Once we discover that our temperament has something to do with where we are in life, we often panic and want things to change. I got this letter from a reader –
“Please help!!!! I am a MelPhleg (Melancholy Phlegmatic or High C, High S in DiSC) with a number of Choleric traits underlying my personality. I am currently an Occupational Therapist and miserable. I feel like I am drowning in paperwork and sit on my butt all day. This is not a good recipe for a “doer”. I have been thinking about a career change. I am thinking about being a photographer in the military. Of course I am analyzing this to death. I am reading all information I can get my fingers on, seeing a career counselor now, and plan on talking to a recruiter in the near future.
I was wondering if you have any additional advise for me and my situation?”
My answer – First off, s-l-o-w down. You are going to blow a gasket! A Melancholy Phlegmatic (High C, High S) is a detailed person who doesn’t feel the need to force their style on others. The Melancholy has the need to analyze and the Phlegmatic has the tendency to worry which is probably causing some of this anxiety. If you determine in your (choose your term – heart, innermost self) that you need to change then you’ve already begun some of the steps.
Don’t let your anxiety push you to a decision too quickly but don’t let your Choleric pieces (Driver) push you into a decision you are unsure of. Finally, and somewhat in contradiction to what I just wrote, there IS NO perfect career/life answer and the thing that is our passion today becomes a job tomorrow. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you maintain activites that bring balance to your life overall. Best wishes and let me know if you have further questions.