For those of you that don’t know what the Enneagram is, it’s an in-depth personality quiz that gives you a type from number 1 to 9. Each type is different and has different personality traits. Choosing a career path to follow can be hard but knowing your enneagram number can sometimes make it easier because it can help you go down the path that fits you best.
Type 1 – The Reformer
Type ones are ethical, purposeful, and have a strong desire to be “good.” Thy tend to have trouble relaxing and can become obsessed with wanting things to be perfect. Ones need a work environment that feels fair and where communication is straight-forward. They like to know what is expected of them, so they can meet expectations but also exceed those expectations. The best careers for them are the ones where small details are important and where they can correct error – the ones where their skills can be use in every way.
Job Ideas:
- Accountant
- Editor
- Architect
- Real Estate Agent
- Surgeon
- Event Planner
Type 2 – The Helper
Type twos love to make people happy. They seek roles where their helpful attitude is valued and where they won’t feel they are drained. They will also avoid roles where they may be taken for granted or feel unappreciated. Sometimes the most fulfilling for twos is working for a non-profit. They love to feel like their work is contributing to something that matters.
Job Ideas:
- Professor
- Doctor/Nurse
- Working for or starting a non-profit
- Doula
- Engagement/Wedding Photographer
Type 3 – The Achiever
Type threes are the busy bodies. Because of their energetic nature they most likely will have more than one career going at one time. They make decisions fast and don’t spend any time second-guessing themselves. Threes should avoid roles that don’t give them room to grow and have a team. Loved ones of threes must encourage balance because rest doesn’t come naturally for them.
Job Ideas:
- CEO of a Company
- Entrepreneur
- Speaker
- Stylist
- Marketing Director
Type 4 – The Individualist
Type fours contribute in a unique way and appreciate having the freedom to create. They sometimes find it hard to do more than what is expected – especially when they have a job they’re not passionate about. Fours might be better suited for a start-up business than an established business. Fours tend to choose creative fields.
Job Ideas:
- Artist
- Social Media Manager
- Writer
- Counselor
- Designer
Type 5 – The Investigator
Type fives are highly intelligent and love learning all they can to arm themselves with knowledge. Fives need more alone time than any of the other types, which makes things difficult if they are the boss. This can happen often because fives are typically fast- learners and soak up a lot of knowledge. If fives are around too much chaos for too long, they’ll shut down. They should look for roles with structure and space for themselves.
Job Ideas:
- Analyst
- Journalist
- Engineer
- Researcher
- Web Developer
Type 6 – The Loyalist
Since type sixes value safety and secure they tend to go for practical, steady jobs they feel a sense of safety in. They are slow to trust and are constantly assessing the risks in a given situation. They will often point out red flags so people will think through their decisions better. While it may feel negative at times, type sixes are needed in the office because they can save them from making costly mistakes. Sixes are some of the most committed and loyal employees. They should look for jobs where they can ask questions and a workplace that shared their values.
Job Ideas:
- Banker
- Paralegal
- Lawyer
- Dentist
- Business Manager at Established Company
Type 7 – The Enthusiast
Type sevens are some of the most fun people around. They aren’t big rule followers. They can be a bit scatter brained but are full of great ideas and bring a lot of personality to everything they do. Sevens do well in fast-paced environments where every day is different. They should seek roles where they can be fully creative and think big. They are quick to make decision but don’t think them fully through. They are the most spontaneous type and should look for work that encourages creativity.
Job Ideas:
- Actor
- Content Creator
- Trainer
- Chef
Type 8 – The Challenger
Type eights have a get-it-done attitude. However, they are not the first to make friends with their coworkers. They don’t like environments that feel too controlled. Eights don’t like to procrastinate and are not afraid to do the hard work. They would make a great executive assistant but would soon be running the place. Type eights have a powerful personality and are not afraid to stand up for the underdog. Because they get bored easily, it’s best for them to work in a fast-paced, stimulating environment.
Job Ideas:
- CEO
- Executive Assistant
- PR Director
- Agent
- Director of Sales
Type 9 – The Peacemaker
Type nines are supportive and bring team spirit to their work environments. They like when their needs are taken care of and find that the balance between work and social life is extremely important. If a job demands too much of them, they struggle to find joy in it and will get overwhelmed. Even though they may dislike their workplace, they may take longer than most other types to quit or talk to their boss because they are conflict-avoiders. They take their time with decisions, taking care to evaluate all sides. They should look for a job with flexibility because getting to the point is also not their strong suit.
Job Ideas:
- Teacher
- Artist
- Yoga Instructor
- Student Counselor
- Retreat Leader
If you don’t know what your enneagram number is, take the test! Here’s the link. https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test?ppcga=fixed&gclid=Cj0KCQiA7qP9BRCLARIsABDaZzghfQQfyq6s4s39Jw7Sici0fpW3_swjrD88S-yXCtFgOwDd6SztNAIaAtsREALw_wcB See what type you are and what job might be best for you.