[chfong]

Hi,

When I was a student ( Junior HS , High School, and College ) I behave like
and INTP. I was such a geek. A computer geek.


But a few years ago, I began to ask myself what I'm doing here at the computer
job? That was around 9-11 timeframe I think. And I got laid off later.
When I got tested, I got INFP as the MBTI test result.
I took some other online tests, I got INFP almost always.

When I read the INTP description (temperament, character, favored jobs , etc.. )
that was so like me back in school. Reading about sciences (biology, physics,
geology, astronomy) , computers, etc..
But up to a point, once I get into complex mathematical stuff like
linear equations, calculus, polynomials, and other science stuff like quantum physics
my brain would freeze over or drowned in too much complexity.
I never really liked all those scientific papers.

Now as an INFP, I don't read as much computer technical stuff anymore. Or
any detailed complex technical stuff for that matter. I don't do computer
programming anymore. The programming languages C and C++ killed any fun.
I don't know how they become the predominant programming languages over others.
Don't get me started.

A few years ago, I started volunteering and I liked it. Especially if for a good cause
such as Lance Armstrong Foundation, children , MS bike ride, environment , etc..



What to do now as a INFP? As a career path that is. Go back to school??
Can someone tell me what happened?


Thanks,
CHF

[hartpoet]

I think the problem is that you're confusing what MBTI is, does, and defines.

I think that many people take the online test and answer it as they see themselves instead of how they are. It's always recommended to have the test taken by a trained practioner who can use it ethically.

Character, temperment, and interests are all separate categories. The fact that your interests have changed may not mean that your type has changed.(And there are two lines of thought on that as some argue that type is irresolute) Temperent is about our natural not underlying or active vehicles for obtaining energy, gathering information and judging the information we gather.

Remember too, that MBTI is theory. Its intent was too provides insight and unite people who felt they had irreconciable differences. Our decisions are our own. (An INTP and an INFP may have the same job and love it equally) Only you can make the best decision for you. And to help you out with an educated guess you would need to provide one with more information on what you want in exact terms.

I hope I've helped.

P.S. To make this personal, I was attracted to your post because I thought I might find tidbits of myself. I am an INFP
but Ti is something I have developed since I was a child and so I can very much relate to INTP thinking. I assure myself (as much as one can be assured with an open-ended P as high as mine) that I am an INFP by the dogma I hold around my values and my attraction to, and especially my desire to be a part of, intense emotionality.

[gloosle]

When I was in high school I was way into computers too (I was [maybe still am?] A+ certified)...and (team) sports. But so what? I was, have been and always will be an INFP. Interests don't define what type you are. . I like hartpoets post a lot.

As far as a career change, find something you love and run with it. I recently switched majors from business to psychology. I don't know what I want to do for a career yet, but at least I find my classes *interesting* now. Seriously, suffering through macro/micro economics has got to be the worst punishment in the world....

[mistervalentine]

I think a lot of INFPs either act like T's

or are thought to be T's by others

because they don't show their emotions outwardly immediately, perhaps

[hartpoet]

I think a lot of INFPs either act like T's

or are thought to be T's by others

because they don't show their emotions outwardly immediately, perhaps

Totally agree. Hahaha I let my mom read the intp profile page to help her understand what she felt to be my lack of tact. She said it was true. (It was that or tell her I'm an INFP with a developed Ti...) I would have lost her. hahaha. As a matter of fact she doesn't even remember half of what she read. Oh well she is my mom and I love her.

[hartpoet]

Seriously, suffering through macro/micro economics has got to be the worst punishment in the world....[/quote]

You are so right! I cried after most classes.

[humblefolks]

I think a lot of INFPs either act like T's

or are thought to be T's by others

because they don't show their emotions outwardly immediately, perhaps

That. Plus some INFP's tend to get into the "analyzing" mode, which is when they come across as an unemotional brainy observant type. I mean, I know I do. I'm sure so do others.