Hello! You say you are an introvert, that you find interacting with people stressful, and that you are worried that you are not suited to be a psychology teacher.
This reminds me of an observation that I find really interesting. I have taken part in quite a few psychological learning courses, and in a few groups, some students have shared their MBTI types. I was really surprised to find that most of them are type Is! In fact, everyone who shared their type was an I. As an E, I was very surprised and didn't expect that I would be such a "minority." Some time ago, I even asked my experience manager if she was an I or an E. She hadn't been tested, but I had the impression that she was very introverted.
She was a psychology teacher at school for many years, and only recently started working as a social practice consultant. In the course of her work, I admire her calmness and introspection. She is not in a hurry to express empathy through words, but she conveys acceptance and support through quiet and patient listening, which I find really admirable!
I couldn't agree with you more! It's so important to choose a job that suits you. And it's fascinating to think about whether a career suits you, or whether a certain personality type is a disadvantage or an advantage. It's definitely worth exploring this carefully!
For example, many people think that successful business people and company executives should be extroverts, but I've found that there are many successful introverts! In one company I used to work for, from the founder to the CEO to the majority of the global core leadership team, they were all introverts.
Sometimes we feel that we are not suited for something, and there are two possibilities: either we really lack a connection to it and cannot feel a sense of attachment; or we doubt ourselves due to temporary discomfort and difficulties, thinking that we are just not capable of doing it. As a psychological learner and practitioner who started halfway through, I also find empathy very difficult. I have communicated with my fellow learners, and so far no one has said that it is not difficult. But I know that with time and practice, I will get there!
During my time as a group supervisor, I also discovered that no case is easy. Almost all counselors have experienced stress and doubts about themselves. This work itself is not easy. It often takes time to get close to the hearts of visitors and establish a connection with them. It is like the long process of entering the world of psychology—and it's a journey I'm excited to be on!
Mr. Li Songwei once shared that he is particularly introverted. In the early days of being a teacher, he was afraid of negative feedback from students and felt that his classes were not good. But he overcame that fear! Later, he "actively exposed" himself to students and told them that he was very nervous and hoped that they would not whisper or make any moves that would make him more nervous. Now, Li Songwei often gives lectures and participates in interviews on various major platform media, and no one can tell that he is introverted and nervous. He's a natural!
So, our personality traits may be stable, but on this basis, we can accumulate and try to expand the space—and that's an exciting opportunity!
There's no need to rush to a conclusion and say whether you're suitable for being a psychology teacher. If you want to be a teacher, then you might as well consider a psychology teacher as an opportunity for training and experience! Everyone has their own unique characteristics, so there's no need to constantly compare yourself to other teachers. Focus on discovering your own strengths, such as patience, and you'll be well on your way to success!
Are you ready to dive in and see if you can enrich your knowledge while putting it into practice? It's a great way to learn and have fun at the same time!
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35 By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024
By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 








Comments
I totally understand where you're coming from. It sounds like you've had a pretty tough time with the group counseling session, and it's clear that your INTJ traits are making this path feel less fitting. Maybe it's time to consider how you can leverage your strengths in a teaching role that doesn't require as much direct interaction or emotional engagement.
It seems like you're very aware of your limitations and strengths, which is already a huge advantage. Have you thought about focusing on areas within psychology that align more with your introverted nature, such as research or writing? There's so much value in what an introvert can bring to academia, especially in terms of deep analysis and theoretical development.
You're right; being an effective psychology teacher often involves a lot of interpersonal skills. But that doesn't mean you can't find a niche where your personality shines. Perhaps looking into online teaching or developing educational content could be a good fit for you. This way, you can still contribute to the field without the pressure of constant social interaction.
It's okay to acknowledge that this path might not be the best match for you. It takes courage to recognize when something isn't working. If you feel that your passion lies in teaching but in a different context, maybe exploring other disciplines or even interdisciplinary fields could open up new opportunities that better suit your temperament.
Sometimes, we put too much pressure on ourselves to fit into certain roles because of our background or initial choices. However, it's important to remember that career paths are not set in stone. You can pivot and find a direction that feels more authentic and fulfilling. Consider talking to career counselors or mentors who can help you explore alternative routes within or outside of psychology.