Generally speaking, when you think of a psychopath, you probably envision a loner who stalks people and, in the end, goes on some rampage that gets turned into a horror flick. You know, like Michael Myers from the Halloween movies or the killers from Scream.
Thing is, a psychopath isn’t what Hollywood might make you think he or she is. In fact, there’s a real-life definition of one, which is simply a person who has “an inflated, grandiose sense of themself,” per Psychology Today. So, yeah, that means there are lots of psychopaths walking around us as we speak — although they’re difficult to identify by nature.
That said, while most psychopaths aren’t (hopefully) going out and chopping up the neighborhood as gory movies would suggest, the real-life ones have a lot in common, especially when it comes to career choices. Since these types of people tend to be leaders who are known for their ruthlessness, manipulation, charisma and fearlessness, incapable of displaying affection for others, there are a few career industries in which a psychopath might land in more often — and these are the most popular.
Chef
If you’ve ever heard stories about chefs being a bit egomaniacal, then you probably understand why they find themselves on this list of most popular psychopathic careers. While most psychos aren’t the type to harm anyone — so forget the fact chefs have knives and stuff around them — they are the kind of people who thrive under chaos and can deal with directing multiple personalities the way they want to.
Police officer
It’s not secret that police officers must maintain a certain coolness under pressure while on the clock. Sure, there are a handful who overreact and use their authority in the wrong way, but, most of the time, these people stay calm when in a crisis. When mixed with the power and constant chaos that the career brings, it’s easy to see why psychopaths might choose this career.
Journalist or broadcaster
As we’ve mentioned a few times already, psychopaths tend to love chaos, and there are few professions out there that deal with it on a day-to-day basis more than a journalist or broadcaster. Not only are they required to meet strict deadlines, but the information or news they’re sharing can range from breaking to heartbreaking, with the person required to show zero emotion and bias while delivering it.
Lawyer
Lawyers are supposed to be ruthless, but they’re also required to be charming, understanding how to work a judge and jury with pristine confidence. Like most psychopaths, lawyers aren’t supposed to show emotion, either, understanding that their top objective is to defend their client as best they can, based off the facts. Once a verdict is reached, however, a lawyer doesn’t sympathize, he or she just moves on to the next case.
Surgeon
Of all these professions, surgeons might identify as psychopaths more than any others. That’s according to a study that was published in The Bulletin of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, which found that these people “scored higher on a scale of psychopathic personality,” due to the nature of their jobs. Not only are surgeons forced to make quick decisions that could be life or death, but they also have a bit of a power complex and can handle stress better than most people.