Type 1 Careers

In this article we’ll look at key career considerations for Enneagram Type 1’s.

How can a “type 1” use their unique skills and personality to get the most out of their work life? And which specific careers are the best (and worst) matches for this personality type? Okay, let’s dive in and learn more about the best Enneagram type 1 careers and job matches.

Overview of Enneagram Type 1 (“The Reformer”)

‘Type 1’ (or otherwise known as ‘the reformer’) is the first personality type of the Enneagram theory. Typically, type one’s are conscientious, ethical, organized and have a strong sense of right and wrong.

They are referred to as “reformers” (or sometimes as ‘perfectionists’) because they like to maintain high standards and are advocates of change, often striving to improve things. However, they are absolutely petrified of making mistakes. Due to this, type 1’s can sometimes have be critical, impatient and overly perfectionistic.

Career Considerations

Enneagram Type 1’s have many key qualities that they bring to the workplace. However, what makes them stand out from the rest is that they are:

• Rational and reasonable. They tend to proceed only on logic and objective, which makes them a great addition to any work environment.
• Principled. Type 1’s want to do what is right. They stick to the truth, value justice and want to be fair, objective and ethical.
• Purposeful. A Type 1 tends to spend a lot of time thinking about their actions and the impact of those actions on the outcome and/or on others.
• Type 1’s also tend to be honest, responsible, improvement-oriented and optimistic. They pay attention to detail and driven by the desire to care for and connect the wider community.

Best Careers for Enneagram Type 1’s

As type 1’s are often petrified of making mistakes and tend to strive for perfection, they will benefit from an environment where communication is key. Similarly, type 1’s will thrive in careers where the work environment is serious – such as in police departments or the education sector. They will work best with those who are professional and are passionate about constantly improving and seeking personal growth.

They are also likely to thrive in careers that are focused on small details and finding solutions to problems. Careers that are focused on correcting errors are suited to type 1’s. Such careers may include a detective, lawyer or architect.

Finally, type 1’s are best suited to careers that are focused on fighting for justice. Type 1’s are driven by what is right and have a true passion for helping those less fortunate. Such careers include social workers, counselors, and police officers.

Worst Careers for Enneagram Type 1’s

Type 1’s tend to be non-adaptable and overly critical when in the wrong environment. They can be deeply self-controlled, optimistic and conscientious and therefore will not thrive where they are surrounded by negativity or chaos. Enneagram Type 1’s should avoid environments where their ideas are ignored, as this will cause them to feel out of control. They should also avoid careers, such as administrative support roles, where making mistakes is inevitable. Similarly, careers where they can’t work to specific instructions should be avoided to prevent type 1’s from feeling frustrated.

Type 1’s should also avoid roles where the immediate purposeful impact of their work cannot be witnessed. Such roles may include working as a retail representative or a server. Finally, careers which require one to be attentive to detail and perfectionistic, such as accountancy or finance roles, should be avoided. As type 1’s are already perfectionistic and critical, they may become overly compulsive and anal in these roles.

Impact of Wings on Career & Work Life

As with all Enneagram types, the type 1 has two possible “wings” meaning most in this type borrow or lean towards one of the adjacent types on the Enneagram diagram.

Type 1 with a 9 wing (1w9)

People with a Enneagram with a type one wing nine (1w9) personality type tend to identify more with the type one, but also share several traits with type nine types. These type ones have a desire for justice and equality. They are greatly motivated by a strong sense or right and wrong. They tend to be calmer and more balanced than other type ones, meaning they see both sides of an issue easily.

Type 1 with a 2 wing (1w2)

Similarly, people with Enneagram with a type one wing two (1w2) personality type tend to identify more with the type one, but also share several traits with type two types. These type ones tend to be principled and desire justice and equality. They are, however, typically warmer than other type ones.