Navigating the path to a fulfilling career can be transformative, and the Enneagram serves as a compass guiding this journey. By delving into your Enneagram personality type, you uncover not just the facets of your character but also the motivations that drive you. This insight is pivotal in aligning your career choices with your intrinsic values, ensuring a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
As someone who has navigated a couple career changes and authored the Enneagram Career Guide, I understand the importance of aligning one’s profession with their personality. My journey, coupled with testimonials from individuals who found clarity and direction through the guide, underscores the transformative power of the Enneagram in career decision-making.
I enjoyed being guided into deeper thinking about what is truly important to me and how that can translate into my career. – Samantha L.
Evan does a fantastic job of helping people find fulfillment in their careers by aligning their enneagram type to their skill set. By utilizing this guide, everyone can find work that fulfills them while staying true to who they are. – Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober, MA
The Enneagram is more than a personality tool; it’s a roadmap to self-discovery and professional fulfillment. The objective here is not to pigeonhole you into a specific career but to illuminate the motivations that resonate with you. By doing so, we aim to connect you with careers that are not just jobs but extensions of your passions.
It’s crucial to address and dispel limiting thoughts that can hinder your career progression. Phrases like “I’m stuck here” or “It’s too late to change” are barriers to realizing your potential. The truth is, change is possible at any stage, and opportunities await those ready to seek them.
Three Pillars for Career Alignment While Using The Enneagram:
1. Understand Your Key Motivations:
The Enneagram shines a light on what motivates each type. Aligning these motivations with your career choices can lead to a more fulfilling professional journey. A study by Holland (1959) underscores this, emphasizing that career satisfaction stems from aligning motivations, knowledge, and personality.
2. Discover Your ‘Why’:
Simon Sinek, in his book Start With Why, posits that understanding your ‘why’ is foundational to career fulfillment. While most know WHAT they do and HOW to do it, the WHY often remains elusive. Identifying your ‘why’ brings clarity and purpose to your career choices.
3. Identify A Cause Worth Sacrificing For:
Sinek also advocates for identifying a “just cause” that resonates with you. Discovering work that aligns with a purpose you’re passionate about can make your career journey deeply rewarding.
With these foundational tips in mind, explore the guide below to delve into careers that align with each Enneagram type. This guide is designed to be a starting point, steering you towards a career that resonates with your personality and motivations.
Discover Your Ideal Career Path Tailored to Your Enneagram Type
Navigating the maze of career choices can seem daunting, especially when you find yourself at a crossroads, feeling lost or unfulfilled in your professional journey. The frustration of being stuck in a role that doesn’t resonate with who you are can be overwhelming.
The Enneagram is a powerful tool that goes beyond mere personality typing. It offers a bit of a reflection into your inner self, revealing the core motivations that drive your decisions and actions. By understanding your Enneagram type, you can carve a career path that not only aligns with your skills but also brings a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
In this guide, you’ll find the unique characteristics of each Enneagram type, shedding light on careers that can align with some of your deepest motivations.
Career Ideas For Enneagram 1: The Improver
Type 1, known as ‘The Improver‘, is characterized by a well-developed sense of integrity and balance. They are conscientious, ethical, and committed to improvement—not just in themselves but in everything they engage with.
Core Desire: To achieve integrity, balance, and to be ethical in all endeavors.
Intrinsic Motivation: “Your efforts are meaningful and valued.”
Career Insights:
Type 1 thrives in professions where their natural inclination towards order, precision, and excellence is not only recognized but also essential to success. They are at their best in roles that allow them to apply their methodical approach to create and maintain high standards.
Meet Alex, a Type 1 who has excelled in urban planning. Alex’s dedication to creating functional, beautiful spaces that serve the community’s needs showcases how Type 1’s desire for accuracy and ethical standards can manifest as a profound professional strength.
