The best ISTP careers, money making side-hustles, and interesting hobbies are below. Most websites and blogs on this subject have a list of careers that fit several types.
Not here!
This list is curated and highly specialized for the ISTP.
No one has time for a list of 20 careers you don’t really want to do (or wouldn’t even be good at). In this post, I’ll give you a taste of what life could be with one of the following ISTP careers, side hustles, and hobbies.
Five ISTP careers, five ISTP side-hustles, and five ISTP Hobbies.
ISTP Intro
Here’s a brief overview of the ISTP type just to refresh your membranes,
Already an expert and 100% convinced you’re an ISTP? Skip down to the full list of ISTP careers, side hustles and hobbies below.
ISTP stands for Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, and Perceiving.
The dominant function of an ISTP is their Introverted Thinking (Ti). This means that ISTPs tend to lead with thinking based on the internal world through logical analysis, hyper focus, intentional thinking, and extreme independence.
The secondary or auxiliary function of an ISTP is their Extraverted Sensing (Se). This is the secondary function so it’s not as strong as the primary, but it serves to give the ISTP understanding of the world around them through their senses.
For a more in depth look at the ISTP cognitive stack and how they work, check out this page. This subject can get heady pretty quickly, but it’s important to understand the basics and how it works.
In terms of career paths and work, the ISTP does best in a job in which they are given the time to process information to themselves, and then use that information to explore the real world, solve concrete problems, and enjoy all the exciting adventures life has to offer.
In general ISTPs:
- Are risk takers and are the type most associated with gambling or extreme sports.
- Live in the moment.
- Struggle with future planning.
- Male ISTPs outnumber females three to one.
- Care more about experiences than possessions. This is a growing trend among millennials, so a millennial ISTP should feel right at home among peers.
- Make really good troubleshooters either in the tech industry or home repair.
- Are much more in tune with the environment around them than other types.
- Have great attention to detail.
- Tend to get bored by theory and want to put what they’ve learned into action as quickly as possible.
- Dislike concrete plans. Instead, prefer spontaneity and their ability to do whatever pleases them in the moment.
- Can be confused by human emotion and have difficulty understanding others at times.
- Are good with their hands and extremely practical.
- Enjoy the complexity of something mechanical.
Go here to take a free test to determine a starting point to figuring out your type (but read other type descriptions too if you aren’t confident in your score). Remember, you are not a test result, this is just one way of getting to know yourself a little bit more. Quickly browse the career list on that site, but come back here for a better look into how your type affects the changing landscape of jobs in our millennial age.
ISTP Careers
ISTPs need a career that is not only lucrative to support their many side hustles and hobbies, but one that is just plain fun. ISTPs want to enjoy life and get the most out of the time they here. These careers are a good start.
Let’s dive into this list of the top five ISTP careers:
1) Elevator Mechanic
Besides making huge money (up to 115k per year) ISTPs do well here since they like to work with their hands. Besides the obvious bonus of being independent, you ensure people ride up and down in lazy bliss free from the fear of being trapped inside the tin can.
It’s worth considering if you want a career that pays a good amount, let’s you travel, and challenges you to hone your mechanical skills.
2) Motorcycle Mechanic
Mechanics are naturally one of the top careers for ISTPs. But take it one further and niche down to become an expert on motorcycles. It’s the perfect excuse to get one for yourself so you can “do research” and “keep up with the industry.” ?
3) Astronaut
You might not have expected this one here, but it’s a good one to consider for the ISTP. Yes, you might never be able to go into space or land on the moon, but we aren’t done exploring the universe beyond our planet.
With the love of adventure, an interest in how things work, and a knack for fixing things, you’ll do well as an astronaut.
A great book on the journey to becoming an astronaut is called An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth. Chris shares his heart that while he did become an astronaut and landed a gig on the International Space Station, he knew going in this was never guaranteed. It’s a great book and worth the read.
His success in being an astronaut was not based on things outside of his control. He defined success as giving his all and continually working towards his dream.
4) Toy Designer
If you like children, games, or play of any kind, then consider becoming a toy designer. Toys make up a huge industry and are still all the rage. Find a job with a company like Disney and prepare for world domination in the form of cuddly Olaf dolls and Marvel action figures.
5) Web Developer
People and businesses need websites. Websites are still hard to build (even though this is getting easier every year). People need you to build their websites for them.
