In prior posts, I have cautioned against career choices that seem better suited to the inferior than the dominant function. The reason, of course, is that the inferior function is far less skilled and developed than the dominant. However hard we may try to tap into or develop the inferior, it can never approach the level of skill and mastery that can be achieved through the dominant function.
With that said, I continue to be amazed by the way in which all types seem to be drawn to careers that somehow utilize or symbolize the inferior function. This should really not surprise us though, since the inferior function in many ways represents the key to psychological balance and wholeness. We might think of the inferior as a distant, yet powerful, magnet pulling us forward, even if we do not see or understand exactly where it is leading us.
So what should we do? We cannot merely deny the inferior function, which ultimately worsens matters. The solution seems to entail a means of harnessing the energy of the inferior for use by the dominant; the inferior can provide the fuel and the general orientation, while the dominant must find a way of successfully navigating the specifics of moving toward the nebulous goal that is the inferior function. Unfortunately, in many situations, these roles get reversed. We use the inferior function to define a specific outcome and then, even if unwittingly, use the dominant to justify or bolster that endpoint.
For instance, an ENFP raised in a certain religious tradition might use her inferior function, Introverted Sensing (Si), to prematurely conclude that her religion is the one true path. She might then use her dominant function, Extraverted Intuition (Ne),to explore meanings and interpretations within that tradition. By doing so, however, she has allowed her Si to demarcate the parameters for her Ne, rather than using her Ne more broadly and trusting that the appropriate Si parameters would eventually emerge. While prioritizing her Si over her Ne may feel comforting and convenient, our ENFP may eventually regret that, in crutching her inferior function in this way, she failed to remain true and authentic to herself as an ENFP. By prioritizing Si over Ne, she functioned more like an ISJ than an ENP.
Career Choice & Personality Type
With regard to career choice, we cannot deny our attraction to careers that tie into our inferior function. I therefore cannot advocate a hard-lined approach to career choice, such as telling Thinking types to completely avoid careers that have anything to do with Feeling. Instead, a more nuanced approach is warranted.
Career satisfaction hinges largely on the perceived meaningfulness of the work and the degree to which it allows us to function authentically according to our Myers-Briggs personality type, including moving us toward our inferior function. This is why Feelers commonly major in subjects like math, science, or computers, since, at least on the surface, these majors represent a path to the inferior function. The problem is that, when Feelers immerse themselves in predominantly T-oriented work, they can easily come to feel inadequate, exhausted, or unfulfilled, since they are demanding so much of their inferior function. This is akin to constantly relying on our non-dominant hand. While our non-dominant hand may become more skillful over time, it can never match the potential of our dominant.
With that said, being a Myers-Briggs Feeler in a Thinking-oriented field is not a hopeless situation. It may, however, require ample ingenuity to find a way for the Feeling function to take the driver’s seat and to ensure that its methods and objectives are not being unduly limited or pre-defined by the inferior function.
For instance, an INFP trained in science may find writing novels (Fi-Ne) that incorporate scientific themes a more satisfying and sustainable way of getting to Te than directly participating in scientific research. In doing so, her interests in science can still inspire her work, but because she is approaching it less directly, by way of Fi and Ne, she is likely to experience less burn-out and greater long-term success and satisfaction.
Consider another example. As dominant Intuitives, INFJs are naturally lured by their inferior function, Extraverted Sensing (Se). While Se can take a variety of forms, it can be broadly understood as relating to material or physical reality (as opposed to the metaphysical nature of Introverted Intuition (Ni)). INFJs who are unduly controlled by their Se might make securing beautiful or lavish surroundings as their primary aim. Or, they might do something like work in the culinary arts to apply their interest in Se tastes. Either way, this would involve ceding undue control to their inferior function.
It may be unrealistic to suggest a complete avoidance of careers related to the inferior function. In many cases, it is not the subject matter that is the problem so much as the way it is approached. For those who feel they have made a regrettable career choice, this might come as welcomed news. Often times, there are ways to take your current background and use it in a way that is satisfying and sustainable for your personality type. Of course, doing so often requires sacrificing in other areas, at least in the short-term.
