For the ESFP, finding just the right career can be challenging. You don’t have it easy. Let me help you out with this list of ESFP careers, side-hustles that don’t take up a ton of time, and hobbies you’ll love.
Most websites and blogs on this subject have a list of careers that fit several types…
Not on this blog!
This list is curated and highly specialized for the you, the ESFP.
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 help you embrace your personality with a short but hyper qualified list of ESFP careers, side hustles, and hobbies.
ESFP Intro
Here’s a brief overview of the ESFP type:
Already an expert and 100% convinced you’re an ESFP? Skip down to the full list of ESFP careers, side hustles and hobbies below.
ESFP stands for Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, and Perceiving.
The dominant function of an ESFP is their Extraverted Sensing. This plays out with how ESFPs interact with the world by their search for new and engaging activities and living in the moment.
The secondary or auxiliary function of an ESFP is their Introverted Feeling. This is how ESFPs make decisions, by determining their own moral code. They make decisions using their gut but are deeply about how the decision will affect other people.
For a more in depth look at the ESFP cognitive stack and how they work, check out this page. You don’t need to know this or dig deeper, but if you are interested in learning all there is to know about your type check it out.
In terms of career paths and work, the ESFP does best in a friendly and upbeat environment full of warm, loving, and engaging people. It helps if the workplace has a comfortable atmosphere and a hub for socializing.
Being hyper tuned in to the needs of others the ESFP is often the most popular person in the workplace, always going above and beyond to help as many people as they can. But don’t look for a job with too many rules and constraints, ESFPs need room to work, grow, and build relationships to unlock their best.
In general ESFPs:
- Can get caught up in the moment, taking everything in to the core of their being.
- Enjoy being in the spotlight and crave attention.
- Have an eye for fashion.
- Are naturally curious about the world.
- Are very sensitive to their emotions and the emotions of others.
- Don’t enjoy repetitive tasks or complex analysis.
- Tend to be poor planners and want to keep their options open, but this means that ESFPs tend to be victims of their environment and circumstance.
- Warm and talkative with a zest for life.
- Are good at drawing others out and getting introverts to spill their beans and loosen up. Depending on the approach this can come across as too pushy even if the intention is positive.
- Tend to stay busy and fill their lives with passion and excitement.
- Are grounded in reality and are great at helping others enjoy the moment.
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 your test result, this is just one way of getting to know yourself a little bit more. After you take the test come back for a better look into how your type fits into the changing landscape of jobs in our millennial age.
ESFP Careers
As I shared above, the ESFP would do well in a career that highlights their people skills, mastery of social situations, and wonder and excitement for being alive.
Here are the choices for the top five ESFP careers:
1) Sports Announcer
A sports announcer or broadcaster might fit your type perfectly. ESFPs look for the details in the situation and with their fun loving personality would be a boon for any network.
Tony Romo, one of the best announcers in the NFL, is an ESFP (or a close match at an ENFP). With his uncanny ability to predict what is going to happen and his heart for the game he shines as an announcer.
Start with a BA in broadcasting or dive in to a podcast to practice your radio voice. Then, take on some local broadcasting gigs in your community and see how you like it.
2) Graphic Designer
As a graphic designer with your eye for detail you would do well. Embrace your artsy side and utilize your strengths. People and companies pay big for logo design, book covers, blog cover images etc.
Since you are great with people you’ll have no trouble securing clients and meeting their expectations through good work.
3) Body Painter
Not a fan of tattoos? No problem.
Take your design skills to a whole other level. If you love being creative, don’t mind getting a little messy, this career could be a great fit.
It will take time to grow it into a full blown career, so start on nights and weekends at fairs and festivals. If allowed at the event, you could literally set up a folding chair and offer to paint people’s faces for five dollars a pop.
4) Veterinarian
If working with sick animals sounds appealing to you, consider becoming a vet. This career isn’t for everyone, but since you have a heart for people and love to help, it could be a great fit.
Here is one way to become a veterinarian.
5) Social Worker
If you have what it takes to be a social worker, the world thanks you. This job isn’t for everyone because of high burnout rates (I did it for two years and called it quits), long hours, and low pay rate. But, you’ll be paid back in success stories, gratitude, and appreciation for a job well done and life changed for the better.
