Can birth order determine your career?

Birth order determines many different things, such as personality, work ethic and behaviour.   This is because each child is treated differently by not only parents, but other family members and even teachers.  Being the oldest of four children, I can definitely see the differences in personality and work ethic between my siblings and I.

Careerbuilder.ca conducted a survey to determine the affect birth order has on job success.

Firstborn – Firstborns are ambitious, assertive, dominant and more disciplined than their younger siblings. They’re determined to succeed yet fearful of losing position and rank, and are defensive about errors and mistakes.  First born children are more likely to earn $100,000 or more annually.

The oldest tend to pursue careers that require higher education, like medicine, engineering or law. Firstborns reported having careers in government, engineering, pharmacy and science.  Workers who are firstborn are also more likely to report holding a senior management position.

Middle Child - The middle child is often seen as the peace keeper.  They are easy-going, good at negotiation and compromise and are closer to family and friends. Middle children reported earnings of around $35,000 less than oldest and youngest children.

Since middle children generally have great people skills, they reported working in jobs such as nursing, law enforcement, fire fighting and machine operation.  Middle children also reported having the highest job satisfaction.

Youngest child - Charming, creative, have a great sense of humour, but are manipulative and used to getting their own way.  Youngest children are the least likely to report earning in the six figures.

The youngest child, being creative, usually gravitates towards artistic or outdoors jobs.  Careers such as advertising, sales, design, journalism are the most reported for the youngest born. The youngest child usually holds administrative or clerical positions, and has the lowest job satisfaction.

Only child - Only children are very similar to the oldest child.  They are often over achievers, do well in school and are more articulate and imaginative than other children.