What evidence can we find to show that Willy may have chosen a profession that is at odds with his natural inclination?

Willy's natural talents lie in working with his hands. He tells Charley, "A man who can't handle tools is not a man," but Willy doesn't value this kind of work. He even says his father was better than a carpenter because he made flutes. Willy can put up a ceiling and build a porch. Biff recognizes that both he and his father should be working with their hands.

When Willy thinks, however, that one of the salesmen in a store refers to him as a "walrus," he strikes the man. That kind of behavior isn't appropriate for a man who is trying to sell products to a business. Willy's personality is too volatile and unstable to succeed as a salesman; he has, furthermore, unreal expectations for his efforts. When he feels discouraged, he seeks the company of The Woman, who makes him feel special and popular. He can ignore his lack of success until he comes home to Linda and reality. Although he is persistent as a salesman must be, he lacks the skills and personality essential to a successful salesman.