Best and Worst Careers for an Enneagram Type One

Enneagram Type Ones are rational, purposeful, self-controlled, principled and idealistic. At work, they're the people who dot every "i" and cross every "t" to ensure that things are done correctly and efficiently, and they're scared of making mistakes. They typically have problems with perfectionism, rigidity and impatience when things don't go according to plan.

Famous Ones include Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Nelson Mandela, Gwyneth Paltrow, Steve Jobs and Kate Middleton - proving that Type Ones can excel in any career they choose to pursue, from law to technology to entertainment. However, there are some careers where Type Ones might naturally excel, and others that are better suited to other Enneagram types. In this article, we'll explore some of the best and worst careers for an Enneagram Type One.

Best Careers for an Enneagram Type One

1. Law

Type Ones thrive in structured environments where rules are clearly defined and upheld. They have a strong sense of justice and fairness, making them well-suited for a career in law. Their attention to detail, analytical thinking and dedication to following procedures make them excellent lawyers or judges.

2. Accounting or Auditing

Similar to law, accounting and auditing require precise attention to detail and strict adherence to rules and regulations. Type Ones are natural problem-solvers, making them great at finding discrepancies in financial records and resolving them accurately.

3. Non-Profit or Advocacy Work

Type Ones have a strong moral compass and a desire to make the world a better place. This makes them well-suited for careers in non-profit organizations or advocacy work, where they can use their sense of justice and idealism to create positive change.

4. Education

Teaching allows Type Ones to share their knowledge and expertise with others while also providing a structured environment for learning. They excel at creating lesson plans, grading assignments and maintaining a sense of order in the classroom. Their preference for order and detailed planning might lead them to favor college teaching over kindergarten.

5. Project Management

With their strong organizational skills and attention to detail, Type Ones make excellent project managers. They excel at creating timelines, delegating tasks and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.

Worst Careers for an Enneagram Type One

While Type Ones can succeed in any career they choose, there are some jobs that may not be the best fit for their personality traits. These include roles that require a lot of flexibility or spontaneity, as well as jobs with high levels of stress or chaos.

1. Sales

Sales positions often require a high level of flexibility and adaptability, which can be challenging for Type Ones who prefer structure and predictability. Additionally, the pressure to meet sales goals and deal with rejection may cause stress and anxiety for Type Ones.

2. Emergency Services

Jobs in emergency services, such as paramedics or firefighters, can be highly stressful and chaotic at times. Type Ones may struggle with the unpredictability of these roles and may find it challenging to maintain their sense of control in such high-pressure situations.

3. Political Campaigning

The fast-paced and ever-changing nature of political campaigning can be overwhelming for Type Ones who prefer structure and predictability. They may also struggle with the moral compromises that are often necessary in the political world.

4. Hospitality

The hospitality industry, which includes roles such as hotel management, event planning and various customer service positions, often demands a high level of flexibility and adaptability. These environments can be chaotic and require quick decision-making and smooth handling of unexpected situations. Type Ones, who thrive in structured settings and dislike making mistakes, may find this type of work challenging.

Conclusion

While there are certainly careers that may be better suited for Type Ones, ultimately, an individual's success and satisfaction in a job depends on more than just their Enneagram type. It's important to consider other factors such as interests, skills and values when choosing a career path. If you're  unsure about which career path might be right for your Enneagram type, consider taking Truity's Career Aptitude Test. Based on the Holland Code and Big Five personality systems, this test can provide additional insights into your strengths, interests and potential career options, helping you make a more informed decision.