In my first career as a Tax Consultant, I spent a lot of time watching the clock and counting down the minutes until a respectable time to make a quick exit from the building. Whilst I loved the firm culture and the people I worked with, the work left me feeling drained and de-energised. Fast forward a few years and I made my first career change into recruitment where I thrived almost from day one. Instead of counting down the days, I regularly worked overtime because I loved what I was doing and I actually wanted to be there. The reason, I was finally doing work that suited my personality.
As a ESFP in Myers Briggs terminology, I am motivated by working closely with people, helping them in a practical way and having the freedom to create my own schedule. In addition, my signature strengths are very much ‘relating’ strengths, such as rapport building, relationship building and communicating with others. On the flipside, my role in tax had required me to use many ‘thinking’ strengths which unfortunately all fall into the ‘weakness’ quadrant of my Strengths Profile 😩
As a career coach, I often see how understanding one’s personality can influence not only career success but overall wellbeing. When you gain insight into your unique traits, strengths, and preferences, it becomes easier to navigate your career and align your work with what energises and motivates you. This self-awareness can act as a guiding light, helping you make better career choices and ultimately leading to greater fulfilment at work and in life.
Why Personality Matters for Career Success
Your personality plays a significant role in determining how you work, communicate, and interact with others. For instance, if you’re naturally introverted, you might thrive in roles that allow for more independent, focused work rather than those requiring constant social interaction. On the other hand, extroverts may feel more energised in dynamic, people-oriented roles that involve meeting new people and attending lots of meetings. When your career aligns with your personality, you’re not only more effective at your job, but you’re also more likely to enjoy work and feel engaged.
In our career coaching session, we use a career assessment tool with a personality component. The results of the personality assessment can help clients better understand their preferences in the workplace, including how much people contact they prefer, how they process information, how they make decisions, and whether they prefer a structured or unstructured lifestyle. Armed with this knowledge, clients can actively seek out career paths that play to their natural strengths and avoid those that leave them frustrated and exhausted.
Personality and Wellbeing
Your career isn’t just about the paycheck – it’s also about how your job impacts your overall happiness and health. When your work is aligned with your personality, it creates a sense of flow – that feeling of being “in the zone” where time flies and tasks seem to effortlessly unfold. Conversely, when your personality clashes with your work environment, it can lead to stress, burnout, and a strong sense of dissatisfaction.
Imagine someone who is detail-oriented and enjoys structure working in a chaotic, fast-paced startup where roles and tasks are ever-changing. No matter how skilled they are, the misalignment between their personality and the work environment will eventually take a toll on their mental health. That’s why it’s so important to assess how well your personality fits with your job. If there’s a mismatch, consider whether a small shift (such as a change in role) or a more significant career move could restore balance.
Using Personality Insights to Make Career Decisions
Understanding your personality is incredibly empowering when it comes to making career decisions. If you’re currently unhappy in your role, start by reflecting on whether it’s the job or the company culture that’s causing the friction. Are you in an environment that complements your personality, or are you working against the grain? Once you have clarity on this, it’s easier to make changes within your current role or explore career paths that may be a better fit.
The Link Between Personality and Energy
One of the most important aspects of understanding your personality is recognising what gives you energy and what drains it. For example, if you are a natural problem-solver and love working through complex challenges, a role that allows you to flex this muscle will keep you engaged and energised. Conversely, if your day is filled with repetitive tasks that don’t tap into your strengths, it can leave you feeling depleted and disengaged.
We encourage our clients to pay attention to how they feel at work. If you notice that certain tasks leave you feeling drained, it may be a sign that they aren’t aligned with your natural strengths. Understanding your personality in this way can help you design a workday that maximises your energy and productivity.
Take Action to Align Your Career with Your Personality
At Relaunch Me, we can help you assess your personality and strengths, and guide you toward a career path that aligns with who you truly are.
If you’re interested in discovering how knowing your personality type can guide your career decisions, reach out to us at Relaunch Me. We’re here to support you on your journey to finding work that not only pays the bills but also fuels your passion.
