Enneagram Careers: Best Careers For Each Type

What to find out which careers suit your Enneagram type the best? This blog post will give you a list of careers that are perfect for your Enneagram type.

The Enneagram is a personality typing system that consists of nine different types. Every person belongs to one of the nine types, although one can have traits belonging to other types. You can try using Enneagram affirmations to realign with the core values of your type.

Simply put, it’s a useful guide on your journey towards self-development, relationship building, conflict resolution, and the improvement of team dynamics.

If you’re curious about finding your own Enneagram type, check out our FREE 5-Minutes Enneagram Test to get started.

Enneagram Type 1 Careers

career for enneagram type; type 1 reformer

Enneagram type 1s are usually the voice of reason in the group. They have strong opinions, and they are not afraid to tell it like it is.

Reformers are rational beings and they like to live out their ethics and values. They have a strong sense of right and wrong, so they are often advocating for change and equality.

Reformers’ main weakness is their fear of failure and imperfection.

Type ones prefer jobs that have clear progressions and advancement opportunities. They understand the meaning of hard work, diligence, and experience. 

An ideal career will have room for progression and growth.

Enneagram Type 1s Are Energized When:

  • They are asked to teach and share
  • Their boss values ethical action and values
  • Their peers come to them for advice
  • Their direct reports listen and follow instructions

Enneagram Type 1s Are Drained When:

  • They are surrounded by negative  coworkers
  • Their boss doesn’t pay attention to them
  • Their peers perceive them as uptight
  • Their direct reports are not obedient

Enneagram Type 1 Careers:

  • Lawyer
  • Judge
  • Politician
  • Doctor
  • GuidanceCounselor
  • Journalist
  • Professor
  • Entrepreneur
  • Negotiator
  • Career Coach
  • Activist
  • Therapist
  • Accountant
  • Military
  • Law Enforcement

Enneagram Type 2 Careers

career for enneagram type; type 2 helper

Enneagram type 2s live to aid those who are in need. They are selfless and they often put other people’s needs before their own.

Depending on the circumstances, this can be a good or bad thing.

Type twos value socialization and the warmth they receive from others. They excel in careers that are collaborative and working with like-minded individuals.

The ability to make a difference in someone’s life brings joy to type 2 individuals.

Enneagram Type 2s Are Energized When:

  • They are asked to help and get involved
  • Their boss values their effort
  • Their peers come to them for advice
  • Their direct reports appreciate their kindness

Enneagram Type 2s Are Drained When:

  • They are ignored or criticized
  • Their boss neglects their effort
  • Their peers are closed off
  • Their direct reports dislike them

Enneagram Type 2 Careers:

  • Doctor
  • Nurse
  • Teacher
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Hospitality Industry
  • Esthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Social Work
  • Human Resources
  • Psychotherapy
  • Veterinarian

Enneagram Type 3 Careers

career for enneagram type; type 3 achiever

Enneagram type 3s love to WIN. They are super competitive in everything they do, even if it is just a silly game of Monopoly.

They can be low-key workaholics, but they are willing to make personal sacrifices if it allows them to advance in their career or status.

Type threes take great pride in their career achievements. They will excel in jobs that are competitive and results-driven.

Enneagram Type 3s Are Energized When:

  • They accomplish their goals and objectives
  • Their boss provides the opportunity to move up
  • Their peers admire their achievements
  • Their direct reports share the same drive and motivation

Enneagram Type 3s Are Drained When:

  • They fail to hit their goals and targets
  • Their boss is lazy and complacent
  • Their peers are jealous of their success
  • Their direct reports are disrespectful

Enneagram Type 3 Careers:

  • Lawyer
  • Manager
  • Business Administration
  • Politician
  • Accountant
  • Financial Advisor
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Scientist
  • Marketing
  • Advertising
  • Entrepreneur
  • Surgeon
  • Investment Banker
  • Financial Analyst
  • Social Media Management

ALSO READ: 5 Ways to Build Self-Confidence

Enneagram Type 4 Careers

career for enneagram type; type 4 individualist

Enneagram type 4s feel like they are different than everyone else. They dislike people or things that are basic, so they prefer taking the road less traveled.

They like to express themselves through creative outlets such as art, music, and writing.

The best jobs for Enneagram type 4s are those that allow for creativity and innovation.

Enneagram Type 4s Are Energized When:

  • They are allowed to express themselves at work
  • Their boss values their unique perspectives
  • Their peers are open-minded
  • Their direct reports share the same vision and values

Enneagram Type 4s Are Drained When:

  • They are put into a box
  • Their boss play it safe all the time
  • Their peers are judgmental
  • Their direct reports don’t take them seriously

Enneagram Type 4 Careers:

  • Artist
  • Singer
  • Writer
  • Music Producer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Yoga Instructor
  • Tattoo Artist
  • Entrepreneur
  • Influencer

Enneagram Type 5 Careers

career for enneagram type; type 5 investigator

Source: Pexels

Enneagram type 5s are the Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drews of the group. They are alert, insightful, and curious.

