How can INTPs make bank?

[JennaB]

Hi All - does anyone have any good tips on how INTPs can make bank? How have they been able to maximize their qualities to really have a lucrative career? Thanks!

 

[Architect]

Become an engineer, make contrarian bets on housing, stocks and bonds, which particularly pay off when a crash occurs. The engineering keeps you doing interesting things and pays the bills and generates a nice nest egg on its own, but the investing is where the real filthy lucre is made.

One path at least that I took. The problem is it depends on the opportunities you have and that you take. Regardless going into engineering is a good course for an INTP if you have any aptitude. The only downside is having a regular job, but nothing is perfect.

 

[JennaB]

Thanks for the great reply. I'm a software developer with 10 years but I just don't think it's really going anywhere. Have huge projects, just streamlined how people create their apps across multiple teams, coding, training workshops, etc. Work nights/weekends, but it doesn't seem to be going anywhere ... I guess I am expecting to see huge numbers like 1xx+. How do I not stagnate? I have stayed at one employer since I started ... so I also wonder if hopping to another employee would probably be more beneficial? How do we get fame, more money and recognition? Is there anything else we can do? Excellent tips on contrarian stocks/real estate bets, thank you!

 

[dark+matters]

Aside from engineering (which I agree is probably the safest, pleasantest, most reliable way to make bank as an INTP) maybe studying economics or computer programming. I've seen statistics that suggest that INTPs often do well in architecture, law or self-employment as well (but those all seem like less stable, in-demand fields than engineering).

I used this site among others, and a ton of personal exploration to reevaluate and start forming my current career contingency plan.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/

 

[dark+matters]

I guess I am expecting to see huge numbers like 1xx+. How do I not stagnate? I have stayed at one employer since I started ... so I also wonder if hopping to another employee would probably be more beneficial? How do we get fame, more money and recognition? Is there anything else we can do?

I'm definitely not sure about the fame and recognition part though. LOL I don't think it's realistic to expect much of that. It can get a bit scary seeing what happens to people who are consumed by a desire for fame and fortune. *current theater major in LA who had focused on performance* The rich people I know were either born that way or got lucky on the stock market.

 

[JennaB]

Haha, I will settle for a comfortable/excessive bottom line =D

 

[dark+matters]

I recommend sleeping with as many ENTJs as possible.

 

[Teffnology]

You could become a surrogate for older celebrity couples. That would prolly get you paid. Or claim that you were assaulted by a pro athelete and settle in civil court. Seems to be a common route for some double X chromosomes.

 

[redbaron]

I tend to think INTPs are their own worst enemies and that they can probably be successful at most things as long as they don't fuck it up for themselves. Same goes for ENTPs really.

 

[Architect]

I'm a software developer with 10 years but I just don't think it's really going anywhere. Have huge projects, just streamlined how people create their apps across multiple teams, coding, training workshops, etc. Work nights/weekends, but it doesn't seem to be going anywhere ... I guess I am expecting to see huge numbers like 1xx+. How do I not stagnate?

What does 1xx+ mean? 100k-aire, millionaire, 10 millionaire? Or is that referring to the amounts you expect to see come in chunks? First you should have a clear idea of what you need, not what you want. Sure I want to be a billionaire like Sergey so I can have teams of minions working for me, but what I need is far less than that. For me its enough money to let me have my supportive toys (computers, house, books, internet, movies) and support my family.

I'd ignore my contrarian tips however. What you need is a long term plan. Expect that you're going to continue to be an engineer until you can retire. While doing so steadily max out on your 401k, and ideally other outside investments. Also buy a house when you can and work to pay it off. The reason for this is that you don't know what will happen, and if nothing else (no shortcuts/windfalls) then that style of investing will turn into a nice package by your 50's.

Separately just keep an eye out for opportunities. The problem is that everybody else is looking for opportunities too. Making money at investing is difficult. To get the big hits you have to be willing to lose a lot of money too. Sound like gambling? Maybe, another discussion.

Taking a step back though I agree with Redbaron, it sounds like you have the INTP malaise. Working for 10 years, check, same employer, check, getting bored, check ... same for me except I've been there 20 years (22 now?). I'll 'retire' when my kid gets out of high school in about five years. Anyhow a regular job will never feel right to you. On the other hand, I'm not sure that's a bad thing.

 

[dark+matters]

I tend to think INTPs are their own worst enemies and that they can probably be successful at most things as long as they don't fuck it up for themselves. Same goes for ENTPs really.

True, true... *remembers all the things she fucked up for herself* *all those ENTJs!* j/k

 

[PhoenixRising]

Don't know if this applies to you, JennaB, but from what I've observed of myself and other INTPs we tend to thrive in creative careers.

My partner (also INTP) and I are digital artists/web designers. It may not seem like it, but commercial art projects involve a lot of strategical planning (Ti), social analysis (Fe/Si), and abstract thinking (Ne). Although I do enjoy programming, I've found that projects that also include the visual art side are more engaging to me and help to express and develop all of my functions.

I think engineering could take a similar form to web design, as it has both technical/mathematical aspects and visual aspects, such as in architecture.

 

[Kuu]

Architecture might seem appealing, theoretically, from a distance. The reality of the field, however, is much different, and exceedingly frustrating. And certainly is not a path to "make bank", trust me. Unless your family is already in the real estate game (but then, you'd have no need to ask about making bank).

If only I knew how to make bank easily...

