[Michael Murphy]

September 18, 2026 at 9:46 pm

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What if you could enjoy your job? Not just get through the week, but really love what you do? And what if you could also be great at your job? Not just proficient, but so good that it feels like second nature?

 

I’m the CEO of an executive search firm, and over the years, we’ve interviewed more than 30,000 people. It’s given me a window into what tends to make people thrive — or struggle — in their work lives.

For my latest book, “Work How You Are Wired: 12 Data-Driven Steps to Finding a Job You Love,” I analyzed career satisfaction and performance data alongside personality profiles (DiSC, Enneagram, and our Vander Index) to identify 12 types of workers. The patterns showed that people whose jobs fit their type are generally happier and more successful.

 

Here are the six most common types of workers — along with some of the best and worst careers for each:

 

1. The fast worker

If you’re always the first person to respond in the group chat, tend to jump in and explore new technology, and get impatient with people who work more methodically, this might be you.

 

Fast workers thrive in environments where they have to quickly solve problems, overcome obstacles, make decisions, and see the results. They often get frustrated if they feel like they don’t have clear goals or have to wait around for other people to pick a direction or get things done.

 

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Best careers include: stockbroker, ER/trauma surgeon, triage nurse, emergency medical technician (EMT), auctioneer, house flipper/realtor, executive assistant, trial lawyer, crisis response, television producer

 

Worst careers include: elder caregiver, teacher, horticulturist, researcher, artist, actuary, university administrator

 

2. The agile worker

Agile workers are in their most natural habitat when they’re managing several projects at once, or when their job demands repeatedly trying new things. They’re resilient and view obstacles as learning opportunities. They feel most fulfilled when they get to explore and grow, and stifled when they don’t have autonomy.

 

Best careers include: residential plumber/electrician, entrepreneur, security guard, copywriter, architect, engineer, pilot, air traffic controller, mechanic, seamstress/tailor, concierge, event planner, consultant

 

Worst careers include: coder, research assistant, librarian, landscaper, bank teller, CAD operator

 

3. The prepared worker

My wife does the grocery list on Sundays. It involves meal-planning for the entire week, making sure we have balance and variety, and only buying the things we need. If you can relate, you’re likely a prepared worker.

 

Prepared workers have foresight, take a proactive approach, and are meticulous planners. This helps them mitigate stress and find some control amid chaos. They usually hate when bureaucracy gets in the way of their productivity and when freeloaders shirk their duties.

 

Best careers include: wedding planner, tax accountant, teacher, nurse, dentist, patent attorney, cosmetologist, reporter, orchestra director

 

Worst careers include: entrepreneur, commission-only sales jobs, customer service representative, crisis PR specialist, web developer, ER doctor, hostage negotiator

 

4. The purpose-driven worker

If your desire to do meaningful work trumps other considerations, then you are likely a purpose-driven worker. They tend to feel passionate about their jobs, be selfless in their quest to serve a greater good, and rely on resilience to keep at it.

 

They often need this resilience in jobs where they witness tragedy and carry heavy burdens. Like prepared workers, they’re not fans of bureaucracy and can easily become resentful of colleagues who aren’t pulling their weight.

 

Best careers include: lawyer/public defender, nonprofit director, chief cultural officer, funeral director, chaplain, social worker, teacher, guidance counselor, HR manager, financial planner

 

Worst careers include: most health insurance and finance jobs, sales rep, corporate lawyer, advertising executive, telemarketing rep, politician, corrections officer

 

5. The connected worker

If you love planning a party to see people smile, this is you. Connected workers are usually extroverted and empathetic networkers who naturally keep in touch and respond to others’ needs. They are strategic, ask good questions, and have great memories — or take notes to recall important details about the people they meet. They’re usually stifled by monotonous or isolated work.

 

Best careers include: recruiter, hairstylist, lobbyist, sales associate, publicist, community manager, politician, fundraiser, agent, entrepreneur, contractor

 

Worst careers include: accountant, actuary, artist, virtual assistant, editor, web developer, graphic designer, research scientist, archivist, technical support specialist

 

6. The self-aware worker

Have you found yourself at the edges of a party watching what everyone else is doing? Do you like taking or talking about personality profiles? Are you an overthinker? You might fall under the self-aware type.

 

They usually have strong listening, observation, and emotional intelligence skills, helping them understand and work with others. They may struggle with fully remote work, mixed messages, or situations where they’re asked to go against their values.

 

Best careers include: life coach, yoga instructor, mediator, consultant, sales associate, HR manager, social worker, project manager, hostage negotiator

 

Worst careers include: computer programmer, judge, government employee, park ranger, receptionist, game designer

 

William Vanderbloemen is the author of “Be The Unicorn: 12 Data Driven Habits That Separate the Best Leaders From the Rest″ and “Work How You Are Wired: 12 Data-Driven Steps to Finding a Job You Love.” He is the founder and CEO of Vanderbloemen Search Group. Follow him on LinkedIn.

 

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[Sam Summer]

September 23, 2026 at 10:02 am

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What you need is fast workers the most more profit either way.

Doing anything cute.