They are not afraid of taking on the challenge of solving complex questions. Investigators thrive on innovation and problem-solving.

Their biggest fear is being seen as incapable or incompetent.

Enneagram Type 5s Are Energized When:

  • They are allowed to work autonomously
  • Their boss values independence
  • Their peers are hard-working
  • Their direct reports are able to work without constant supervision

Enneagram Type 5s Are Drained When:

  • They are assigned to tedious and boring work
  • Their boss neglects their ideas
  • Their peers are too sociable
  • Their direct reports need constant guidance

Enneagram Type 5 Careers:

  • Detective
  • Scientist
  • Researcher
  • Engineer
  • Software Developer
  • Psychologist
  • Forensic Investigator
  • Law Enforcement
  • Entrepreneur

Enneagram Type 6 Careers

career for enneagram type; type 6 loyalist

Enneagram type 6s are ride-or-dies. Once a loyalist approves of you into their circle, you have their full devotion.

Loyalists are super reliable and responsible, so you can call them in the middle of the night and they will pick up.

Their weakness is being abandoned or lack of security, career, or otherwise.

Enneagram Type 6s Are Energized When:

  • They feel safe and supported at work
  • Their boss trusts their work and advice
  • Their peers are sociable and warm
  • Their direct reports respect their guidance

Enneagram Type 6s Are Drained When:

  • Their work environment is not stable
  • Their boss ignores them or plays favorites
  • Their peers are closed off and cold
  • Their direct reports are unreliable

Enneagram Type 6 Careers:

  • Doctor
  • Veterinarian
  • Government Job
  • Teacher
  • Nurse
  • Stay-at-home Mom or Dad
  • Writer
  • Entrepreneur
  • Child Care
  • Social Worker

Enneagram Type 7 Careers

career for enneagram type; type 7 enthusiast

Enneagram type 7s love to have fun. They are extroverted and make friends wherever they go.

Fueled by optimism and curiosity, enthusiasts are not afraid to venture out of their comfort zones to embark on new adventures.

They love to live in the moment, and they hate feeling stuck.

Enneagram Type 7s Are Energized When:

  • They are able to express their creativity at work
  • Their boss values new ideas and suggestions
  • Their peers have interested outside of work
  • Their direct reports share a similar creative vision

Enneagram Type 7s Are Drained When:

  • Their work and projects are tedious and boring
  • Their boss doesn’t think outside the box
  • Their peers are resistant to change
  • Their direct reports lack energy and motivation

Enneagram Type 7 Careers:

  • Digital Nomad
  • Travel Blogger
  • Youtuber
  • Social Media Influencer
  • Journalist
  • Model
  • Writer
  • Marketing
  • Project Manager

Enneagram Type 8 Careers

career for enneagram type; type 8 challenger

Enneagram type 8s are super confident, and they love to take control.

They are experts at managing difficult situations and telling it like it is. They rarely back down from confrontations.

Challengers can seem cold or icy to most people because they have trouble giving up control and letting themselves be vulnerable.

The best jobs for Type 8s will allow them to push their limits.

Enneagram Type 8s Are Energized When:

  • They work in a competitive environment
  • Their boss values hard work and achievements
  • Their peers are energized and motivated
  • Their direct reports see them as a leader

Enneagram Type 8s Are Drained When:

  • Their work is unimportant and trivial
  • Their boss is too authoritative
  • Their peers are pushovers
  • Their direct reports are disrespectful

Enneagram Type 8 Careers:

  • Lawyer
  • TV & Film Producer
  • Marketing Director
  • Strategic Advisor
  • Manager
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Investment Banker
  • Entrepreneur
  • Financial Analyst
  • Project Manager

Enneagram Type 9 Careers

career for enneagram type; type 9 peacemakers

Enneagram type 9s are the “glue” of the friend group. They are very supportive of their friends and they welcome new people into their lives with open arms.

Peacemakers are quite the opposite of challengers because they prefer to shy away from confrontations.

The best careers for Enneagram type 9s will value teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Enneagram Type 9s Are Energized When:

  • They can work in a team setting
  • Their boss values teamwork
  • Their peers are kind and sociable
  • Their direct reports appreciate their kindness

Enneagram Type 9s Are Drained When:

  • The work environment is cut-throat and competitive
  • Their boss is distant and cold
  • Their peers are toxic and overly competitive
  • Their direct reports are in discord

Enneagram Type 9 Careers:

  • Nurse
  • Therapist
  • Social Worker
  • Human Resource Management
  • Activist
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Teacher
  • Child Care
  • Veterinarian

MUST-READ: Top 12 Best Enneagram Tests (with Free Options)

What are your thoughts on our list of best careers according to your Enneagram type? Share your ideas with us down below.