Figuring out your career path is no easy feat.
One day we’re babies in high school, and the next day, we’re required to pick a major that will define the rest of our careers.
Maybe you’re like I was, and post-college, you feel a little lost. Even though you did choose a major, you’re not sure if it’s right for you. You’re not even sure you’ll pursue something in that field, but you don’t know what else to do. And you’re hoping to find a path that you’ll find fulfillment in.
If you’re not already an enneagram person, and you don’t know what I’m talking about over here, but you want to know, take the personality test* first and come back.
Whichever enneagram type you are, you can do a broad variety of jobs – you are not limited.
That said, there are certain things you should look out for when looking for a job based on your personality. Don’t take these suggestions as restrictions to what you can do and achieve; it’s just a fun tool to see what options might be most suited to your type.
Type 1 – The Reformer
Ones are ethical, purposeful, and have a strong desire to be “good”. Ones tend to have trouble relaxing, get caught up in who is right and who is wrong, and at their worst, can become obsessive about perfection.
Ones need to have a work environment that feels fair and where communication is straightforward. They like to know what’s expected of them, so they can not only meet expectations––but exceed them. They care about the nitty-gritty details, and will make decisions based on whether it feels like the right thing to do. The best career choices for them are the ones where they can correct errors, and where the small details are important.
Job ideas for ones:
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Editor
- Interior designer
- Architect
- Real estate agent
- Surgeon
- Event planner
Type 2 – The Helper
Type twos love to make people happy and to be of service. Type twos should seek roles where their helpful attitude will be valued, and not feel draining. They should avoid roles where their helpfulness will be taken for granted and leave them feeling resentful and unappreciated.
Working for a non-profit that they deeply believe in might be the most fulfilling for twos. They love to feel like their work is contributing, but often can find themselves giving too much – and have to find the balance. They have a gift of bringing everyone together and care deeply about building relationships with their coworkers and bosses. They are more likely to work for someone else. But if they do work for themselves, they will likely do so in environments where their role brings lots of joy to others.
Job ideas for twos:
- Professor
- Doctor
- Nurse
- Working for or starting a non-profit
- Engagement & wedding photographer
- Doula
Type 3 – The Achiever
Type threes are the energetic, busy types. The type threes will likely have more than one career going at a time. They are constantly doing and inspiring others around them to do more. They make decisions fast and don’t spend any time second-guessing them. Threes are the most energetic type and feel valued most by the amount they accomplish.
They should avoid roles that don’t give them room to grow and have a team. They should also avoid jobs that don’t encourage work-life balance, because they will likely risk their health and experience burnout if they don’t ever rest. Rest doesn’t come naturally for threes, so they need to be encouraged to have balance. Achievers should look out for roles that allow them to push the status quo, give them an opportunity to motivate others, and use their voices for good.
Job ideas for threes:
- CEO of a company
- Entrepreneur
- Speaker
- Podcast host
- Stylist
- Marketing director
Type 4 – The Individualist
Type fours love to contribute in a unique way, and appreciate having the freedom to create. They like to have clear expectations from bosses, and at times find it challenging to do more than what is expected – especially when at a job that isn’t their passion.
Fours might be better suited for a start-up business than an established business. Because they care about authenticity, they will struggle to do work for companies that they don’t believe in. Fours tend to choose creative fields, and while that might make them likely to work for themselves, they struggle with the self-discipline that comes with entrepreneurship.
Job ideas for fours:
- Artist
- Social media manager
- Advertising (for a brand they believe in)
- Writer
- Counselor
- Designer
Type 5 – The Investigator
Type fives are highly intelligent and love learning as much as they can to arm themselves with knowledge. Type fives need alone time more than other types do, which makes it difficult if they’re the boss, which can happen often because fives are typically fast learners, and soak up a lot of knowledge.
If they’re around people and too much chaos for too long, they’ll shut down. Type fives should look for roles with structure and space to themselves. They aren’t likely to enjoy roles with public speaking, too much time with people, too many surprises, or too much flexibility.
Job ideas for fives:
- Analyst
- Journalist
- Engineer
- Researcher
- Web developer
- Specialist (in any field)
Type 6 – The Loyalist
Type sixes tend to go for practical, steady jobs that they feel a sense of safety in. They are not likely to work at a start-up, because it feels too risky. They are slow to trust and are constantly assessing the risks in a given situation. They will often point out red flags and play devil’s advocate to make sure people are thinking through their decisions, especially at work. While it can feel negative at times, we need our type six people, because they can save us from making costly mistakes.
Sixes are some of the most committed, loyal employees. They should look for jobs where they can ask questions, and a workplace that shares their values.
Job ideas for sixes:
- Banker
- Paralegal
- Lawyer
- Dentist
- Business manager at established company
Type 7 – The Enthusiast
Type sevens are some of the most fun people to be around. They don’t love authority and aren’t huge rule followers. They can be a bit scattered, but are full of great ideas and bring a lot of personality and joy to everything they do. They do well in the fast-paced, everyday-is-different type of environments. Unlike type ones, they should avoid jobs with small details, and instead pursue work that allows them to be fully creative and think big. They are quick to make decisions but don’t often think it fully through. They are the most spontaneous type and should look for work that encourages storytelling and creativity.
Job ideas for sevens:
- TV personality – Actor or host
- Content creator
- Hairstylist
- Trainer
- Chef
- Travel agent
Type 8 – The Challenger
Type eights have a get-it-done attitude, but aren’t always the first to make friends with their coworkers. They don’t like environments that feel micro-managed or too controlled. Eights aren’t afraid to do the hard work and don’t tend to procrastinate. They make for a killer executive assistant, but will likely be running the place any day now.
Eights have a powerful persona, and will stand up for the underdogs. They are known as “protectors” because they care deeply about justice. They get bored easily, so they are best suited for work in a fast-paced, stimulating environment.
Job ideas for eights:
- CEO
- Executive assistant (before they take over the empire, obviously)
- Journalist
- PR director
- Agent
- Event planner
- Director of sales
Type 9 – The Peacemaker
Nines are supportive and bring a great sense of morale and team spirit to their work environments. They like their needs to feel taken care of and find work-life balance to be extremely important. They struggle to find joy in work that demands too much of them and can get overwhelmed.
If they dislike their work place, they might take longer than most other types to quit or talk to their boss––because they are conflict-avoiders. They take their time with decisions, and take care to evaluate all the sides. Getting to the point isn’t their strong suit, so they should look for jobs that allow for flexibility.
Job ideas for nines:
- Teacher
- Artist
- Yoga instructor
- Retreat leader
- Travel agent
- Student counselor
What’s your type and what career are you in right now? Does this feel true to you? Let us know!
➡ Psst. Looking for a career change?*
How about a career designed for your personality and unique gifts? This Enneagram Career Guide was built to help you find your dream job that will actually fulfill you. Evan Doyle of Enneagram Gift wrote this excellent, robust career guide to lead you to a meaningful career path through the lens of the enneagram.
It’s the perfect guide if you’re struggling with figuring out what career is the next right thing for you. Find your dream career where your talents and desires meet.
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(*We’re Truity and Enneagram Career Guide affiliates. We only recommend the stuff we love. If you decide to purchase from either, we’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you.)
