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Skye Burgess

Ideal Careers for each Enneagram Type

Updated: Aug 9, 2022

The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon; but that we wait so long to begin “living".




Life is a gift and so often we squander it by living someone else's dream or purpose. We must work to know ourselves and strive to live our lives in a fulfilled and joyful way. Most people spend a great deal of their life at work and therefore, choosing a career that we find ourselves at home in, is of vital importance. The Enneagram helps us to understand our strengths and desires and subsequently points us in the direction of the most suited career options. The article below suggests various career paths that are potentially well suited for each Enneagram type.



TYPE 1’s often align themselves to justice, they love doing things the "right way”, and favour ordered, organised environments. They are always looking to improve and one can always trust them to attend to the finer details.

Career Options:

  • Judge

  • Lawyer

  • Project Manager

  • Social Worker

  • Personal Assistant

  • Journalist

  • Quality Controller

  • Doctor


TYPE 2’s are typically generous, caring, and empathetic. They are o:en natural givers, good team players and know how to build cohesion. They can be excellent hosts, supportive and open-hearted.

Career Options:

  • Social Worker

  • Medical Professional / Nurse

  • Teacher

  • Counsellor/Life Coach

  • Customer Service Representative

  • Human Resource Manager

  • Politician


TYPE 3’s love to achieve and can be a company's power employee. They set goals and usually achieve them. They can be excellent spokespersons who engage a crowd and inspire others. They are generally very hard workers who strive to be the best in their field. They often flourish in careers which allow them to grow and progress in their profession.

Career Options:

  • Attorney

  • Advertising Consultant

  • Marketing

  • Financial Analyst

  • Entrepreneur

  • Corporate leader

  • Investment Banker


TYPE 4’s are natural creatives who turn the mundane into the extraordinary. They feel the world at its core and experience the rawness of ranging emotions. They love to be unique, deep, and connected. They understand others and hold soft spirits. They flourish in jobs which encourage self-expression.

Career Options:

  • Psychologist

  • Actor/Writer/Artist

  • Dance Instructor

  • Personal Trainer

  • Designer

  • Hair Stylist

  • Photographer


TYPE 5’s observe the world in an investigative way. They pay attention to the finer details and love to perfecting their craft. They are analytical thinkers and have a preference for working alone. They have an admirable thirst for knowledge and will always take an opportunity to expand their library of information.

Career Options:


• Engineer

• Software Developer/Computer Programmer

• Scientist • Author • Mathematician

• Botanist • Actuary



TYPE 6’s are unequivocally loyal; practical and tend to think ahead. They plan for the future, manage risk, and will stand up for who and what they believe in. They hold a deep ability for courage in a world which they see as having so much to fear. Type 6’s will defend their inner circle with all their gusto and are loyal friends. They can be funny, considerate, and dependable.

Career options:

  • Paralegal

  • Investment Manager/Banker

  • Administrative Assistant

  • Insurance Provider/Insurance Underwriter

  • Professor

  • Emergency Services (Fire/Ambulance/Police/Disaster Management/Paramedic)

  • Caregiver


TYPE 7’s are fun-loving, optimistic, dynamic and speedy individuals who love to try new things and motivate others. They are visionary thinkers who love to dream big. Type 7’s don't like to be bossed around and prefer the freedom to accomplish tasks their own way. They are able to make friends easily wherever they go. They love exciting work filled with new experiences and avoid boring or menial tasks.

Career Options:

  • Travel writer/Tour Guide

  • Interior Designer

  • Music producer

  • Bartender

  • Photographer

  • Entrepreneur


TYPE 8’s are known as "The Boss”. They like to be in charge and lead teams. People often look to type 8’s for direction and guidance. They are powerful, confident people who stand up for justice. They easily engage in challenges and don't mind speaking their mind. These natural leaders are assertive, self-confident, and decisive. They empower, protect and inspire others.

Career Options:

  • Lawyer

  • Director

  • Financial Advisor

  • Politician

  • Marketing Strategist

  • Advertising Strategist

  • Business Owner


TYPE 9’s are peace-loving people who bring harmony into any space. They are great mediators of conflict and are able to settle emotional storms. This results from an ability to create a safe space and to perceive situations holistically, intuitively and without judgement. They wake up from their idealised world and make changes that are important. They are natural, earthy people who find the best in everyone.

Career Options:

  • Therapist/Psychologist/Counsellor

  • Yoga instructor

  • Social Activist/ Social Worker

  • Human Resource Manager

  • Psychiatrist

  • Diplomat



By Skye Burgess



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