Avoid being miserable and stuck in a career that you hate. Rather choose a career that best suits your Chinese star sign and personality.
No one wants to be stuck in a job that makes them miserable. Turns out, you don’t have to! The Chinese Zodiac could be the answer you're looking for.
The Chinese Zodiac is based on 12 animal signs, and all of us is an animal (yes, really). Every animal has its own set of unique characteristics and that's how this system is said to be able to predict your future. It's similar to the way in which numerology and Western astrology can tell you what'll happen to you in the coming months, what and who you're attracted to, and of course, which career will make you happy and successful and possibly super rich.
How it works:
Each year is dedicated to a particular animal and is calculated according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Depending on the year in which you were born, you’re assigned a sign. Okay, so it may not be an exact science, but it's a fun exercise whether you believe in it or not.
(Search Tip: To find your Chinese Zodiac Sign quickly in this article, use your browser's Search Function. Press Ctrl and F simultaneously. Then, type your birth year in the search box that pops up.)
Rat
Feb 5, 1924 – Jan 23, 1925
Jan 24, 1936 – Feb 10, 1937
Feb 10, 1948 – Jan 28, 1949
Jan 28, 1960 – Feb 14, 1961
Feb 15, 1972 – Feb 2, 1973
Feb 2, 1984 – Feb 19, 1985
Feb 19, 1996 – Feb 6, 1997
Feb 7, 2008 – Jan 25, 2009
Jan 25, 2020 – Feb 11, 2021
Feb 11, 2032 – Jan 30, 2033
Career
As a rat you have a sharp observation and always alert. Use these unique advantages together with your acute instinct to tackle thinking, creative, and inventive tasks. You thrive in an environment that is somewhat unpredictable, especially because you have the ability to solve problems before they arise.
You are often described as wise and perceptive since you’re able to see the big picture. It’d be wise to choose a career that allows you to be flexible (like owning your own business) and highly active – you enjoy hard work especially if it yields lucrative rewards (think sales).
Oh, and stay away from the gambling industry.
Other jobs: Manager, Counsellor, Lawyer, Broadcaster, Writer
Ox
Jan 24, 1925 – Feb 12, 1926
Jan 24, 1925 – Feb 12, 1926
Feb 11, 1937 – Jan 30, 1938
Jan 29, 1949 – Feb 16, 1950
Feb 15, 1961 – Feb 4, 1962
Feb 3, 1973 – Jan 22, 1974
Feb 20, 1985 – Feb 8, 1986
Feb 7, 1997 – Jan 27, 1998
Jan 26, 2009 – Feb 13, 2010
Feb 12, 2021 – Jan 31, 2022
Jan 31, 2033 – Feb 18, 2034
Career
You will harvest success because of your willpower and persistence. You’ll want a stable occupation, a career that will allow you to get the promotions you deserve. Bosses and colleagues will recognise your capability and this is your ticket to earning a handsome salary.
You’re described as emotional and merciful and would be great as a teacher. You have a keen eye for detail, probably prefer routine and you’re a lot more productive if you can work alone. As such, you’d make a great office assistant or doctor.
As someone who prefers routine, you’ll do well in a job that has a steady amount of tasks throughout the day and also if these tasks are specialised. You'd enjoy a career as an archaeologist, mechanic, banker, engineer. You are born with a love for nature, so you should feel comfortable with pursuing an artsy career in literature or editing, and even medical transcription.
Other jobs: Interior designer, Painter, Carpenter, Broker, Real estate agent
Tiger
Feb 13, 1926 – Feb 1, 1927
Jan 31, 1938 – Feb 18, 1939
Feb 17, 1950 – Feb 5, 1951
Feb 5, 1962 – Jan 24, 1963
Jan 23, 1974 – Feb 10, 1975
Feb 9, 1986 – Jan 28, 1987
Jan 28, 1998 – Feb 15, 1999
Feb 14, 2010 – Feb 2, 2011
Feb 1, 2022 – Jan 21, 2023
Feb 19, 2034 – Feb 7, 2035
Career
Tigers are active and they prefer work that requires lots of energy. They accept new challenges, environments, and anything that’s the complete opposite of stable. They therefore make excellent managers, travel agents and actors.
