Which Personality Types Are Most Likely to Change Careers in Their 30s?
If you spend your days dreaming of a new career, you’re not alone. Half of all American workers are currently considering changing industries, and millennials, who are now *gasp* in their 30s and 40s, rank highest among those wanting to switch fields. Whether the daily grind has started to feel relentless, or just a little boring, you too may fantasize about writing a resignation letter, sprucing up your resume, and moving on.
But what is it that separates the daydreamers from those who, regardless of the state of the job market, actually make the leap? The answer may lie in your personality. Let's look at the Myers-Briggs personality types most likely to reinvent their careers in their 30s, and those who are happy to stay put… for better or for worse.
ENFP: The Serial Reinventor
ENFPs have no time for boredom, so as soon as their job starts to feel dull, they pack up and leave. Their idealistic nature paired with a natural sense of curiosity means that they always believe there’s something better out there. They have faith that the grass is greener and, rather than getting bogged down in the finer details, they see the bigger picture of their career and are willing to reinvent their professional life.
ENTP: The Opportunity Chaser
When opportunity comes knocking, ENTPs are ready to open the door and let it in. They love being intellectually challenged, and if their current role doesn’t give them that, they are likely to start looking elsewhere. ENTPs want to be the expert and they will happily move around to new roles, industries or projects that keep them learning. Should an enthralling new vacancy hit the market, they’re the first to click “apply”.
ESTP: The Thrill Seeker
When ESTPs first start out in their chosen career, their boundless enthusiasm gets them far. They love putting their skills to the test, and can often learn quickly while on the job and climb the ranks fast. But once the shine begins to fade, so does their enthusiasm. ESTPs are bored by routine, so by the time they reach their 30s, they may be ready to move on in search of the next thrill.
INFP: Seeks Values Alignment
INFPs are led by their values so, if their current job conflicts with their personal beliefs, they are likely to leave it behind. Turning 30 is often a trigger for a “life audit,” and INFPs are more likely than most to reflect on whether their current career measures up. If the answer is no, they may look for another field that feeds their souls, such as counselling, writing or the arts.
ISFP: The Late Bloomer
Open-minded, freedom-loving ISFPs rarely follow a linear path when it comes to their career. They need time and space to explore and, by the time they reach their mid-30s, may have tried a few things, and learned a lot from their experiences. Each time they switch gears, they will do so with gusto and an action plan. They only settle when they find a path that fits their skills, values and their desire to make something useful or beautiful.
ESFP: The Boredom Buster
Most of us understand that work is, well, work. But for ESFPs, the lines between work and play are blurry. Energized by people and experiences, they seek out roles where they are in the middle of the action, on teams of like-minded people, where they have the flexibility to get results “their way.” But even if a job checks these boxes, by the time they reach their 30s, they may be feeling the natural itch to move on or try something completely leftfield.
ENFJ: Seeks a Career With Purpose
ENFJs are all about leaving the world a better place than they found it. This value runs through each strand of their lives, including their career, so if their current role doesn’t give them a sense of purpose, connection and impact, they may start looking for one that does. Their 30s often bring a sharper sense of what matters, and if their work no longer feels meaningful, they are more likely than most to make a change.
ENTJ: Reassesses for Scale
ENTJs have a knack for understanding and solving life’s most complicated problems, which means career changes are rarely impulsive for them. They usually make a move when the current path no longer offers enough challenge, influence or room to build something bigger. In their 30s, that can turn into a strategic pivot, with a clear eye on long-term growth and better use of their strengths.
INTP: Looks for More Mental Space
INTPs tend to approach careers as an evolving system and typically will stay put if the work gives them room to explore ideas, solve problems and work independently. But in their 30s, they may become more aware of the gap between what their role asks of them and what actually keeps them engaged. This can lead to a carefully considered move towards something more intellectually stimulating, even if it doesn’t look like the usual next step up the ladder.
INTJ: Plays the Long Game
INTJs want to think independently, improve systems, and develop mastery in their chosen subject, and are likely to stay in a job that gives them the chance to do that. In their 30s, though, they may become less willing to stay in a role that has them optimizing someone else’s system and more interested in one that furthers their own longer-term goals. They’re not likely to up and leave on a whim, however, and may well make a years-long action plan for making that strategic move.
INFJ: The Over Stayer
Naturally drawn to careers in counseling, teaching and the arts, INFJs prefer to work in areas they find meaningful, in the service of others. If they find a good fit, they will stay in the same career for their whole working life. Unfortunately, they might also stay in unfulfilling careers for too long, often beyond the point of burnout. Their decision to stay is a combination of deep-seated loyalty, fear of instability and not wanting to let people who depend on them down. They often need an outside nudge from a trusted friend, family member or mentor before they feel able to make the move.
ESFJ: Holds Steady
ESFJs are deeply loyal and value stability, so they rarely go looking for a career change just for the sake of it. In their 30s, they’re often still settled in the path they chose earlier, especially if the work lets them support people and contribute in a dependable way. But if an outside force shakes things up, such as restructuring, redundancy or a major life event, they tend to respond quickly and practically once change becomes unavoidable.
ISTP: The Pragmatist
If there’s no obvious reason for an ISTP to switch careers, they won’t do it. They’re usually content as long as the work is practical, hands-on, and gives them enough independence to get on with things their own way. When they do move, it is usually because the current role has stopped making sense, and they want to skill-up or get better paid.
ISFJ: The Cautious Mover
ISFJs avoid overhauling their lives and often stay in the same role for a long time, because they are invested in the people around them and reluctant to abandon something they have built over time. In their 30s, they are more likely to double-down by working harder and climbing the ranks in the career they already have than rushing into a new direction. If they do decide to leave, they will make a cautious plan, weighing up all of the pros and cons, before making a move.
ESTJ: The Climber
Climbing the career ladder is important to an ESTJ and few things can hold them back from this central goal. They are likely to change companies or roles if it gives them a step-up, but rarely change careers. Luckily, ESTJs are disciplined and eager to deliver a job well done, so they tend to do well in any career they choose. By the time they reach their 30s, they will have built a strong sense of momentum in their career and are usually more focused on moving up than starting over.
ISTJ: The Long-Term Stayer
When it comes to staying power, ISTJs have it down. They like knowing what to expect, and are deeply loyal and committed. Once they find a career that works, they are inclined to stick with it and make it work even better over time. ISTJs let logic drive their decisions, and a change usually only comes when something serious forces their hand.
Still wondering if your role actually fits the way you think, work and stay motivated? Take Truity’s Career Personality Profiler™ and discover the careers that match your strengths, interests and personality, so you can make your next move with confidence.
