Type 4 Careers
This article will explore different career options for the Enneagram “Type 4”. This personality type is typically strong with creative endeavors and seeks not only to make a living financially but to bring about a sense of meaning and beauty to their work.
In this article, we will explore a type 4’s strengths, what they can bring to the workplace and which careers they are best suited to! So, without further ado, let’s learn more about the best Enneagram type 2 careers and job matches.
Overview of Enneagram Type 4 (“The Individualist”)
Type 4, or otherwise known as the ‘individualist’ is the fourth personality type of the Enneagram theory. Typically, these types are sensitive, self-aware, creative and personal.
They are referred to as “individualists” (or sometimes as ‘romantics’) because they have the desire to find themselves, their significance and their identity. Type 4’s tend to be emotionally honest and seek to create individuality and beauty. However, they may also withdraw from others to protect their self-image, meaning they can sometimes be moody, self-conscious and dwell on self-pity.
Career Considerations
Many of a type 4’s strengths lie in their creativity, expressiveness and their desire to leave an impression on the world. At work, they bring key skills and qualities such as:
- Sensitivity. Type 4’s are sensitive to and understand the feelings of others.
- Self-awareness. Type 4’s have the ability to connect deeply with their own emotions and have an awareness of their own growth areas.
- Creativity. Type 4’s are imaginative and deep-thinkers. They will bring depth and creativity to the workplace.
Best Careers for Enneagram Type 4’s
Type 4’s seek individuality. Therefore, they tend to seek work in places that care about authenticity and creativity. Rather unsurprisingly, type 4’s are likely to excel in creative careers where the express emotions in forms of art. Examples of such careers include artists, photographers, writers or various types of designers.
Ideally, type 4’s will want to work in places where they can connect with other people. They will want to work as part of a team with other like-minded individuals who value and accept them. Type 4’s will thrive working with attentive, genuine and open-minded peers who understand their vision. A career in marketing, or as an editor will allow type 4’s to work in open-minded teams.
Worst Careers for Enneagram Type 4’s
Enneagram Type 4’s can take a pessimistic view on the world. Therefore, careers that focus too much on negatives may not suit type 4’s. Similarly, career that have constantly overwhelming situations (e.g., paramedics, physicians, police officers) may cause type 4’s to become withdrawn and feel melancholy.
Enneagram Type 4’s are afraid of feeling like they have no personal significance, and therefore must do a career that they value. They should work in places where they can be themselves. Careers where they work under the supervision of someone else and follow their way of doing things (e.g., as an administrative or executive assistant) are unlikely to be suited to type 4’s. Similarly, careers such as a financial analyst, actuary or lab technician will not enhance a type 4’s uniqueness and individuality.
On top of this, type 4’s must have the opportunity to be creative. They thrive of being able to express themselves and therefore, any career that does not promote creativity, such as as a food server, should be avoided.
Impact of Wings on Career & Work Life
Like all Enneagram types, the type 4 has two distinct “wings”, meaning most individuals within this type borrow or lean towards one of the adjacent types on the Enneagram diagram.
Type 4 with a 3 wing (4w3)
People with a Enneagram type four wing three (4w3) personality tend to identify more with the type four, but also share several traits with type three’s. These type fours tend to be creative, energetic and productive. They are generally more sociable than other type fours.
Type 4 with a 5 wing (4w5)
Similarly, people with Enneagram type four wing five (4w5) personality tend to identify more with the type four, but also share several traits with type five’s. These type fours tend to be introspective, creative and aim to have a deep understanding of the world around them. Due to this, they tend to be less concerned with what others thing of them in comparison to other type fours.