Yes, you are very competitive too which works well since you’re decisive and have good judgement. Always ready with a quick response, you may enjoy being an entrepreneur, comedian, pilot or advertising agent. Since you enjoy being in charge, you’ll be the perfect office manager.
You’ll probably end up hopping from job to job in the search for adventure and new challenges. With that in mind, you’d be a great policeman (you can handle emergencies and high pressure environments), politician, writer, and even chauffer.
Other jobs: Firefighter, Event planner, Adventurer
Rabbit
Feb 2, 1927 – Jan 22, 1928
Feb 19, 1939 – Feb 7, 1940
Feb 6, 1951 – Jan 26, 1952
Jan 25, 1963 – Feb 12, 1964
Feb 11, 1975 – Jan 30, 1976
Jan 29, 1987 – Feb 16, 1988
Feb 16, 1999 – Feb 4, 2000
Feb 3, 2011 – Jan 22, 2012
Jan 22, 2023 – Feb 9, 2024
Feb 8, 2035 – Jan 27, 2036
Career
Rabbits generally have a good mind for business, with a special eye for taking good risks. You should consider a career in real estate or fashion design. As someone who articulates yourself well, you will be a successful writer, teacher and public relations officer.
You are prepared to devote yourself to your job and are really very responsible. Known for your calm, compassionate and non-confrontational manner, you’d enjoy a long career as a therapist. You’ll be a good leader if you opt to pursue a career in politics or economics. Your persistent nature will be handy in all of these fields too.
Other jobs: Publisher, Doctor, Tour guide, Administrator
Dragon
Jan 23, 1928 – Feb 9, 1929
Feb 8, 1940 – Jan 26, 1941
Jan 27, 1952 – Feb 13, 1953
Feb 13, 1964 – Feb 1, 1965
Jan 31, 1976 – Feb 17, 1977
Feb 17, 1988 – Feb 5, 1989
Feb 5, 2000 – Jan 23, 2001
Jan 23, 2012 – Feb 9, 2013
Feb 10, 2024 – Jan 28, 2025
Jan 28, 2036 – Feb 14, 2037
Career
Dragons have brilliant leadership skills and are destined to play an important role in their companies. Since you’re filled with energy and rarely feel exhausted, you’ll happily devote yourself to your work. You are also sometimes described as overly enthusiastic.
Dragons do not enjoy unchanging occupations and should avoid office work, by rather pursuing business affairs. Use your great imagination in a thinking job as an architect, café owner, or writer. Careers that allow you to use your creative side are also good, so you should think about entering the world of fashion designing, advertising or anything in the television industry.
You have an eye for trends and will enjoy an adventurous career so perhaps you should consider becoming a pilot, or hiking guide.
Other jobs: Lawyer, Computer analyst, Engineer
Snake
Feb 10, 1929 – Jan 29, 1930
Jan 27, 1941 – Feb 14, 1942
Feb 14, 1953 – Feb 2, 1954
Feb 2, 1965 – Jan 20, 1966
Feb 18, 1977 – Feb 6, 1978
Feb 6, 1989 – Jan 26, 1990
Jan 24, 2001 – Feb 11, 2002
Feb 10, 2013 – Jan 30, 2014
Jan 29, 2025 – Feb 16, 2026
Feb 15, 2037 – Feb 3, 2038
Career
If you’re a Snake, you are not one to back down from challenges and rarely, if ever, throw in the towel. You do get bored quite easily and typically fall into a life of job hopping. This coupled with your tenacity and creativity means you’ll be happy as a writer, journalist or composer.
Snakes manage difficulties quite well and have a good sense of responsibility. Since you also have a good memory, you’d excel as an investigator, dietician and sociologist. People may think that you’re a slacker because of your laid back attitude but they’re sorely mistaken.
