Different Personalities, Different Paths: Which One Are You?
Hey Wealthy Affiliate Family,
I’ve been thinking a lot about the different paths people take when it comes to work and careers. We all have unique personalities, and those personalities can shape how we approach our work. In my experience, there are three distinct “types” of people you’ll find in the workforce:
- The Manual Worker – These individuals thrive by working with their hands. Whether it's building, fixing, or creating, they enjoy the tactile nature of their job and the satisfaction that comes from seeing a physical result. They value craftsmanship, hard work, and the process of creating something from nothing.
- The Manager – Managers juggle multiple responsibilities. They have the added pressure of overseeing operations, coordinating teams, and handling paperwork. While they still work hard, their role is more focused on organizing and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Managers often find themselves balancing between the people and the tasks that need to get done.
- The Entrepreneur (Affiliate Marketers Like Us!) – Entrepreneurs are visionaries who want more than just a job; they want to create something scalable, something that can generate passive income and freedom. In affiliate marketing, we’re building businesses that have the potential to go full-time. We put in the work upfront and plan for long-term growth, all while leveraging online tools to scale.
Each of these personalities brings something valuable to the table. But for those of us in affiliate marketing, we know that it takes a unique mindset and dedication to shift from just “working” to building something that lasts.
Are you a manual worker, manager, or entrepreneur? If you’re aiming for the entrepreneurial route like many of us here, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you’re making it happen!
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best,
Les Waller
Recent Comments
12
Les, I really like how you broke this down! I see a little of myself in all three, but the entrepreneur path just feels right.
The idea of creating something that keeps working even when I’m not there is what drives me. It’s definitely a challenge, but knowing that every blog post or video is a step toward long-term freedom makes it worth it.
Do you think most people start in one category before shifting toward entrepreneurship?
All the best,
Boris
Here's what a search gave me; however my thoughts are that someone who starts out as an entrepreneur would be a very low percentage. I say that because it seems to me that the majority of people are taught after graduation from high school either go to a trade school, go to college, or go to work. Plus, working as an entrepreneur at the start probably earns you nothing and you've got to pay the bills somehow, so you'll at least have to work part time to make ends meet;
Manual Workers:
Manual workers, often referred to as laborers, engage in physically demanding tasks. According to a study, 39.1% of the civilian workforce performs jobs that require physical activities like lifting, carrying, and climbing.
Managers:
Managers oversee operations and teams across various industries. In 2022, there were approximately 16.4 million individuals employed in management occupations in the U.S., with a workforce distribution of 42.5% women and 57.5% men.
Entrepreneurs:
Entrepreneurs, including those in affiliate marketing, are self-employed individuals who own and operate businesses. Data from 2019 indicates that 41% of Americans are employed in managerial or professional roles, which often include entrepreneurial activities.
Power shortage in our area, appreciate your thoughts on this subject of
being happy in what we do.
Sami
Les,
As a regular worker, I managed a large wholesale warehouse. Since I retired, I have worked as an entrepreneur.
In my spare time, I do manual work as a jober for a few people and work on my classic car.
I have worn all three hats in my lifetime, I enjoy the entrepreneur style now as it gives me time to go fishing whenever the weather is good.
John
Nice! So, when's the next fishing outing?
I'm so looking forward to "retiring" so I can be an entrepreneur full time. Either that or being successful enough as an entrepreneur that I can switch to doing it full time.
I own some lake property 50 minutes from home. It is only 20 today, I think I will wait until the first 60-degree day to go.
I do have some work to do on my golf cart while there also.
John
Well, that's great! It's not too far away not to go but its far enough away that once you're there you'll want to stay and get away for a while.
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I'm a left field "larrikan" with a lazy and lecherous attitude. lol.
Steve
Oh, I see! 😊