Now I would like to share with you all my life:
I was considered an INFP (we shall not remain categorized, we are at will to change) the dreamer! (In the past my mom always told me to dream, not long ago she’ll say’ stop dreaming and do something with your life. Now in the present my wife tells me “you dream too much, your so intelligent, your words are so inspiring and motivating and so right but you do nothing worthy, you should do something good with your life and that mind of yours”) I was in learning disability classes all through primary and secondary schools. Always in class daydreaming, and barely passing grades on mostly D’s. I actually got kicked out of high-school for too much fighting. However that did not stop me, I got my GED while volunteering in boards of the communities, and starting business but never sticking with them, what a-shame. I always had a drive, a drive when I would be alone, absent from the technology and family, I actually grew, successfully. I was more productive. I found out it was actually my personal habits, and material distractions that stopped me from being successful. Even though it can be hard to avoid such impediments, it can be had. I had it ruff then, and now… with a wife and kids, taking care of my kids, and to support wife so that she may finish college, it was difficult. It takes no strength to drive will, rather a heart, mind and spirit combined.

I was an introvert, however I changed everything I can to improve, to become extrovert and stay in between, by choice. I attended public speaking seminars, and other positive life changing seminars/classes. “If you don’t move, you gain nothing! If you move you gain a piece closer to success.” To this day I continue to grow, beyond my dreams.

I am forever grateful for being an INFP, it made me street-smart and book-smart.
Want to know more, about me?

Any advice… Thanks

Thank you for writing this. I am an INFP and worked on wall st for 7 years. I have always been unhappy and job hopped frequently. I learned I was an INFP 3 yrs ago which explained a lot for I.e. I was always miserable, I could quickly understand the company, and markets, but I never really fit in at a firm. I have found that because we are such a small percentage of the population – we are frequently the recipients of mistreatment. Even if we do a good job but keep to ourselves and are easy going we might not fit in or even around other more common types. As I write this I am dealing with a lot of stress from my current employer regarding my performance. My performance is fine but the real issue is that I don’t fit it and it angers my coworkers to no end. I just want to quit but I need to stick it out to move on. I am working getting out ASAP and starting my own small fitness venture. I really don’t hat all of the cash but I know that I can make it happen. My advice to the young infp is that even if you force yourself to fit in with the herd, they might notice your inherent differences and work to put you out.

Thanks for stopping by!

It definitely sounds like you have found a potentially great school for your continuing education! I definitely know what it’s like to feel passionate about a certain path or place – as an INFP it’s sometimes hard to find a balance between the need to do what feels right with the need to balance my budget.

My first thought is this: have you considered other schools that might still offer a program that you are looking for but would be a cheaper alternative? I know your heart is set on the school you have found and it wouldn’t be your top choice – but you might thank yourself for it later and still have a great career as a counselor. At the very least it’s worth considering. If you tried a cheaper school and didn’t like it, you could potentially change your mind early on.

I’ve learned that there is no “perfect place” in life – even if you went to that school you might have some tough semesters where you are wondering if you made the right choice. However, you certainly do not have to compromise on your choice of career! INFPs make great counselors and if your heart is set on that path you should definitely follow through. The most financially painless means to getting there might not be the most attractive choice, but I’ll bet that if you did research, found a good alternative, and committed to giving it your best shot you would feel like you made the right decision.

And if you feel like you made the wrong choice, you could always change your mind early on and reconsider the first school!

Best of luck!

I really want to attend a particular grad school that is so incredibly unique and greatly expresses the deepest yearnings and values that I hold. However, with this economy, it is so hard for me to go to this school. Really logical people would say its a mistake to become a counselor when they only make 30-40,000 a year. I would also take out about 40,000 or a little more in loans to do this. There is no other school I want to go to. It is this one or no grad school. Any other place would be a waste of time. I’m 25 and will have all but 2,500 or so paid off in debt. Any suggestions? I know I lack confidence in myself…. and have issues with anxiety. Every time I tell myself I’m going to do this, I become anxious about the money and then eventually fall into a “life is meaningless” depressive state. It’s so tiring…

Glad you enjoyed my article! I definitely know how it goes – can be quite difficult finding/creating work that is meaningful to you. On the one hand you can look at your work as a means to an end and try to start something that pays the bills while you do something really meaningful with your life on the side. One of the best parts of starting a business is that it can be anything you choose. If you have a skill to offer others, if you can market this skill effectively you can have a business that’s profitable and makes you feel connected to what you are doing.

One piece of advice I would say is the pick something that you have considered and focus. Give yourself a trial period to try a business idea out (at least 6 months) and see it through to the end. If it doesn’t work, you can try something else. INFPs are idea people who want to help others… consider a business where you are doing something good for other people – coaching or counseling are good areas to consider.

I also got laid off right before I launched my web development solo business. Losing that job was the best thing that ever happened to me! I’m also an INFP.

Good luck!