Careers for Highly Emotional Stable Individuals

In this article, we will take a deeper look at the “emotionally stable” personality trait, which is the opposite of neuroticism. Those who are emotionally stable are level-headed and can remain calm under pressure. These natural strengths make them suited to specific careers. In this article, we will explore these specific careers. We will also explore what careers may not utilize an emotionally stable individuals natural strengths.

Overview of the Emotionally Stable Trait

When exploring personality using the Big Five, all of the five very different traits are considered. The last of these five traits is “neuroticism ” (or, emotional stability). People who score lower on neuroticism (i.e., higher on emotional stability) than any of the other traits will have particular strengths in the workplace, and therefore may be suited to particular careers. However, it is important to note that potential jobs for highly emotionally stable people could vary if that person has an additional strong trait.

The neuroticism scale indicates someones emotional stability (i.e., how quick they are to react). At one end of the scale, those who score high on neuroticism are sensitive and nervous. They have the tendency to experience negative emotions, perceive situations as threatening and to be vulnerable to stress. At the other end of the scale is emotional stability. These individuals are less easily upset and tend to be calm, secure and confident.

For the purpose of this article, we are going to explore the emotionally stable side of the scale and explore their strengths and career options.

The Facets of Emotional Stability

Each of the Big Five personality traits are very broad and cover many personality-related terms. Due to this, each of the broad OCEAN traits is measured by six more precise ‘facets’. Each facet is related to the other, but they are not identical and are measured on separate scales.

Neuroticism is measured on the facets of: anxiety, angry hostility, depression, self-consciousness, impulsiveness and vulnerability. Note, that emotionally stable people will be the opposite of these things (i.e., they will have little anxiety or depression and will be confident in their abilities).

Career Considerations

Someone who is highly emotionally stable has many strengths, such as confidence and level-headedness. At work, they truly stand out because they have skills such as:

• Logical. Due to their ability to remain level-headed, emotionally stable individuals are logical and rational.
• Positivity. Emotionally stable individuals are not sensitive to stress or negative emotions and therefore have a positive outlook on life.
• Adaptability. Being relaxed and confident means that emotionally stable individuals can adapt easily to new situations.
• Confidence. Emotionally stable people are rational and therefore believe in their abilities. This makes them confident in themselves and relaxed.

Best Careers for Those who Score High on Emotional Stability

Those with high levels of emotional stability are relaxed, easy-going, calm and contained. This tends to mean that they can transition through lots of different situations with great ease, and are therefore often suited to most careers.

However, specifically they can remain calm and collected under pressure. They are adventurous and not easily effected by stress. As a result, they may do particularly well in careers with unpredictable situations, such as a firefighter or paramedic. They are also confident in their ability and positive, which makes them a great candidate to do the complexed work of a surgeon or dentist.

Worst Careers for Those who Score High on Emotional Stability

Highly emotionally stable people are great all rounders. They tend to see the realistic aspects to most situations and are logical and rational. As a result, there are few careers that they won’t thrive in.

At the other end of the scale, those who are highly neurotic, lack confidence, are self-critical, experience strong emotions and stress easily. As a result, these types of people will thrive in careers, for example as an accountant or bookkeeper, that offer them security and safety. They also thrive in careers that are stable, but allow them to express themselves. Such careers include as a yoga instructor, freelance designer, artist or writer.