in thought, they may tell themselves that they’re not suited to working with their hands. But careers in the trades give people with this personality type a chance to use their creativity and human insight while staying grounded in the present moment. When they finish a project, Mediators in these fields can enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done – and of having changed a client’s home or business for the better.
Conclusion
Free-spirited Mediators are happiest when they march to the beat of their own drum – and that includes when it comes to picking careers. Our hope is that this article has reminded those of you with this personality type that many professional paths – even if they don’t seem like an obvious fit – can be a beautiful match for your values, your goals, and your gifts.
So, Mediators, do any of these career options resonate with you? What other off-the-beaten-track professions intrigue you? Tell us in the comments below.
Further Reading
- Unlikely (but Awesome) Careers for Campaigners (ENFPs)
- It’s Hard for a Mediator (INFP) to Truly Love Their Work Without…
- Job Interview Tips for Mediators (INFPs)
- Unlikely Leaders: Mediators (INFPs) at the Visionary Helm
- Take our Job Preferences and Career Values specialized tests to get more ideas for careers that might be a good fit for your personality type. (Premium resources.)