 

[Pyropyro]

If the INTP in question has some external help, like a manager or mentor, then it is possible. Besides, I doubt that INTPs work simply for the money.

 

[Ex-User (9086)]

Not really a tip but play some lottery.

One that has the highest win chance you can find. 1:800 000 and lower is nice. The win rate to prize amount ratio is important to consider here.

Why? Don't expect to win, so don't play a lot, maybe once or twice a month.
Is it money wasted? Yes, but you are probably not going to find a better investment for your 5$ into something with a large return feasibly within your lifetime and you are giving your luck a little more chance with it.

If you actually try it and the lottery pays depending on the number of winners, then pick your numbers randomly (using a random number generator) so that your potential prize is shared with as little other people as possible.

Consider saving the amount you waste on something else you already waste money on and almost magically you are not wasting it.

Other than that RB nailed it and Archie had some good if not obvious advice.

Tip: Whatever you do, even if it's stupid, either cull it or optimise it.

 

[Architect]

If only I knew how to make bank easily...

It's easy to make a million dollars, if you don't mind working hard to do it.

Taking out getting really lucky (through marriage, parentage or career or investment opportunities) there's two few approaches, broadly speaking.

The best approach is to become a business person. Pick some boring business, like moving widget X from where it's cheap to where it's expensive. Or be a plumber or electrician. Provide a service, like financial advice where you can skim off the assets of your clients. With some years of diligence and attention to detail you will probably be multi by the time you are in your 40's.

Unfortunately this is unlikely to appeal to an INTP. Unless it does, don't even try! The many STJ types will cream you, if you even get off the ground. The best advice I can give a young person is to first know your type, and then don't try to beat a different type at their own game. You can't do it, other than perhaps in the short term.*

The other way is boring, isn't fast, but it will work and is the best approach for an INTP. Start saving and investing early and do it for 20-30 years. It won't take much work on your side, other than having a career that enables you to make monthly investments, but as I said above everybody here should do this. It will force you to stay in a regular paying job (or revenue stream), and will pay off when you need it eventually.

* Small caveat, with luck you might win the really big prize by doing it better, because you're the long exception. You see these examples, like Larry David who is an INTP popular comedian (I'm convinced he's an INTP at least). He is continually trying to drop out, you should read his life story on that, but his taking things out of context humor made him very rich and popular as a writer and producer of Seinfeld.

 

[Sockrates]

To make bank?

 

[ActiveMind]

More interested in learning to live without being coerced to be a slave to it.

 

[Architect]

More interested in learning to live without being coerced to be a slave to it.

It's not a matter of slavery but fair exchange. You break a leg, have a baby, or want some food to eat, the people who take care of that stuff want something in exchange. Not least of which because they need stuff that other people want something for, just in order to give you food or a healthy baby.

You know the biggest cost of farming, once you amortize out the cost of land and equipment? Diesel. That shit ain't cheap, and on any real operation they measure it in tonnes.

 

[Pyropyro]

Not really a tip but play some lottery.

One that has the highest win chance you can find. 1:800 000 and lower is nice. The win rate to prize amount ratio is important to consider here.

Why? Don't expect to win, so don't play a lot, maybe once or twice a month.
Is it money wasted? Yes, but you are probably not going to find a better investment for your 5$ into something with a large return feasibly within your lifetime and you are giving your luck a little more chance with it.

If you actually try it and the lottery pays depending on the number of winners, then pick your numbers randomly (using a random number generator) so that your potential prize is shared with as little other people as possible.

Consider saving the amount you waste on something else you already waste money on and almost magically you are not wasting it.

Other than that RB nailed it and Archie had some good if not obvious advice.

Tip: Whatever you do, even if it's stupid, either cull it or optimise it.

The best way to earn from gambling is by being the house.

 

[Desired Username]

Take the world for ransom

 

[Ex-User (11125)]

Architecture might seem appealing, theoretically, from a distance. The reality of the field, however, is much different, and exceedingly frustrating. And certainly is not a path to "make bank", trust me. Unless your family is already in the real estate game (but then, you'd have no need to ask about making bank).

If only I knew how to make bank easily...

thats right
it needs lots of dedication and patience(the patience part is fine by me...but the dedication is a different story). also it monopolizes your time (by "monopolize" i mean: you seldom get to go on impulsive+obsessive excavation trips of random topics or pieces of info you wont be able to put to good use in practical life )
if you want to "make bank"(which i understand as better-than-average income) in architecture you basically need to act out of character...

 

[Idunno]

Ive tried online poker, but its mentally and emotionally exhausting.

If i dont get into med school i probably will methodically bor visnepxe esidnahcrem or something.

 

[Reluctantly]

I second what Architect says about investing.

Otherwise, you need to obtain skills and experience that are in high demand, start a business that provides a service other people don't, or get lucky.

I've been wondering how hard it might be to buy cars that have serious engine problems and fix them up to sell with a decent profit. If you turn over enough cars in a year, you could make bank working for yourself. And nowadays mechanic information is very prevalent with youtube and all that someone could do this stuff themselves with the appropriate tools and garage.

 

[Afgn]

Study computer science or statistics. Entry-level jobs in California can pay 100k+ in fields such as software, project management, consulting, or analytics. Also there is a possibility of joining an early stage startup and striking it rich.

Engineering is also an option, paying roughly $70k entry-level. But having done both, I find engineering more difficult and less rewarding.