10 Career Options For Type 1
For Type 1, careers that resonate with their core values often involve creating or enhancing systems and processes. They can excel in fields such as:
- Quality Control
- Project Management
- Compliance and Regulatory Affairs
- Environmental Planning
- Healthcare Administration
- Legal Services
- Financial Auditing
- Academic Administration
- Policy Analysis
- Technical Writing
These career ideas could align with an Enneagram Type 1’s intrinsic drive for integrity, order, and excellence. In these roles, Type 1s can fully engage their meticulous nature and ethical standards, which are essential in professions that demand precision and a principled approach. Whether it’s through upholding the quality of products and services, managing complex projects to successful outcomes, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, or advocating for environmental and healthcare improvements, Type 1s will find these paths not only leverage their strengths but also satisfy their deep-seated need to contribute meaningfully to their work environment and society at large.
Deep Dive:
For a comprehensive exploration of career pathways that align with the strengths and values of Type 1, including detailed job roles and the nuances of how a Type 1 can navigate and excel in each, use the following link: Enneagram Type 1 Career Advice and Coaching.
Career Ideas For Enneagram 2: The Helper
Type 2, recognized as ‘The Helper’, is the embodiment of generosity and selflessness. They are naturally relational, nurturing, and dedicated to supporting others, often placing the needs of others before their own.
Core Desire: To be appreciated and loved.
Intrinsic Motivation: “Your kindness is a gift that is cherished.”
Career Insights:
Type 2s flourish in roles where their altruistic nature and ability to connect with others are not just beneficial but the cornerstone of their professional success. They excel in environments that celebrate their empathetic approach and where their contributions make a direct impact on the well-being of others.
Consider Jamie, a Type 2 who found her passion in social work. Jamie’s empathetic nature and genuine desire to help have made her a beacon of hope in her community. Her story illustrates how Type 2s can transform their innate desire to assist others into a fulfilling career path.
10 Career Options For Type 2
Type 2s are drawn to careers that allow them to express their caring nature and engage in meaningful interactions. They shine in fields such as:
- Counseling and Therapy
- Nursing and Healthcare
- Social Work
- Human Resources
- Teaching and Education
- Non-profit Sector
- Customer Service
- Hospitality and Event Planning
- Personal Coaching
- Humanitarian Aid Work
These career paths are well-suited for Enneagram Type 2’s desire to be helpful and their joy in seeing others thrive. In these roles, Type 2s can harness their exceptional interpersonal skills and their profound capacity for empathy. Whether it’s through providing care, offering guidance, or creating supportive environments, Type 2s will find these careers rewarding as they align with their fundamental need to be involved in nurturing and positive change.
Deep Dive:
If you want to further explore the the synergy between Type 2’s altruistic personality and potential career paths, including in-depth job roles and how a Type 2 can excel in these professions, follow the link below for more tailored career advice and coaching: 
Career Ideas For Enneagram 3: The Achiever
Threes tend to be goal-oriented doers. They are success-driven and value accomplishment. A three can be very influential, talented, and good at setting goals.
Their core desire is to be admirable, successful, and respected.
The message the three most want to hear is, “You are valuable simply for being you .”
A career choice for an enneagram three should be based on their freedom to achieve success both personally and for the organization. Three’s thrive in an environment where their drive is appreciated and can confidently drive positive results by accomplishing big goals.
Therefore, enneagram type three careers that provide an opportunity for goal-setting, motivating others, and achieving results will allow them to naturally lean into their giftings and personality traits.
To further explore and learn more about Enneagram type 3 career choices available, use the link below:
Career Ideas For Enneagram 4: The Creative Individualist
Fours are on the hunt for depth and authenticity. They are in tune with their feelings and the environment surrounding them. A four can also be very creative, artistic, and inspiring.
The core desire of a four is to be authentic.
The message fours long to hear is, “You are special and unique.”
A career choice for an enneagram four should be based on their freedom to create change through creativity. Fours thrive in an environment where their individuality is appreciated and can drive positive change through authentic expression.
Therefore, enneagram type four careers that provide an opportunity to leave an impression, be creative, share their insights, and be expressive in their work will allow them to naturally lean into their giftings and personality traits.