I admire those who can live long and prosper as a social worker. ESFPs would need to keep emotions in check, but your ability to connect and empathize with folks will empower you towards a job well done.
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ESFP Side Hustles
Let’s move beyond ESFP careers, and check out five side hustles to start making money on the side. It’s important for everyone to have a few side hustle options in their back pocket.
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 day job for the long-haul.
There is no such thing as playing it safe in the corporate world. You could be laid off at any point for whatever reason your company might decide. Make sure your skills are broad and not refined to one particular area.
If you are a social worker consider taking on a side hustle in case you face burnout or need something to take your mind off a stressful day.
If you’re a body painter consider how your career might fit in with something below or another way to pull in income.
The idea is not to step so far out of your normal zone you feel overwhelmed, but to augment your pre-existing interests, passions, and skills.
Here are five ideas for ESFP side hustles:
1) Split.co
Split.co is a way to share links to products with friends and family and eventually make money back. If you typically recommend clothes, brands, or restaurants to friends with a zealous passion, send them a Split link to take some of the profits for your efforts.
This is a baby step to affiliate marketing which we mentioned as a side hustle for INTJs, but still an easy way to make a little extra cash for something you already do.
2) Surveys Online
You can make money filling out surveys online. Save this one for a rainy day or a time when you don’t feel like interacting with others and need a short break from life’s chaos.
3) Enter Giveaways
There are a plethora of giveaways live right now in the interwebs. I’ve done a few myself to have fun giving something away and to build my subscriber base.
I’ve sent folks books, crock pots, subscriptions, and Kindles all in exchange for an email address. There are many other bloggers who do similar things.
You can find live giveaways here and here.
4) Instagram Influencer
Influencers on social media make a ton of money if they do it right. We listed the social media influencer side hustle within the ENTJ careers list, but the ESFP is particularly well suited for Instagram.
Why?
People love good content and interesting posts. If you can tap into a followership (you can) and rally people into your brand (you definitely can), you could quickly get paid upwards of $500 per post.
As an INFJ I have a harder time with social media since my head is up in the clouds, but you’ll be a wizard on Instagram in no time. Just remember engagement is everything.
5) Credit Card Rewards
To thrive in this side hustle you really need to be on top of things and not lose track of what payments are due when. If you open a few cards and follow the rules for the bonus offers, you might do well.
Just make sure you don’t end up paying as much more interest than the offer was for! This is very easy to do and is the reason why credit card companies offer such lucrative introductory offers.
Go here to download the side hustle success formula and other personality bonuses.
ESFP Hobbies
The best ESFP hobbies involve doing what you love. These hobbies might be the perfect way for you to unwind and truly enjoy life after all that work stuff is said and done. An an ESFP, hobbies are an extension of what you are already doing.
Try these five on for size and discover new and exciting ways to spend your valuable time.
Stop spending your evenings thinking about work and give these ESFP hobbies a try:
1) Parkour
Running around. Jumping on and over obstacles, doing flips; what more could an ESFP ask for?
Definitely consider this one if you are in a social work or mental health field. It’s a great way to relax and let your emotions run free.
2) Canyoneering
Ever heard of canyoneering? Here’s a quick video below to show you just what this new and wild ride is all about:
3) Mountain Biking
Road biking isn’t for you? Why not get a few friends and challenge each other in a day out on the trails? Be with people and see what you can do out there. It could be the perfect hobby for the ESFP type.
4) Lobstering
I’m guessing you haven’t tried this one on for size? This might not be an easy one to start, but if you live in a convenient location with access to these delicious creatures, you might enjoy a day out on the water setting traps.
Here’s how to get started with fishing for lobsters.
5) Ice Skating
Ice Skating is the perfect holiday activity, or a new hobby for the ESFP. Enjoy a good time out on the rink with friends, feel the wind in your face, and make up a new skating routine while you’re at it.
Want more? Download the full list of bucket list hobbies here.
What are your favorite ESFP careers, side hustles and hobbies? Share below!
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