This article will take a look at the 7w8 enneagram type and introduce their fears and desires. Also, the article will highlight what workplace practices suit this enneagram type or not and which jobs best suit the ‘Opportunist’.
The 7w8 Enneagram & Careers
Here is a list of all the jobs that best suit the enneagram 7w8 type:
- Motivational Speaker
- Travel Writer
- TV Anchor
- Promoter
- Sales Manager
- Publicist
- Travel Agent
- Firefighter
- Paramedic
Before we look at some of these jobs in detail and why they are best suited for the type 7w8 enneagram, we will introduce the enneagram first!
The 7w8 Enneagram: The Opportunist
The 7w8 enneagram that is also known as the ‘Opportunist’ is one that is mostly made up of traits from the type 7 enneagram but shares some traits with the type 8 enneagram too. Compared to most type 7 enneagrams, these individuals are more committed and hard working in their work going the extra mile. They like to put work first and ensure they have completed their tasks or assignments. This is powered by the innate determination they have to get done with whatever they have promised to get done. The 7w8 enneagram is also more tough in their behavior and a bit protective – they like to remain composed.
At the same time they are very enthusiastic individuals. They like to be energetic in whatever they do rather than take a sluggish or half hearted approach in what they do. They are keen to get things done and take an interest in whatever is on their schedule that needs attention.
Like other enneagrams, these ones also like to seek new opportunities and make the best out of them. They are gratification seekers and don’t want to miss out any experiences that they come across. At the same time, they have a very optimistic attitude about life and like to be happy!
They have an extroverted trait to them as well. The type 7w8 enneagram is fond of being around other people and loves to interact, socialize and have fun. They like to attend public events or gatherings where they can meet new people, relax and just enjoy the moment and live in it. Hence, these people are great to call to parties or gatherings because they keep things alive and going and don’t let anyone feel left out or bored – they are the life of the party!
It is obvious that one fear these enneagrams have is missing out on the fun going around them. Hence they may fall into a dilemma when it comes to commitments or letting go and just having fun. However, their personality tends to pull them more towards their commitments and hence they are able to pull through and show how reliable they are – making the right choices at the right time matters.
The Fear of Opportunists
Although they want to be committed and come out as reliable people others can depend on because they ensure they meet tasks, this enneagram is scared of missing out on new experiences. They do not want to be deprived of what life has to offer them and this puts them in a difficult spot. Why? They have a number of commitments and work tasks to meet so it is not always possible to let go of things and do what they want when they want to.
This fear is accompanied by the one that they may miss out because of their work schedules. They do not want to be controlled by what they are doing and wish to have flexible schedules that allow them to organize things from time to time so they can incorporate new things into their schedule and hence not miss out on anything they want to pursue.
The Basic Desire – Type 7w8 Enneagrams
These guys just want to be happy and content. They want to be assured that they have not missed out on anything that they wanted to try. Being happy is an integral part of their peace and they do usually attain this by surrounding themselves with people that they get along with, like or are new and can thus get to learn more about them. They like to travel around the world and be part of new cultural or social experiences and see how things are different in other parts of the world.
The type 7w8 enneagram also likes to attend parties. It gives them a chance to relax and meet new people and just socialize and hence get lost in the moment.
What is interesting is that this enneagram will do absolutely anything to keep themselves happy even if it is a false illusion they are under. They will justify others actions and try to suppress bad feelings that they have. It may work in the short time but it will eventually come back to haunt them later.
Workplace Practices: The Good & Bad Ones
Here are some workplace practices that either motivate or demotivate the type 7w8 enneagram at work!
Centre Of Attention
Yes, this enneagram likes being at the centre of attention. This allows them to make sure they don’t miss out on anything going on at work and also they get to interact with everyone at the office! Being an important part of most discussions assures them that they will not miss out on anything that would interest them!
Accomplishing Goals
This is very rewarding for enneagrams of this type especially at work! They love achieving the goals they have set for themselves or even management set them!
Hence, it is important that management exercises the concept of SMART goals which are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. This ensures that the type 7w8 enneagram can not only see the hard work they put in but they are actually capable of reaching the goals that have been set. This is important because if management sets goals that can never be achieved then it would greatly demotivate the enneagram type under discussion.
A Lively Office
This is what makes this personality type very happy. Being at the office shouldn’t just be about work but also about having a good time with the people who contribute to the achievements the company makes. Thus, having parties and celebrations greatly motivate the Opportunist.
Strict Schedules
This is what really demotivates the type 7w8 enneagram! They do not like strict schedules especially ones that are set by others. They want to create their own routines that are flexible enough to allow them to navigate through their work in a comfortable manner and also put things at a pause in case needed.
The 7w8 Enneagram & Careers
Here are some jobs that this enneagram type can pull off easily and why!
Motivational Speaker
Being a motivational speaker is an excellent job for the type 7w8 enneagram! Not only do they get to be the centre of attention but they also get to meet and interact with new people and talk a lot – this really satisfies their extraversion trait. Furthermore, this job entails traveling and learning more and more about people’s experiences which makes it not only fun but an interesting and dynamic job.
Travel Writer
This is an interesting and adventurous occupation for the type 7w8 enneagram. They not only get to travel but tell people about their own personal experiences on a trip. This satisfies their desire of being the person who people talk or read about and possibly even discuss with others. Furthemore, it is an occupation that does not let this enneagram type get bored so easily.
Sales Manager
Being a sales manager is a very comprehensive job where there are many factors to look at before setting and achieving goals. It is a job that entails many meetings not only with one’s team but important stakeholders and of course customers. The sales manager needs to be aware of the market, upcoming and past trends, customer requirements and resources available to design new products and so much more. This is a job that will keep the enneagram quite immersed and at the same time allow them to have fun in what they do because of the interactions and new experiences involved.
Firefighter
This is another occupation the enneagram type can consider because it is one where the individual at work is indeed the hero of the story. These enneagram types are committed to what they do and people who save lives must have this trait. Furthermore, it is a job that requires the enneagram to have a very close and organized relationship with their team which they value very much.
Promoter
A promoter is someone who talks to people about products and services. They discuss or demonstrate the new features of an upcoming or existing product and convince people why they should buy it. This is another great occupation for the enneagram type 7w8!
Conclusion
This article took a look at the 7w8 enneagram and described it’s fears and desires as well as major traits. Furthermore, the article listed a number of jobs that would best suit the enneagram type under discussion and why. The article also highlighted workplace practices that motivate or upset the enneagram 7w8.
References
https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-7/wing-8