Many women have had experiences of frustration and failure in their profession because it didn’t align with their true nature.
Because of this, I’ve been asked many times, “How do I choose the right job for my Type 1 nature?”
I really believe that you can be successful in any career. But you need the freedom to move through it true to your natural movement.
Before you accept your next job offer or decide to stick with your current one, consider a few necessities specific to your Type 1 energy.
You naturally bring lightness and encouragement to the workplace. You want to have fun and show your cheerful side, in your behavior and in your Type 1 fashion choices. Find a situation that values those gifts, or you may come across as silly to your co-workers. You’ll thrive in positions with:
- Opportunities to optimize your gift for new ideas and enthusiasm
- Flexibility in your schedule and routine
- Varied social interaction with co-workers, clients, or patients
- Abilities to create something you can look forward to
Or start your own business, Type 1 style! It’s a common belief that only Type 3 women can be business owners—but any Type can be a gifted entrepreneur if they approach the experience true to their nature.
Tips for Type 1 entrepreneurs
As a Type 1 woman, your gift for ideas gives you a real edge in coming up with a great business concept. Your natural tendency toward optimism inspires others with the hope that your business idea can become a reality. Your challenge is follow-through, so surround yourself with people who can finish up projects when you need to move to the next new thing.
I recently asked our Dressing Your Truth Type 1 Expert, Stephanie, to share a job she had in the past that was perfect for her and what made it so. Here’s what she had to say:
“I’ve pretty much loved EVERY job that I’ve ever had!!!
- Molecular biology research at the University of Texas
- Editing at a small publishing company
- Special needs Unit Leader/Camp Counselor
- Clinical Data Support Specialist at a Children’s Hospital
- Violin/viola teacher
- Brief retail at the one and only “Dressing Your Truth Store And Salon”
Why I loved all of these varied jobs, and what they all had in common, was the opportunity to play with mechanisms, processes, and details in a collaborative environment that still afforded me the independence to play with and implement my ideas. I also loved that in each of these job opportunities, I was encouraged to learn new concepts, approaches, and operations; because in any job, learning always invariably expands and improves my performance.”
Why a job may not be best for a Type 1
You’ll want to steer clear of jobs that limit or prevent social interactions, whether it’s with your co-workers, clients, or patients. You’ll do better in a situation that allows for movement and variety, rather than a solitary job where you repeat the same tasks every day.
When I asked Type 1 Expert Stephanie about the job that was not perfect for her Type, she explained,
“I had the opportunity to work as a BSN/RN on a Med/Surg, Telemetry Unit at a Level 1 Trauma Center. It was a corrections unit—meaning all of the patients were incarcerated inmates. It was a stark, high-stress environment that was challenging for my light and soft energy. In addition to the typical life & death responsibilities that came with managing medical/surgical patients, I saw my first cases of flesh-eating bacteria, aggressive tumors, and advanced cancers, amputations, code blues, addictions, etc. As you can imagine, positive communication with patients in this setting was a formidable challenge; and I had to always be on guard with my own safety as well. While I grew thick skin, it, unfortunately, obstructed my bright, light and warm, flowing movement and hindered what I truly want to offer the world.”
When you know your gifts and strengths, you can optimize your natural traits and expressions to create an amazingly successful career where you shine!</strong
Be true to yourself in choosing jobs and careers that honor your true nature. You’ll be so much happier in your day-to-day work experience as a result!
I want to hear your story in a comment. What was your favorite (or least favorite) job you’ve had, and what made it so?