Dear Question Owner,
My name is Evan, and I am a consultant in the School of Fine Distinctions.
From the questioner's description, it is evident that they are experiencing distress and pain. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience confusion and uncertainty when their chosen major does not align with their interests or aspirations. This can lead to a lack of clarity about future career options and the direction of one's professional trajectory.
It is important to consider the alignment between one's personality and career path. However, it is not necessary to find a perfect match for success. Each individual brings unique value and can find success on a suitable path. Even if a current career plan seems to be a poor match for one's personality, there are often alternative options.
As the question was posed on this platform, we are unable to provide a comprehensive answer. However, we can offer some straightforward suggestions based on our experience, with the aim of assisting the questioner in alleviating their current distress.
It is important to recognize and accept your personality traits when planning for the future. The questioner should accept that he is an introvert and understand that this is not a disadvantage, but rather a personality trait.
Individuals with INTJ personalities often possess deep thinking, logical thinking, and independence, which are highly valuable in certain professional settings. It is important to maintain an objective view of one's abilities while seeking a role that aligns with one's personality traits.
Many individuals with introverted personalities have achieved notable success in their chosen fields.
It would be beneficial to explore other fields of education. The questioner indicated a preference for working independently and teaching theoretical knowledge. Therefore, he may wish to consider pursuing opportunities in fields that focus on theoretical teaching, such as ideological and political theory, ethics, and sociology. These fields also require teachers who can effectively explain and impart knowledge.
As an alternative, the questioner could consider a career as a teacher specialising in theoretical teaching, or alternatively, a role as a research assistant at a university or research institute.
It would be beneficial for the questioner to improve their teaching skills and self-confidence. Research indicates that the majority of people have introverted personalities. Despite the questioner's introverted nature, they can enhance their self-assurance by developing their teaching abilities. While personality traits are intrinsic, skills can be acquired.
As an example, the questioner can prepare more detailed lesson plans in advance and use multimedia and other aids to help students better understand the knowledge. Concurrently, the questioner can participate in more teaching training and exchange activities, share experiences with peers, and improve their teaching level.
Adjust your mindset and manage stress effectively. When facing work pressure, you can try to adjust your mindset. Treat every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a task that must be completed.
It is also important to allocate time and energy in a reasonable manner to avoid excessive internal friction. It may be that the questioner does not need to become a "perfect" psychology teacher. A more realistic goal could be to become a psychology lecturer who can effectively impart knowledge while also constantly learning and growing.
If the aforementioned methods do not provide the desired result, it may be beneficial to explore alternative career paths. It is important to note that career choice is a two-way matching process, whereby both the individual and the prospective employer must be compatible.
The questioner should consider their interests and strengths and then identify a career field that aligns with them. Additionally, the questioner's psychology background is highly valuable in a variety of other fields, including market research, human resources, and consulting.
Career development is an ongoing process, and over time, individuals may experience shifts in their interests, skills, and career goals. It is essential to maintain an open mind and regularly reflect on and adjust your career plan to align with these changes.
If the questioner is experiencing elevated stress or depressive symptoms, it may be beneficial to seek the guidance of a professional counselor. If the questioner is currently enrolled in an academic institution, they may wish to consult with the school counselor to support their personal growth. In some cases, a skilled counselor can facilitate positive developmental changes or provide the necessary courage to confront personal challenges.
Professional counselors can assist the questioner in gaining a deeper understanding of their own personality and emotional state, and in providing tailored advice and support. Furthermore, seeking the guidance of a career planner or counselor can also help the questioner gain insight into their own inner expectations and needs, and in receiving professional career planning advice.
It is possible for anyone to choose the type of work and lifestyle they desire. The acquisition of professional knowledge is a cumulative process, rather than a linear one. It is important not to be overly anxious or self-critical. It is inevitable that challenges will be encountered along the way.
It is important to recognise that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. The key is to identify a path that aligns with your strengths and pursue it with determination.
I hope this information is useful to the questioner.
We also recommend the following related books:
"Character Determines Career" by Shao Zhiwei and Tian Caihong. This book is designed to assist readers in understanding themselves while guiding them to make career choices that align with their personalities and interests.
It is crucial for you to comprehend your personality traits and identify a career path that aligns with them.
Psychology and Life by Richard Gerrig and Philip Zimbardo. This book provides an introductory overview of psychology, covering a range of topics that can assist in understanding one's psychological state and emotional responses.
"Psychology of Emotions" by K.T. Strongman. This book provides a comprehensive examination of the generation, expression, recognition, and management of emotions, equipping readers with the tools to effectively manage and regulate their emotions, enhance self-awareness, and improve their emotional intelligence.
"Growth Mindset for Life" by Carol Dweck. This book introduces the concept of a growth mindset and encourages readers to meet challenges through continuous learning and growth.
For educators, maintaining a growth mindset is crucial for enhancing teaching abilities and effectively addressing teaching challenges.
"What Color Is Your Parachute?" by Boltz. This book is designed to assist individuals in identifying their interests and skills, as well as in setting their ideal career goals.
It is crucial for you to gain insight into your interests and skills and identify a teaching field that aligns with your strengths and goals.
Changing Careers: This book discusses the importance of career transition and how to successfully achieve it. If you find that the career of a psychology teacher is not aligned with your goals, this book can help you identify alternative career paths that better align with your interests and skills.
What's Possible in Your Life: This book encourages readers to pursue their dreams and goals and achieve personal growth and development. It is important to consider the purpose and meaning of your life and identify a career path that aligns with your values and aspirations.
Comments
I totally understand where you're coming from. It sounds like you've had a pretty tough time with the group counseling session, and it's clear that your INTJ traits are making this path feel less fitting. Maybe it's time to consider how you can leverage your strengths in a teaching role that doesn't require as much direct interaction or emotional engagement.
It seems like you're very aware of your limitations and strengths, which is already a huge advantage. Have you thought about focusing on areas within psychology that align more with your introverted nature, such as research or writing? There's so much value in what an introvert can bring to academia, especially in terms of deep analysis and theoretical development.
You're right; being an effective psychology teacher often involves a lot of interpersonal skills. But that doesn't mean you can't find a niche where your personality shines. Perhaps looking into online teaching or developing educational content could be a good fit for you. This way, you can still contribute to the field without the pressure of constant social interaction.
It's okay to acknowledge that this path might not be the best match for you. It takes courage to recognize when something isn't working. If you feel that your passion lies in teaching but in a different context, maybe exploring other disciplines or even interdisciplinary fields could open up new opportunities that better suit your temperament.
Sometimes, we put too much pressure on ourselves to fit into certain roles because of our background or initial choices. However, it's important to remember that career paths are not set in stone. You can pivot and find a direction that feels more authentic and fulfilling. Consider talking to career counselors or mentors who can help you explore alternative routes within or outside of psychology.