What Jobs Are Good for Type-A Personalities?
One of the most striking things about individuals with a Type-A personality is that there is a higher risk of heart problems due to their distinct personality traits. While these people are great at multitasking, they are always concerned with time constraints and a sense of urgency. Type-A people often want to accomplish very lofty goals and get great satisfaction from accomplishing these goals. Type-A personalities are prone to stress, often talk fast, can be hostile without provocation and are overly-competitive.
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Attorney
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost 26 percent of attorneys are self-employed. This makes it an ideal occupation for people with a Type-A personality who enjoy taking charge and being their own boss. Even before lawyers enter a private practice, partnership or law firm, the career fits Type-A personalities. Law schools are very competitive; and since many students graduate from law school every year, prospective attorneys need to distinguish themselves above the pack. Type-A personalities thrive on competition and will create it if they cannot find any. However, there is plenty of competition in law schools and firms.
Small Business Owner
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A small business owner is a great career choice for a person with a Type-A personality. In many cases, a small business owner is responsible for all aspects of running a company, franchise or retail location. The owner has to purchase product, manage money and put the business plan into action, allowing the Type-A person to have control over the smallest detail. Small business ideas that would suit this kind of person include gift stores, gas stations, fast food restaurants and real estate agencies. Web designers, consultants and freelance workers also function independently, often operating as sole proprietorships.
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Salesperson
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Type-A personalities make great salespeople, especially when they work for commission, either partially or for their entire salary. People with a Type-A personality consider every activity as a competition, and many commission-based jobs do have daily, monthly or weekly challenges to see which employee can complete the most sales. An ideal job for a person with this type of personality would be as a car salesperson. Salespeople get to be engaging, direct, race against the clock and compete against themselves and others.
Manager
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Type-A personalities are well-suited to management positions. Whether this job is in retail, IT, construction, lodging, medical, human resources or other fields, a person with this type of personality will thrive as a manager. Most of these jobs require a higher education, sometimes even a master's degree, and require the person to be very organized, detail-oriented and focused on multiple factors simultaneously. Meeting high expectations and being acutely aware of time constraints (even imaginary ones) are characteristics of a Type-A personality.
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References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Lawyers
- State University: Small Business Owner Job Description
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Retail Salespersons
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Management and Business and Financial Occupations
- St. Louis Psychologists and Counseling Information and Referral: Personality Type A, Type B and Heart Disease
- 2 Know Myself: The Type A personality, Definition, Behavior & Characteristics
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
