Actuaries estimate the long-term prospects of damage such as this from Hurricane Katrina
Character traits go a long way in determining the success and satisfaction you experience doing a certain job. In their book, Best Jobs for your Personality, Laurence Shatkin and Michael Farr said that your personality type predetermines your satisfaction, productivity, and likelihood of continuing with a particular kind of work. In the 1950s, John L. Holland identified six personality types with relation to occupation.
Realistic people like hands-on work. These “doers” are likely to enjoy tasks where tools or machines are required. People with this type of personality are employed in the largest number of professions, per Shatkin and Farr. Good choices for realists are chefs (the average salary is $44,240), computer hardware engineers ($101,410), and pharmacy technicians ($48,590).
People with an investigative nature love to analyze and then solve intricate problems. Such people are naturally curious. Jobs where workers must exercise their minds are actuaries ($97,450), personal financial advisers ($94,180), and paralegals ($50,080).
Artistic people have a passion for creative expression. They think outside the box and are at their best working alone or in circumstances others find excessively disorganized. “Artsy” people are increasingly in demand. Suitable occupations are graphic and web designers ($47,820) and animators ($62,810).
Social people prefer a work situation where they allow other people to learn and develop, and are best suited to jobs where they give care or help others in some other way. Registered nurses ($66,530), mental health counselors ($41,710), and high school teachers ($55,150) are but three examples.
People of the enterprising type want to persuade others in order to bring their dreams to fruition. They are more likely to be found in competitive environments where strong leadership is required, such as financial manager ($113,730), marketing manager ($120,070), and public relations specialist ($59,370).
Conventional people prefer to adhere to rules and guidelines and do things “by the book.” They get the details just right and are reliable and organized. Appropriate choices are accountant ($67,430), bookkeeping clerk ($34,750), pharmacy technician ($28,940) and dental assistants ($34,000).
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Veronica worked on Wall Street before becoming a business and financial writer. We are fortunate to have such a talented and knowledgeable journalist heading up our business news desk.
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