Jobs that attract the most narcissists, according to research
(Global Heart) Discover which jobs are more likely to attract narcissists. Researchers reveal the top professions that appeal to narcissistic personalities.
Narcissism in the workplace
Feeling at odds with your colleagues can make any job tough, but what if your workplace seems to have more than its fair share of difficult personalities? Certain professions, such as politics and finance, are known as shark-infested waters—but is any of that true? Are certain careers more attractive to narcissists? Let’s find out.
Jobs that attract narcissists
According to research and expert opinions, people with narcissistic traits are indeed more attracted to certain professions than others. Specifically, these careers tend to be in fields that offer opportunities for power, prestige, and public admiration —all things that a narcissistic personality craves.
- Corporate leadership: Individuals with narcissistic tendencies are often motivated to climb the corporate ladder. As a result, their confidence and self-promotion can help them secure positions of influence like CEO or executive.
- Politics: This field offers a platform for grandiosity and the pursuit of power and public admiration. Politicians often thrive on the attention and validation they get from supporters.
- Entertainment and media: The entertainment industry, including acting, music, and social media, offers a direct path to the spotlight, fame, and constant public attention, all of which are highly appealing to narcissists.
- Medicine: The medical field, especially surgical specialties, can attract narcissists due to the high status and respect associated with these roles. In other words, the prestige of being a doctor, particularly a surgeon, is a powerful draw.
- Law and law enforcement: Law careers, especially for lawyers and judges, offer prestige and the ability to wield power and authority. Similarly, a career in the police force or the military provides a clear hierarchy and control over others, which can be appealing to people with narcissistic traits.
- Academia: Professorial and research jobs offer a life of intellectual acclaim, where individuals are often seen as brilliant. Furthermore, the hierarchical nature of academia also provides a level of power over students and a platform for intellectual superiority.
- Sports: Being a star athlete or a prominent figure in the sports world provides social capital, cultural influence, and a strong sense of achievement.
- Sales and marketing: These professions reward charisma, confidence, and the ability to persuade and self-promote. The competitive nature and focus on individual achievement are also appealing.
Why these careers are a match for “dark personalities”
The common thread among these professions is that they provide a continuous “narcissistic supply”—external validation, admiration, and a sense of superiority. This also applies to other members of the Dark Triad of personality traits: Machiavellianism and psychopathy.
- Power and control: Many of these fields are hierarchical, offering clear paths to positions of authority and the ability to control others.
- Admiration and prestige: Narcissists crave admiration. Professions with high social status, public recognition, and prestige are ideal for fulfilling this need.
- Self-promotion: Roles that require or reward self-promotion, charisma, and attention-seeking behavior are a natural fit for narcissistic individuals.
- Overestimated abilities: Research shows that narcissists often overestimate their own abilities, which can lead them to pursue ambitious roles and perform well in interviews. However, this self-perception doesn’t always translate to long-term performance.
It’s important to remember that these are general trends, and not every person in these professions has a dark personality. Ultimately, the presence of narcissistic traits doesn’t automatically mean someone has Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
Source: Global Heart
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