You will need to find a career that will enable you to use your talents and intelligence so don’t be scared to pursue your dreams of becoming a scientist, analyst or educator. You are an excellent problem solver, and Snakes like you usually thrive in complicated environments.
Other jobs: Gardener, Fashion designer, Painter, Astrologer
Horse
Jan 30, 1930 – Feb 16, 1931
Feb 15, 1942 – Feb 4, 1943
Feb 3, 1954 – Jan 23, 1955
Jan 21, 1966 – Feb 8, 1967
Feb 7, 1978 – Jan 27, 1979
Jan 27, 1990 – Feb 14, 1991
Feb 12, 2002 – Jan 31, 2003
Jan 31, 2014 – Feb 18, 2015
Feb 17, 2026 – Feb 5, 2027
Feb 4, 2038 – Jan 23, 2039
Career
Horses are competitive, good communicators, and great socialisers. As such, they’d be comfortable in a range of careers, especially as a tour guide, sales representative or anything sporty.
As a child, you were probably the rebellious or naughty one in your class or family. However, you’ve grown up to be quite the achiever with tons of friends, all of whom are happy to lend a helping hand whenever you need them. You actually enjoy socialising with a range of different people. And in a professional setting, you prefer giving commands as opposed to receiving orders.
Also, Horses love their freedom and as a Horse, you won’t enjoy a job that feels mundane and repetitive to you. Try being a language instructor, publicist, or if you’ve got a passion for it, anything that involves cars.
Other jobs: Lawyer, Journalist, Civil engineer, Bartender
Goat
(Also known as a Sheep or Ram)
Feb 17, 1931 – Feb 5, 1932
Feb 5, 1943 – Jan 24, 1944
Jan 24, 1955 – Feb 11, 1956
Feb 9, 1967 – Jan 29, 1968
Jan 28, 1979 – Feb 15, 1980
Feb 15, 1991 – Feb 3, 1992
Feb 1, 2003 – Jan 21, 2004
Feb 19, 2015 – Feb 7, 2016
Feb 6, 2027 – Jan 25, 2028
Jan 24, 2039 – Feb 11, 2040
Career
Goats are described as calm, sensitive and intelligent. You should avoid occupations that’ll see you work alone or in isolation. You’ll reach greater heights when cooperating with your team as you are most comfortable with your flock. You’d enjoy being a hair stylist, teacher, or florist.
Power and status isn’t all that important to you and as such. You’ll really only be comfortable taking on a leadership position if your boss or another colleague directly nominates or appoints you. As the elegant and diplomatic of all Chinese signs, you’ll enjoy a career as a philosopher, scientist or programmer. You’re bound to do well in the medical field too.
Your potential is great since you have the most amazing luck!
Other jobs: Paediatrician, Interior designer, Editor, Graphic designer
Monkey
Feb 6, 1932 – Jan 25, 1933
Jan 25, 1944 – Feb 12, 1945
Feb 12, 1956 – Jan 30, 1957
Jan 30, 1968 – Feb 16, 1969
Feb 16, 1980 – Feb 4, 1981
Feb 4, 1992 – Jan 22, 1993
Jan 22, 2004 – Feb 8, 2005
Feb 8, 2016 – Jan 27, 2017
Jan 26, 2028 – Feb 12, 2029
Feb 12, 2040 – Jan 31, 2041
Career
Monkeys are very energetic and would enjoy social environments that require lots of brain work the most. As a Monkey, you adapt well to change and this makes you the perfect person for leadership positions. As an air traffic controller, film director or banker, you’d be very good at your job and enjoy it too.
You are able to work quickly while producing quality too. You have excellent communication skills and are quick witted and naturally curious. These are great traits for a journalist, engineer and sales rep to have. If you want a career that requires you to burn more of your energy, try the entertainment industry, or become a restaurant manager or building contractor. You could also choose to use your natural persuasive skills to be your company’s best PR Manager.
