[INFJ] INFJ in Tourism

Welcome to the forum, Nicolas! I don't work in tourism myself, but I'm curious what motivates you to ask. Is this a line of work you are considering, or in already?

Nicolas882 said:

Hi there ultrauber yes, I work as a tour guide but it's more like seasonal / second job. Daily I work in the office and it's not very rewarding I would love to change it to career where I could at the same time communicate and help people and I'm wondering what career to choose I'm already 26 and I still haven't decided yet..

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We are about the same age, so there's another reason not to take my advice!

I'm not much of a true believer in the MBTI system, and the last time I took the test was in high school, but nonetheless, as an ostensible INFJ, I relate to the desire to do work that involves connecting with people in a meaningful way. In my current job, I basically hack at a computer all day, and it satisfies my desire to solve tricky problems, but I feel that my communication skills and ability to put others "at ease" (which I had to do a lot of in my previous job) have atrophied somewhat. In the fall, I will be switching to a position that promises to be a 50/50 mix of both of these things.

One thing that I really don't like, however, is dealing with people who are under a lot of stress and inclined to take it out on me. I just don't have the patience for it. For that reason, I think I would really struggle working retail. I imagine (but again, have no experience) that similar problems could arise working as a tour guide, especially if it's at a venue where there are lots of families trying to wrangle children or a difficult schedule. (It is said that couples are more likely to fight when on vacation, because they finally have the time to start talking about the important problems in their relationship.)

What's your experience been like?

Nicolas882 said:

For me working as a tour guide has many advantages - even if you have a stressful situation or someone is mad or not nice ( but untill now I haven't had those situations ) you will probably never see this person again after tour so you don't have to worry you are independent and you can communicate. For me it's better than sitting in front of computer for eight hours and I'm wondering what other career could have similar elements - independence, communication, helping others and organisation. I was thinking about psychologist but it's so responsible and you sit in one room the whole day.. maybe I'm too picky.

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These seem like the right questions to be asking. I don't think it's "too picky" to have in mind what your ideal job would look like, as long as you have a gameplan for which elements are dealbreakers and which ones you are willing to be flexible with in case the ideal job doesn't materialize.

That's nice that you will be able to mix different skills since fall ! And do you have in your mind a job that you would love to do in the future ?

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At some point I might like to try starting my own business. Right now, I don't think I have the kind of rare skills or client base for it to make sense, but maybe later on. Basically, I think I have good instincts when it comes to problem solving and spotting opportunities, and I am tired of having to wait for approval "from above." I would rather act on my own ideas and manage risk myself. But I recognize that at my current stage, this is likely naive confidence and I should grind a little more and learn the ropes before attempting anything hubristic.

Nicolas882 said:

Okay, so it sounds like you would like to be more independent ! It would be great to have your own company and from what country are you ?

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Grew up in the US, but I've lived in South Korea for several years! And you?

@Nicolas882 Have you considered working for organizations with a cause? It sounds like you'd be a great asset for a non government organization working on a project based in the tourist area you're currently working at. It could be something more active like field work or community outreach.