I Can't Stand The Normals!

[sweeper]

Hi. I'm new here. Tested INTP on line, and reading background was freaky -- like total strangers knew me. Then a buddy - INTJ - mentioned how we had to make an effort to relate to 'normals' and I thought, 'my god, you're right.. the Normals are slowly driving me crazy, with their confusing, shifting social norms, implied requests I don't understand, and white-bread ideas.'

And here I am, 44, after 12 or 15 years teaching and I just can't go back. I'm one of those people who just can't fit in a normal (or Normal) job and schedule and it scares me. The economy sucks, I'm only trained to teach... Mom was right, I should have been a ninja. What now?

 

[ProxyAmenRa]

You could always get a job at one of those private tutoring places and train in field of your liking part time.

 

[Artsu Tharaz]

Hm. You know, I always just took for granted that I wasn't a "normal". I'm so used to being just an observer of the external world, that I don't give much thought to not being a part of it.

I don't know what to do at your age - this part may or may not be helpful at this point for you. I was reading This INTP profile and the job advice at the bottom is pretty much exactly what I've come up with so far for myself, except that it doesn't mention academia (it does mention computing). Basically,

- try to create your own career. Find a niche which your abilities and interests can fill out, and independently get yourself into that position. You could live essentially on nothing (to the point of being homeless) if you want, or
- use normal work as just a day job, to provide structure and income, and explore your real interests on the side

I've considered going into high school teaching, or going more into academia (perhaps the more realistic option). I would imagine being around classes of kids day in and day out would be incredibly draining. What Proxy^ said is good.

 

[Architect]

I hear you, I'm 45 and while my life path took me to a very different direction I think I understand where you're at. A couple of questions…

What do you teach?

Why do you want a new job?

What skills you have?

 

[snafupants]

And the normals can't stand you!

 

[LoveofINTP]

I am still quite young and while I am aware that I don't fit in(aand never have), I have ambitions that I am determined to acheive and so I force myself into learning to fit in. What I do is that I just basically observe the behaviours other people would display in a particular situation/behaviours that are generally accepted by society and act these things out when a similar situation arises. It is terrible because I feel shitty afterwards and I have to throw logic to the wind a lot of the time. But where I live, if you don't fit in you have very little chance of getting far in life.
So I don't know. . . . maybe you can try using your chameleon abilities?

 

[RubberDucky451]

I find it most exciting to think of "fitting is" as a challenge rather than a social obligation. It's beneficial to cater to the normals considering they're the majority of the population.

 

[Jesse]

Note to sweeper. You are one of those normals, you just wonder why you do stuff. You still do it.

 

[sweeper]

I taught math and science. I did 15 years, and just had enough. Dealing with kids, you know, but also issues with admin I shan't deal with here. Some INTP analysis I read says the type is characterized by not holding down jobs well.

I'm good intuitively at drawing, sculpting, music, cooking, chess, magic, origami, etc. Also perfectly comfortable with anything in the k12 math and science curriculum save calculus.

Not sure what I want to do next.


I'm

I hear you, I'm 45 and while my life path took me to a very different direction I think I understand where you're at. A couple of questions…

What do you teach?

Why do you want a new job?

What skills you have?

 

[sweeper]

That's a good point... it's kind of like what I tell students into video games to get their heads in a different place: 'You can kill zombies and save the planet, but you can't beat a high school social studies teacher? Please....'

I find it most exciting to think of "fitting is" as a challenge rather than a social obligation. It's beneficial to cater to the normals considering they're the majority of the population.

 

[sweeper]

I'm like everyone else except I don't know why I do things? Please.

 

[Jesse]

No you just question why. What was with the triple post, you know you can edit? Magic is awesome.

 

[Architect]

I recommend keeping the job and picking up some hobbies.

I taught math and science. I did 15 years, and just had enough. Dealing with kids, you know, but also issues with admin I shan't deal with here. Some INTP analysis I read says the type is characterized by not holding down jobs well.

I'm good intuitively at drawing, sculpting, music, cooking, chess, magic, origami, etc. Also perfectly comfortable with anything in the k12 math and science curriculum save calculus.

Not sure what I want to do next.


I'm

 

[Melllvar]

I prefer referring to them as "typicals", since normal has more of a positive connotation and implies that everyone else is abnormal which has more of a negative connotation. "Typicals" switches the negative connotation more in their direction.

 

[Architect]

I love the Normals, because they're so ... normal. Watching American Idol, or Dancing With The Stars, such as good way to pass the time, lol ...

Reminds me of my sister once telling me to join everybody else, by watching one of the early reality TV shows - Lost? I had a one word response ... "Never"

 

[notrightnow]

I'm in a similar quandary as you. Since you have a career (albeit unsatisfying) perhaps you can use your stability to your advantage? Are there any classes you wish you had taken in college? One class a semester might get your juices flowing and indicate what direction you want to go in.

 

[Bird]

Lol 12 OR 15.

 

[Fukyo]

Good grief.

 

[sweeper]

Good grief.

Yep.

To be honest
1. I can stand Normals. I love many normals. I'm married to one (albeit a bright one from another culture, which makes a difference).

2. My son has autism. I have realized from his testing that I'm on the spectrum somewhere, and my dad is aspergers. We are not Normals. Or Typicals.

3. I'm tutoring, and that's fun, but I would risk my well being if I had my own classroom again. You might have to teach or have kids of your own to sympathize, but there it is.

3. Teaching is halfway between the scientist I was trained to be and the artist I am genetically. It's what made me a good teacher.

4. I am considering an advanced degree in education to teach at the college level, but I am at times tempted to become a physician's assistant, artist, or junk it all and start a Falafel cart.

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts.

Sweeper

 

[EyeSeeCold]

 

[TheHmmmm]

What INTJ would ever suggest trying to relate to people? Faking it for personal gain, maybe, but actually trying to relate to people? Sounds like an INFJ or something.