If you’re a CPA, here’s a bit of good news: You’re probably not a psychopath.
That’s according to the Great British Psychopath Survey. Compiled by Oxford research psychologist and The Wisdom of Psychopaths author Kevin Dutton, the survey lists the following as the least psychopathic professions:
- Care aide
- Nurse
- Therapist
- Craftsperson
- Beautician / stylist
- Charity worker
- Teacher
- Creative artist
- Doctor
- Accountant
Of course, being a psychopath doesn’t make you homicidal — or even a criminal, for that matter. In fact, Dutton says certain psychopathic traits — charm, confidence, being cool under pressure — can actually be helpful on the job.
Regardless, as a profession, accounting certainly isn’t crawling with psychopaths. That’s probably a good thing.
And yes, the survey also listed the most psychopathic professions around. They are:
- CEO
- Lawyer
- Media (TV / radio)
- Salesperson
- Surgeon
- Journalist
- Police officer
- Clergyperson
- Chef
- Civil servant
Me? I’ve spent time over the years as both a radio personality (No. 3) and a newspaper editor (No. 6).
Maybe I should’ve studied accounting.