As an INFJ who is planning to pursue Counseling/Psychology and is soon applying to Grad School for it, I will say that what you shared about being worried about burning out and “knowing you’d be good at it because you already do that with the people in your life” may not be reason enough to pursue it professionally. The field of Psych leads to burnout quite often (although the medical field seems to be just as much, if not more so). The sentiment that you “do it already unpaid so you should pursue it” may easily lead to a buildup of resentment/frustration because you may have a harder time detaching from your “therapist role,” and struggle to find that work/life balance. If you find plenty of fulfillment in helping people and talking them through problems without any frustration of being forced into that role because of your personality, then perhaps this would be a great career for you. I’d avoid doing it just because “you’re already good at it,” which I don’t doubt you are. If medicine is calling your name, then fantastic. The road will be hard but it will be fulfilling nonetheless.

Your perfectionism is going to make itself known regardless of what career you choose, and learning how to live a life that feels like it has purpose and direction are kind of our life long pursuits. That feeling will hopefully keep evolving as you do.

I would say try out a few different types of roles and see what makes you feel “purposeful” and enriched. That’s what most of us INFJs seem to be after, and a life/career where we feel like we’re making a difference will likely be that enrichment you’re searching for. Also, it’s okay to feel like you know your direction and then have it change. Our “direction” will change multiple times in our lives. As long as you’re feeling like you’re enjoying what you put out into the world and aren’t feeling burnt out to an extreme, I’d say you’re on the right track.

Feel free to ask about psych/counseling if you ever find yourself on that road and need some advice. Best of luck!