Okay, analyzing presidential candidates’ personality types is interesting and instructive, but perhaps it’s time for something a little more lighthearted? After sifting through the superhero movie deluge this summer, I started thinking about our iconic heroes and their personality styles. Some are more apparent than others, but here are my guesses.

Ironman/Tony Stark: ISTP. This character is often found tinkering with metal, circuits, and mechanical devices, engaging in wildly adventurous behavior, and playing the field romantically—all characteristics of the typical ISTP. ISTPs love to be in the action, and more than any other type they have a skill in manipulating mechanical objects. Unlike many superheroes, his exploits result from his desires for action, revenge, and his own survival, rather than from a larger sense of morality or ideals. He’s not an enforcer, but the action and the gear of the superhero business excites him.

Batman/Bruce Wayne: ENTP. More typical of superheroes in the sense that he is idealistic, Batman still lives on the fringes of society. He’s often content with being portrayed as a vigilante or even a villain if it furthers his cause. Like many ENTPs, he doesn’t feel an intrinsic need to belong, as long as he is living by his own personal code. Technologically savvy and inventive, Batman relies on his ability to create superior weapons for his personal crusade–however, unlike Ironman, Batman creates the design and leaves the building up to someone else.

Superman/Clark Kent: ESFJ. Sometimes called the Big Blue Boy Scout, Superman follows the rules and takes care of the weak. Like many ESFJs, he sees his role as a protector, and makes sure that the gears of society hum along smoothly and that people have what they need. He’s the least rogueish of the superheroes, and despite the fact that he’s a member of a supercharged alien race, you get the sense that he really just wants to fit in. He’s responsible, he’s traditional, and he’s always there when you need him.

Spider-Man/Peter Parker: INTJ. Gifted in science, Spider-Man became so when accidentally bitten by a spider, and took on his superhero status reluctantly when he realized his responsiblity to use his powers for good. Most INTJs enjoy science and technology, and Spider-Man is no different; he’s fascinated by his own powers and devises gadgets to assist him. But his responsibility overwhelms him, and he often takes on too much. He has the INTJ’s longing for stability, and this results in much of his stress as a superhero—unfortunately, it’s not a job you can schedule.

In today’s labor market, maximizing your productivity is more important than ever. Whether you’re trying to survive a round of layoffs or just working with fewer support staff than usual, making the most of your time is essential. However, maximizing productivity is something we all do in different ways. Some of us are inclined to micromanage our time, scheduling every minute of the day and adhering closely to lists and schedules. If you’re familiar with Myers Briggs personality type concepts, you probably recognize these people as Judging types.

The rest of us, the Perceivers, don’t do so well with lists and schedules. In fact, trying to implement these traditional time management strategies can actually undermine a Perceiver’s productivity. So what’s a Perceiver to do when time is short and stress is high? If you’re a Perceiving type, you’ll benefit more from remembering your own work style preferences, rather than trying to conform to a Judging style of working. Here are a few tips:

1. Rethink lists. You’ve probably been taught that a to-do list is a good way to structure your tasks and make sure everything gets done. If you’re like most Perceivers, this little sales pitch makes you want to run far, far away! Nothing undermines a Perceiver’s motivation more than the concept of having to do tasks methodically, in a pre-planned order. However, lists can still be of tremendous help if you rethink their purpose.

Perceiving types should have a long list of tasks, large and small, long and short-term. This is not a to-do list; think of it more as a may-do list. Although everything on the list has to get done, you’re not required to proceed through it in any particular order. Rather, when it’s time to get to work, you’ll choose the task from the list that you feel most motivated and inspired to work on. In the absence of a strict schedule, Perceivers too often find themselves wasting time deciding what to attack next. Having a “may-do” list helps you to be productive on your own terms.

2. Keep it interesting. Many Perceivers hate to do something the same way twice; standard operating procedures are the bane of their existence. If this is the case, don’t force yourself to drudge through a task the same old way. If finding another path to the end result makes you more excited to do something, then do it!

Recognize, however, that many people will tell you that you’re wasting time “reinventing the wheel.” These people are probably Judgers. Don’t invite criticism by spending more time on tasks than you should, but also remember that for many Perceivers, tasks are more easily and quickly accomplished when you’re allowed to do them your own way. Following an established method often takes longer because you’re not motivated to do it.

3. Act like a Judger, but only when you have to. There are some areas where the typical workplace is biased to a Judging point of view, and there’s not much you can do about it. If you’re going to be a highly valued employee, you must be on time for meetings, turn in projects by the deadline, and adhere to standards set up by the organization. Know that you’ll chafe against some of this—for instance, Perceivers often have trouble following rules that seem arbitrary—and cut yourself some slack. Follow the Judgers when you need to, but when you have control over the way you work, make sure you’re allowing yourself the flexibility and spontaneity that you crave. When you don’t have to plan ahead, don’t. And if all else fails, just make sure that your time away from work is as loose and free-wheeling as you can make it!

With news about the economy growing more dire each day, you may be wondering how well your job will fare in a recession. Some industries have already been hit hard: real estate agents, mortgage lenders, construction workers, and others in the housing industry are likely to be searching for their next move.

If you’re concerned about your job’s susceptibility to an economic downturn, you might begin searching for similar positions in an industry that will remain strong in a recession. It’s best not to try to start a completely new career in a down economy, but there may be recession-proof careers you haven’t considered.

Following is a listing of the top recession-resistant industries and careers, according to John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an outplacement consulting firm, as quoted in an interview with CareerBuilder.com. Although any personality type can find success in any line of work, I’ve also included some notes on which Myers Briggs personality types are most likely to be satisfied with each field.

Education: Teachers, administrators, and educational materials sales. The number of students in school is increasing as more teachers are retiring, creating a demand for educators as well as those that support the industry. Teachers and education administrators are often Extraverted Feeling types; ESFJ, ENFJ, ISFJ, INFJ, ESFP, and ENFP are the types most commonly found working in education.

Energy and the environmental sector: Engineers, scientists, technicians, and support staff. A large percentage of the workforce in the oil industry is heading for retirement, just as demand for alternative energy creates new opportunities. Engineers and scientists are often Intuitive Thinking types, particularly INTJ, INTP, and ENTP. ISTPs and ESTPs are often attracted to hands-on, technical professions. However, this field is by no means limited to the scientifically inclined; large energy companies have a need for workers of every inclination, from managerial to administrative. ISTJ, ESTJ, and ENTJ types in particular might find managerial positions in this field satisfying.

Health care: Nurses, physician assistants, medical assistants, physical therapists, home health aides, and health information technicians. No matter where the stock market goes, the age of our population is headed steadily upward, creating a huge demand for workers in all areas of health care. Direct care jobs such as nursing are most often chosen by Sensing Feelers, particularly ISFJ, ISFP, ESFP, and ESFJ types. Jobs in the technical and administrative side of health care are more apt to attract ISTJ, ISTP, and ESTJ types.

Security: transportation security, peace officers, immigration officers, and computer programmers. Heightened security concerns have created a demand for tens of thousands of jobs with the U.S. government. Work in security is most likely to appeal to Sensing Thinkers, in particular ISTJ, ISFP, ISTP, ESTP, and ESTJ types. A career in information security as a computer specialist would likely appeal to INTJs, INTPs, and ISTPs.