Your ability to multi-task makes you a hot commodity on the job market - your boss will never want to let you go.
Other jobs: Stock broker, Advertising, Engineer, Scientist.
Rooster
Jan 26, 1933 – Feb 13, 1934
Feb 13, 1945 – Feb 1, 1946
Jan 31, 1957 – Feb 17, 1958
Feb 17, 1969 – Feb 5, 1970
Feb 5, 1981 – Jan 24, 1982
Jan 23, 1993 – Feb 9, 1994
Feb 9, 2005 – Jan 28, 2006
Jan 28, 2017 – Feb 15, 2018
Feb 13, 2029 – Feb 2, 2030
Feb 1, 2041 – Jan 21, 2042
Career
Roosters are very helpful and they’re likely to always be busy. As a natural hard worker and highly motivated individual, you will make a good banker, dentist, or bookkeeper. If you are a Rooster, we don't have to tell you that your organisational skills are excellent as you like to always be in control.
As a Rooster, you probably find yourself being quite in-tune with the energy of those you’re with. As such, you’d enjoy careers that allow you to interact with people frequently, e.g. anything that involves customer service, teaching, or even entertainment.
You are sometimes described as over-confident which is a good thing for your career and has the potential to fulfil your yearning for activities that reap great rewards. And that's probably why you’d enjoy owning the titles of Principle, Doctor, or Chartered Accountant.
Other jobs: secretary, dancer, insurance consultant
Dog
Feb 14, 1934 – Feb 3, 1935
Feb 2, 1946 – Jan 21, 1947
Feb 18, 1958 – Feb 7, 1959
Feb 6, 1970 – Jan 26, 1971
Jan 25, 1982 – Feb 12, 1983
Feb 10, 1994 – Jan 30, 1995
Jan 29, 2006 – Feb 17, 2007
Feb 16, 2018 – Feb 4, 2019
Feb 3, 2030 – Jan 22, 2031
Jan 22, 2042 – Feb 9, 2043
Career
Dogs are the best colleagues anyone could ask for. They’re always willing to help everyone else to lighten their load - especially if there's something new to learn in the process. Loyal and hardworking, you are seen as a valuable employee. You’d do well as a nurse, counsellor, or police officer – that stubborn nature you possess will come in handy in all of these occupations.
When challenges arise, you’re quite resourceful and very inventive. If this is true for you then you should consider a career in sports or hospitality management. As one with strong morals, you’d make a great judge, professor, and even priest. But if you’re looking forward to life within a project-orientated business, it’s best that you choose a career in software development.
Other jobs: Scientist, Game Software Developer, Interior designer.
Pig
Feb 4, 1935 – Jan 23, 1936
Jan 22, 1947 – Feb 9, 1948
Feb 8, 1959 – Jan 27, 1960
Jan 27, 1971 – Feb 14, 1972
Feb 13, 1983 – Feb 1, 1984
Jan 31, 1995 – Feb 18, 1996
Feb 18, 2007 – Feb 6, 2008
Feb 5, 2019 – Jan 24, 2020
Jan 23, 2031 – Feb 10, 2032
Feb 10, 2043 – Jan 29, 2044
Career
Managers and clients always love a Pig’s diligent attention to detail. If your Chinese Sign is a Pig, then you are most likely very reliable. You have a kind of creative flair and would make a great technician, interior decorator or chef. In fact, you probably really enjoy cooking and would happily live the rest of your life as a caterer.
You most definitely do not neglect your responsibilities. Pigs love their homes and their families miss them whenever they’re not around. As a Pig, you are actually really well suited for a job that allows you to work from home – even if it means starting your own business.
Your patience and kindness means you’ll be happy in any career that requires your caring and compassionate side, e.g. a veterinarian or civil servant.
Other jobs: Restaurateur, Doctor, Entertainer
For solid career advice about choosing the perfect career for you and your personality, we have great Career Advice.