To further explore and learn more about Enneagram type 4 career choices available, use the link below:
Career Ideas For Enneagram 5: The Observer
For the most part, fives are private, with a very active mind. They are observant, like to understand how the world works, and knowledgeable. An enneagram five can be intense, perceptive secretive, and even innovative.
The core desire of a five is to be competent.
The message a five wants to hear is, “Your capable, but it’s ok to ask for help.”
A career choice for an enneagram five should be based on their freedom to inspire by sharing new ideas and concepts. Fives thrive in an environment where their need for space is understood, and they can drive positive change by solving complex problems.
Therefore, enneagram type five careers that provide an opportunity to explore ideas, develop new skills, have alone time, and share their insights will allow them to naturally lean into their giftings and personality traits.
To further explore and learn more about Enneagram type 5 career choices available, use the link below:
Career Ideas For Enneagram 6: The Loyalist
Sixes make great friends. They are loyal (hence the title), responsible, and committed. A six will value security, feeling safe, and high levels of trust.
The core desire of a six is to be secure and supported.
A six most want to hear the message: “You are safe.”
A career choice for an enneagram six should be based on their freedom to provide stability and safety to the organization. Sixes thrive in an environment that is consistent and when they can drive positive change by helping the team make the best decisions possible.
Therefore, enneagram type six careers that provide an opportunity to work in a team environment with consistent expectations and security will allow them to naturally lean into their giftings and personality traits.
To further explore and learn more about Enneagram type 6 career choices available, use the link below:
Career Ideas For Enneagram 7: The Enthusiastic Visionary
Sevens love variety and like to keep their options open. They are highly optimistic, future-thinking, and energetic. A type seven is typically spontaneous, busy, and loves to have fun.
The core desire of a seven is to be happy.
The message sevens long for is, “You will be completely cared for.”
A career choice for an enneagram seven should be based on their freedom to have new experiences and networks. Sevens thrive in an environment that is optimistic. A seven will feel fulfilled when they can drive positive change by providing vision and dreaming of new possibilities.
Therefore, enneagram type seven careers that provide an opportunity for new experiences in correlation with large amounts of freedom will allow them to naturally lean into their giftings and personality traits.
To further explore and learn more about Enneagram type 7 career choices available, use the link below:
Career Ideas For Enneagram 8: The Challenger
Eights are powerful and self-confident. An eight can be a force of nature because they carry a strong presence and naturally like to take charge. An eight can also be compassionate and concerned with justice. They have a strong will and know what they want.
The desire of an eight is to be protected.
The message an eight wants to hear is, “You are important.”
A career choice for an enneagram eight should be based on their freedom to lead and make difficult decisions. Eights thrive in an environment where their can-do attitude is appreciated and have the ability to drive positive change by standing up for others.
Therefore, enneagram type eight careers that provide an opportunity to lead, make decisions, and actively take on challenges will allow them to naturally lean into their giftings and personality traits.
To further explore and learn more about Enneagram type 8 career choices available, use the link below:
Career Ideas For Enneagram 9: The Peacemaker
Nines are often the glue that holds relationships together. They are diplomatic in their choice of words, modest, and generally easy-going. A nine tends to be agreeable and often downplay their wants or needs. They are also great at seeing both sides of things too.
The desire of a nine is peace.
The message nines long to hear is, “You matter too.”
A career choice for an enneagram nine should be based on their freedom to create peace by resolving problems and bringing groups together. Nines thrive in an environment where their need for stability is understood and have the ability to drive positive change by supporting others and mediating conflict.
Therefore, enneagram type nine careers that provide an opportunity to mediate conflicts, support others, and bring groups together will allow them to naturally lean into their giftings and personality traits.
To further explore and learn more about Enneagram type 9 career choices available, use the link below:
More Career Ideas & Advice For Enneagram Type Nine
Your career is an opportunity to make a difference, serve others, and find joy in your work. I hope using this enneagram careers and advice guide is helpful to you. Remember, things can change, you’re not stuck, and you have more to offer. Using the enneagram to help you align your passion with your work is a worthwhile endeavor and know that I am cheering for you.
