While it is true that enteurpreneurship can illustrate an 'eat what you kill' mentality, not all businesses are run as unethically as the broad strokes seem to paint, nor is business as a field of work and study limited to business-ownership. There are plenty of very fulfilling and challenging careers in business out there that do not ascribe to the Lex Luthor School of Saturday Morning Cartoon Villainy.
I'm currently straddling the financial and real estate sectors as a valuator. Technically, that gives me a quasi-judicial authority in estate planning or when scouting the value of a (potential) business enterprise; the decisions I make can either make or break a profitable business venture. You can bet that ethics certainly come into play in my profession, but I'm not just accountable to my own virtuous character (if I say so myself
) but also to the law, my professional association and a number of licensing and standards boards that hold me under a microscope. And my profession isn't the only one that is as highly regulated. Regardless of what the media likes to posit, it ain't all that easy to make a career as a white collar criminal, nor is every single person you meet in business trying to unfairly swindle you out of money. Of course, everyone wants their best interests when it comes to the negotiating table, but there are few people out there who are purposely out there to royally screw you over.
Furthermore, if you're not all that aggressive by nature, then you do not have to go in and play with the big dogs at the top of the corporate ladder. You can have a peaceful and interesting career as an actuary or supply/chain manager or any other number of other middle management, indepedent, and corporate careers.
Indeed, painting over an entire field in broad strokes because of a couple of media stereotypes is ridiculous.
In fact, it's almost as ridiculous as resigning yourself from exploring your career options because of your MBTI type. Heck, I initially started off with a B.A in literature because I thought it was more my calling... until I discovered it didn't challenge me and made me miserable instead. You never know what appeals to you until you try it out, I guess.
If you're interested in business, go into business and you'll soon discover its not a singular subject. While its important to keep the big picture in mind always, you'll find more value in finding your own special niche than being a jack-of-all-trades. MBA's are a dime a dozen nowadays and just 'cause you went into business school doesn't guarantee you're going to find the kind of work you imagine yourself doing. Whether you want to climb the corporate ladder or become an enterpreneur or a designated professional, what counts most is a savvy combination of networking and work experience. And networking is where Fe can prevail over a micro-managing Ti or bull-headed Te. Don't underestimate yourself or your abilitieis because of what personality theory says you can or cannot do.
Still, like every other career advice you might have heard, you have to truly love what you do. Don't get into it just because you think it's glamorous or because you think it guarantees it will make you money or because your parents tell you to.
Do it because you truly want to and are willing to work hard and persevere.
Good luck!
