Type 2 Careers
In this article we’ll outline the best and worst career options for the Enneagram “Type 2” personality type, commonly referred to as “the helper”. Which careers are the best fits? Which are the worst fits?
If you have taken the Enneagram evaluation and tested as a “type 2” or know others who are, then we hope this article helps you understand more about the best Enneagram type 2 careers and job matches.
Overview of Enneagram Type 2 (“The Helper”)
Enneagram Type 2’s, or otherwise known as the ‘helper’ is the second personality type of the Enneagram theory. Typically, these types are empathetic, sincere, friendly and sentimental.
Type 2’s are referred to as ‘helpers’ because they are selfless and altruistic. Type 2’s tend to be overly self-sacrificing and willing to help others. Due to this, they can sometimes slip into doing things for others in order to be needed. Type 2’s may have problems with possessiveness and with acknowledging their own emotions and needs.
Career Considerations
As the name suggests, many of a type 2’s strengths lie in their desire, ability and need to help others. At work, they bring key skills and qualities such as:
- Positive Attitude. Their positive, constructive and “we-can-fix-this” attitude means that type 2’s are often well liked and excellent team players.
- Team-Oriented. They have the desire to drive communities together and get people working better as a team.
- Empathetic. Type 2’s have the ability to naturally recognize the needs of others and want to get to know other people.
- Persistent. They are often persistent and dedicated to any tasks at hand.
- Encouraging. Type 2’s are supportive and encouraging of others around them which, again, makes them an excellent team player.
Best Careers for Enneagram Type 2’s
In general, any career with meaningful face to face connections is likely to be suitable for a type 2. Type 2’s are energized by being around others and being asked for help. Therefore, their career should be sociable and one that has a direct impact on others.
Type 2’s are often desperate for approval from others and therefore must be in roles where they feel appreciated by their colleagues and their seniors. As type 2’s love to make people happy and enjoy working closely with others, they are likely to thrive in roles where they bring joy to others. Such careers include nursing, a doctor, personal trainer, social worker, religious leader or non-profit work.
Many type 2’s also lean towards being teachers. As a teacher, type 2’s can make a huge impact to the lives of their students and will have meaningful and trusting interactions. Other roles, such as counselor, psychologist or therapist are suited to type 2’s. In these roles, type 2’s can be sincere, compassionate and transformative. They provide help, which is sometimes life saving, to those who really need it.
Worst Careers for Enneagram Type 2’s
It is crucial that enneagram type 2’s work in caring roles, where they can demonstrate their help for others. Type 2’s must seek roles where they feel needed and worthy.
Some type 2’s can sometimes become self-delude and are unable to acknowledge the emotional needs and boundaries. To avoid this, they should avoid careers where their helpfulness is taken for granted and they feel that they efforts are not valued. Such careers are ones in sales or stockbroking.
Similarly, careers where type 2’s will feel ignored or are criticized in should be avoided. Career in competitive markets (e.g., sales, modeling, acting) with peers who are cold and unwelcoming will also leave them feeling unfulfilled.
Impact of Wings on Career & Work Life
Like all Enneagram types, the enneagram type 2 has two distinct “wings”, meaning most individuals within this type borrow or lean towards one of the adjacent types on the Enneagram diagram.
Type 2 with 1-wing (2w1)
People with a Enneagram with a type two wing one (2w1) personality type tend to identify more with the type two, but also share several traits with type ones. These type twos tend to be altruistic. Typically, they are quieter and more reserved than other type twos.
Type 2 with 3-wing (2w3)
Similarly, people with Enneagram with a type two wing three (2w3) personality tend to identify more with the type two, but also share several traits with type threes. These type twos tend to be social and ambitious.