I could build someone a website just based on things I’ve taught myself. It wouldn’t be the pretty thing ever, but if I can do it you can.
Get really good at it and you could easily make upwards of 100k a year or more. As an ISTP your ability to figure things out and map out a process from point A to B will make for a good fit.
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ISTP Side Hustles
Let’s move beyond ISTP careers, and check out side-hustles for a quick minute. It’s important for your type to add a few side hustles to your overall portfolio.
Why?
Even if you have a great job it’s not guaranteed it will be there forever. It’s also not guaranteed you will continue to enjoy your job for the long-haul.
Remember, you like novelty and new experiences above all. And since there is no such thing as playing it safe in the corporate world, make sure your skills are broad and not refined to one particular area.
Now more than ever millennials are gaining money through side hustles and other means. Even if it only supplements their main source of income, it’s always a good thing to diversify your income portfolio.
Don’t spread yourself too thin, but take up something on the side to gain stability.
Here are five ideas for ISTP side hustles:
1) Get Paid to Lose Weight
Did you know you can get paid to lose weight? There are apps now that pay you to leave pizza of the menu and grab a salad instead.
The idea behind it is you give the app a set amount of money in holding. If you complete your goal in time you get your money back plus some. If you don’t hit your goal, you lose your money.
Sound simple? It is. If you are an ISTP who could spare to lose a few pounds give it a try.
2) Amazon Flex Driver
Amazon now employs their own fleet of vehicles to deliver most of their packages. This seems insane to me, but it’s true. There’s no need to work for FedEx anymore, be an Amazon delivery person instead and make your own schedule on the side.
3) Bug Bounty Programs
You can get paid to find bugs in software, programs, or online databases. Here is a list of 14 companies you can debug.
If you love tech and are familiar with computer systems this could potentially turn into a lucrative side hustle and a fun way to make a little money on the side. Plus, the experience will be new every time which will fit your ISTP personality perfectly.
4) Invent Products on Quirky
Make a quick buck (or more) by submitting your idea for a new product on Quirky.com. I only found out about this one recently, but it’s a really cool idea. As an inventive and imaginative ISTP with insight into how things work, get your brainstorm on and try this new side hustle.
5) Rent a Friend
ISTPs are normally one of the more closed off personality types and don’t need as many social avenues to keep their energy up, but renting a friend might be a good in between.
If you can get past the obvious creepiness factor (is it just me? As an INFJ I would never do this), you could quickly make new acquaintances, or just enjoy the company of someone you’ve never met. No long-term best friend status required AND you get to make a little moolah on the side.
Go here to download the side hustle success formula and other personality bonuses.
ISTP Hobbies
The best ISTP hobbies involve doing what you love. These hobbies might be the perfect way for you to unwind and truly enjoy life. An an ISTP you are a natural hobbyist who wants to experience life in fun, new, and exciting ways.
So stop watching Netflix and give these five engaging and interesting ISTP hobbies a try:
1) Strategy Board Games
ISTPs make for some of the best strategists and schemers out there. It might not be the adventure of a lifetime, and it does involve other people, but it’s a great hobby for the deep thinker who loves a little friendly competition.
Some of my favorite strategy games include Dominion, Lords of Waterdeep, Citadels, and Settlers of Catan.
2) Drone Racing
Check out this video of drone racing below:
You down? Let’s meet up and do this! This is one hobby I could see myself diving into, but as an ISTP with great mechanical skills and dexterity, you’d wipe the floor with me.
3) Volcano Surfing/Boarding
Okay so this is a thing. For the thrill seekers who don’t think just regular surfing is good enough, try your hand at gliding down into a volcano. I’ll stick to reading on the beach, thank you very much.
Here is one volcano in Nicaragua where you can do this crazy ISTP hobby.
4) Soap Art
Soap art is a real thing. Here’s one way to get started:
As an ISTP you will particularly enjoy creating with your hands and marveling at how you can make something beautiful out of something as mundane as a bar of soap.
5) Kubb
Kubb is a lawn game that is particularly satisfying. Each team takes turns throwing their sticks to knock down the kubbs on the opposing side. It’s a game of skill, strategy and concentration.
Grab a set here and invite a few close friends over for an outdoor game night.
Once you get good enough consider joining a tournament or hosting one of your own to truly dive in with this hobby.
Want more? Download the full list of bucket list hobbies here.
What are your favorite ISTP careers, side hustles and hobbies? Share below! 😀
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