It’s the year of the dragon, the luckiest of the Chinese Zodiac years and the heralding of good fortune. Whether you’re a believer in what the Zodiacs represent or not, even the most astute of us can’t help but be drawn into seeing what ‘predictions’ lie in store for our Zodiac creature. Whether you’re a detail-oriented Monkey, a fair-headed Ox or a golden Dragon, there’s always an allure to these mystical foretelling’s. To help you out in your journey, we’ve compiled the top career prospects for each of the Chinese Zodiac animals. Check them out below!
Let’s start with the basics, there are 12 Chinese Zodiac signs, in the following order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. (Yes the order matters, according to the origin story!) Each sign is named after an animal chosen by the Jade Emperor and the signs have been used for a very long time as a way of dating years in a 12-year cycle of the Chinese calendar. Each animal has its own unique characteristics and corresponds to a different set of years and determines things such as your temperament, strengths and weaknesses, and can even identify what sort of careers best suit you.
🐀 If you’re a Rat (Years: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032), you are likely to be charming, expressive, and communicative. You are devoted to your relationships and loyal to the people you care about. You’ll find that your charismatic personality wins over even the most problematic person in the room, making it easy for you to succeed in careers related to sales and marketing or law. Rats are also good with finances and dealing with other people. You can easily work in a bank or become a proficient doctor or researcher due to the rational and detail-oriented approach you take to your work.
🐂 If you’re an Ox (Years: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033), you are likely to be hardworking, ambitious, and practical. You don't rush into anything and are patient when it comes to waiting for results. You require stability and are modest and persistent, making you a fantastic teacher, lawyer, or editor. Your exceptional patience also allows you to excel in Customer-facing roles.
🐅 If you’re a Tiger (Years: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034), you are likely a natural-born leader and are fearless when facing your problems. You bring a warm and adventurous spirit, so are not suited for dull jobs and routine tasks. Running your own business or engaging in freelance work is perfect for you. The night-time is your playground and when your creativity thrives, so having the freedom to work to your schedule will prove advantageous.
🐇 If you’re a Rabbit (Years: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035), you are likely to be sweet and caring, with a social drive to be around kind and caring people. You need compassion and positive emotion in your career journey to really excel. The most suitable careers for you are those related to nursing, taking care of children and animals, or working as a mediator, using your empathy to counsel people through difficult periods. You could also be an excellent diplomat, teacher, or therapist due to your objective and caring nature.
🐉 If you’re a Dragon (Years: 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, 2036), then it's your year this year! You are likely to be an influential leader. You are full of vitality and express your inner self with confidence. Leadership roles, and CEO-style positions are your bread and butter. You tend to know exactly what you want and don't waste any time in achieving your goals. You bring a magnetic personality and have innate talent to run organisations. You are good at management and are not happy working under someone else's conditions.
🐍 If you’re a Snake (Years: 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025, 2037), you are likely to be a popular individual, attracting attention wherever you go and bringing a charming attitude that is irresistible. The most suitable careers for you are related to beauty, fashion, and entertainment. You’d make an excellent model, TV host, and designer. Plus, you’re wise and understand all shades of human nature, which is why therapy can be an excellent career path for you.
🐎 If you’re a Horse (Years: 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026, 2038), you are likely to be active, lively and ambitious! Your boundless energy and pursuit of adventure puts you in line to be an athlete or support others as a fitness instructor. Your robust and resilient health, plus sharp mind, also makes you an excellent journalist.
🐐 If you’re a Goat (Years: 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027, 2039), you are likely to be artistic and elegant, preferring to focus on one task at a time. Artistic careers are best for you, relying on your imaginative and creative approach to life. The best careers for you are likely thereby to include art, writing, philosophy, and architecture. You dislike mundane tasks and prefer to put their talents into something more meaningful.
🐒 If you’re a Monkey (Years: 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028, 2040), you are likely to be energetic, playful, and cheerful. You’re a glowing creative and like to entertain others, so you don't mind being in the spotlight when the time arises. Monkeys are flexible and are suited to a wide range of positions, as long as you can express yourself freely. As salespeople, actors, diplomats or marketers, you present a reliable and friendly face to any company where you can use your personable skills.
🐓 If you’re a Rooster (Years: 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029), you are likely to be intuitive, observant, and detail-oriented. You are most likely to be direct in how you express feelings and rely on punctuality and autonomy to thrive, so you dislike jobs where other people control you. Your most suitable careers are related to economy and finances. The public sector is usually your stage, with your exceptional social skills.
🐕 If you’re a Dog (Years: 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030), you are likely to be faithful, honest, and trustworthy – all the traits of humankind’s best friend. You’re intuitively intelligent and have others’ well-being at the forefront of any decisions. You’re protective and loyal. This combination makes you perfect for working with children and the elderly or in charity organisations. Your drive to defend others puts you in the perfect position to manage risk or be in the legal domain.
🐖 If you’re a Pig (Years: 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031), you are likely to be tolerant, honest, and kind. You bring a nurturing spirit and like to spread goodwill all over the world. Power and fame don’t matter to you, but you care for the wellbeing of the public, making you well suited to Public Sector jobs. You love to learn new things and so academic positions such as a lecturer or a teacher are well suited to you.
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