Type 7 Careers
Optimistic, enthusiastic and downright “fun”, type 7’s have different strengths in the workplace than other Enneagram types. Hence their nickname, “the enthusiast”. In this article, we will explore what those strengths and learn more about the best Enneagram type 7 careers and job matches.
Overview of Enneagram Type 7 (“The Enthusiast”)
Enneagram Type 7, or the ‘enthusiast’, is the seventh personality type of the Enneagram theory. Typically, type sevens are extroverted, optimistic, versatile, playful and spontaneous. They believe in getting the most out of every situation and never settling for less.
They are referred to as ‘enthusiasts’ (or sometimes as “epicures”) because they constantly seek new and exciting experiences. Type 7’s are generally high-spirited but when they are exhausted, they may then become distracted, impatient and/or impulsive.
Career Considerations
Many of an Enneagram type 7’s strengths lie in their joyfulness and adaptability. At work, they bring key skills and qualities such as:
- Goal-orientation. As type 7’s are motivated by new experiences, they tend to be highly goal motivated.
- Optimism. Type 7’s tend to be highly energized and optimistic.
- Sociable personalities. Type 7’s have high levels of energy and enjoy meeting and interacting with new people.
- Problem-solving. Type 7’s tend to have the ability to see many options and lots of possible solutions to a problem.
- Adaptability. Type 7’s have the ability to learn new skills and can easily handle changes in plans. They also tend to be quick and creative thinkers.
Best Careers for Enneagram Type 7’s
As Enneagram type 7’s are extroverted and enthusiastic, they are best suited to fast-paced environments which allow them to be creative and think big. Based on this, careers in marketing, sales or in the travel industry may be suited to type 7’s.
Type 7’s are likely to excel in careers that offer new and exciting experiences. They need to be constantly exploring new ideas and have a changing routine. Therefore, type 7’s are likely to thrive as chefs, travel agents, pilot, interior designers or event planners. Each one of these careers will have varying schedules, the ability to learn new skills and exciting experiences. Type 7’s also don’t like to feel like they don’t have multiple options or choices, so they may also be successful entrepreneurs.
Finally, type 7’s will typically need to be in careers where they spend lots of time with people. They are likely to prefer sociable careers, such as personal trainers, bartenders or servers.
Worst Careers for Enneagram Type 7’s
Type 7’s need to feel engaged and excited. They should avoid being bored and are therefore unlikely to thrive in roles that focus on small details or have repetitive assignments. Such careers include accountants, actuaries or surgeons .
Enneagram Type 7’s are unlikely to thrive in unsociable careers, ones where they feel they have to commit to long term places and ones with strict schedules and little choice and freedom. Similarly, the may also not like career paths that don’t offer a lot of authority, such as a technician, assistant or admin.
Impact of Wings on Career & Work Life
Like all Enneagram types, the type 7 has two distinct “wings”, meaning most individuals within this type borrow or lean towards one of the adjacent types on the Enneagram diagram.
Type 7 with a 6 wing (7w6)
People with an Enneagram type seven wing six (7w6) personality tend to identify more with the type sevens but also share several traits with type sixes. These type sevens tend to be enthusiastic and adventurous, but also responsible; meaning they are better at sticking to prior commitments than other sevens.
Type 7 with an 8 wing (7w8)
Similarly, people with an Enneagram type seven wing eight (7w8) personality tend to identify more with the type seven, but also share several traits with type eights. These type sevens tend to be enthusiastic, determined and protective. They are also more tough and work-oriented than other type sevens.