It’s never a good idea to follow stereotypes. Don’t believe me? The INFP 5w6 is an excellent case study.
This article will discuss the INFP 5w6 and what to expect from them.
Who is the INFP 5w6?
INFP 5w6s are calm and analytical people. They enjoy learning new things and forming new ideas. Because of their wing, they approach life with caution.
This personality type is more likely to weigh the pros and cons before making any decision.
Type 5 is not the most common enneagram type for INFPs. It seems to be a contradiction since INFPs are feelers.
The presence of type 5 and type 6 changes some typical traits of the INFP, as we shall soon see.
INFP 5w6s have an equal chance of being assertive and turbulent.
What is the Core Desire of the INFP 5w6?
The core desire of the INFP 5w6 is to be competent and self-sufficient. They want to be independent.
The need for independence affects their career decisions and how they spend their time or resources.
What is the Core Fear of the INFP 5w6?
The core fear of the INFP 5w6 is to be a burden on others. They do not want to appear incompetent or ignorant.
To prevent this from happening, they try to be very knowledgeable.
How the 5w6 Changes Some of the Natural Tendencies of the INFP
1. No Sign of People-Pleasing
INFPs are usually associated with being kind and people-pleasers. This INFP is entirely different. Type 5 does not care about anything other than the truth.
Type 6 will not try to please others if it puts them in danger. Thus, INFP 5w6s are more likely to put what they believe first.
Backed by their Fi function, saying no is easier for INFP 5w6s. If you believe you are a people-pleaser, you should check out INFP 9w1 or INFP 9w8.
2. The Need for Independence
Type 5’s need for independence shines through here. INFP 5w6s crave freedom. They want to take care of themselves and be left alone.
Because they are introverts, their need for independence extends to their alone time. They need time to pursue their ideas and hobbies.
This personality type will put their need for independence first. They are also likely to prefer remote work over 9-5.
3. Less Likely to be People-Oriented
INFPs are portrayed as people-oriented. Some descriptions paint them as perfect mediators. However, these descriptions are just describing the INFP type 9. INFP 5w6s are different.
While they don’t hate people, they aren’t avidly interested in them. While they can discuss what interests them, they are not fascinated by people’s actions or behavior.
4. Less Impulsive
INFPs are perceivers. This increases their tendency to be impulsive. INFP 5w6s are different.
They are more cautious because they have type 6 as their wing. Backed by type 5’s logic, they are more likely to make correct decisions.
This reduces their natural impulsiveness. The extent to which this applies depends on their wing.
5. More Logical
INFPs are feelers. So, they make decisions based on their emotions. Things are slightly different with INFP 5w6s. While they are predominantly feelers, they also take logic seriously.
Thus, don’t expect this personality type to make illogical decisions because of their emotions. INFP 5w6s might also learn to objectively approach certain aspects of their lives while maintaining emotional responses in other spheres.
6. More Risk-Averse
Taking risks is not something type 6 wants. If their wing is strong, INFP 5w6s will avoid making risky decisions.
While this is true, they will still be fascinated by adventures. They might also indulge in some rendezvous occasionally.
7. Less of a Diplomat
INFPs are usually described as diplomats or mediators. INFP 5w6s will not fit this description. This personality type is more likely to assert their opinions than compromise for peace.
While they are not very aggressive, they are more likely to stick to their beliefs and values regardless of people’s views.
New Weaknesses of the INFP 5w6
1. Fearful
Like other 5w6s, fear is a big part of their lives. INFP 5w6s are very fearful, which might affect how they approach life.
Fear can make them lose out on countless opportunities or stay in complicated relationships or friendships.
Fear of the unknown backed by type 6’s cautiousness can limit their willingness to travel or relocate.
2. Suspicious/Distrustful
Type 6 is very suspicious. This also applies to INFP 5w6s. This is heightened because of type 5’s willingness to play investigator.
If this personality type is suspicious of a person, they can go to great lengths to justify their suspicions.
Their level of distrust can make them paranoid and strain their relationship with others.
Here’s an article you might find helpful in dealing with trust issues.
3. Detached
Being detached is one of type 5’s flaws. This also applies to INFP 5w6s. They have imaginative and curious minds.
So, it’s easy to get lost in their head or their hobbies and interests. While they might be having fun, their loved ones can feel abandoned.
As with most things in life, striking a balance is essential.
4. Struggle Between Emotions and Logic
Finally, INFP 5w6s are in an eternal struggle between logic and emotions. As earlier stated, they are feelers. However, type 5 also values the use of logic.
So, every time a big decision comes up, this personality type has to pick a side. This is easier said than done.
INFP 5w6 vs. INFP 6w5
Wondering whether you’re an INFP 5w6 or 6w5? Here are some of their common differences.
| INFP 5w6 | INFP 6w5 |
| More Analytical | More Cautious |
| Basic desire is to be independent | Basic desire is to be safe or secure |
| More Fearful | More Skeptical |
| Less people-oriented | People-oriented |
INFP 5w6 in the Workplace
INFPs are usually motivated by their passions and interests. Thus, a typical INFP will make career decisions based on these points. However, INFP 5w6s are not typical INFPs.
They are likely to prioritize careers that give them self-sufficiency and independence. INFP 5w6s want a job that can challenge them. They also prefer remote jobs.
Self-sufficiency trumps passion for INFP 5w6s.
To get the best out of the INFP 5w6, ensure their role offers them self-sufficiency if it requires creativity, even better!
Best Careers for INFP 5w6
- Software engineer
- Programmer
- Data Analyst
- Writer
- Freelancer
- Nurse
- Psychologist
- Professor
- Anthropologist
- Librarian
Worst Careers for the INFP 5w6
- Stock Broker
- Bitcoin trader
- Entrepreneur
- Auditor
- Electrician
- Plumber
Famous/Fictional Characters that are INFP 5w6
- Rocky (Don’t Breathe)
- Sam (The lost boys)
- Justine Musk
- Adam (Enemy)
- Jared Diamond
- Hermann Kermit Warm (The sisters brothers)
- Allen (Happiness)
- Jean Racine
- Ranson Riggs
i got goosebump really quick this literally me
Haha, glad you enjoyed it!
I’m still torn between INFP 5w6 and INTP but this is really helpful. Thank you for this :))
Most of this is accurate, however I would like to say that it’s a bit funny seeing the stock broker/bitcoin trader on the worst careers list since I’m studying stock market trading at the moment (while also getting a degree in education, hard to pass up on having a safety net of a job). While I’m sure being an on-site employee for a broker could be quite a stressful circumstance, I think a 5, especially with 6 wing, regardless of MBTI, would be seriously interested in the opportunity to learn to generate income independently, and in the convenience of their own home no less. It’s also more psychologically feasible if you can find the right resources/people to learn from as well as be able to take your time in the learning process. Another advantage of having the 6 wing is that you tend to be more tight and structured with your trading strategies in order to reduce the risk of monetary loss. Sure, my turbulent INFP side sometimes gives me anxiety when I put what I learn into practice, but as mentioned before, as long as you can find trusted, knowledgeable resources and people to learn this stuff from, it cuts away a lot of the mental/psychological barrier. Just a passing remark on my experience, at an interesting take on the ‘worst’ career choices. The rest of the article was enjoyable. Thanks.
Hello L,
I also believe that 5s could do really well as a trader. However, I don’t believe they would want to do that long-term (30 years+). I believe they would want something more stable.
People are different and I won’t be surprised to see more successful 5s that are stock brokers just like you. Thank you for your amazing input!
Accurate except I do find people interesting, and enjoy my friends a lot. Otherwise accurate.