Enneagram Type 4 Careers: (Top 5)

This article will look at the best jobs for the type 4 enneagram while also commenting on what workplace practices motivate or demotivate them! Furthermore, the article will also introduce the type 4 enneagram to the readers by explaining its traits, fears and desires.

Enneagram Type 4 Careers: The Best Jobs

Here is a list of jobs that are best suited for the type 4 enneagram:

  • Actor
  • Personal Trainer
  • Hair Stylist
  • Writer
  • Photographer
  • Designer
  • Artist
  • Dance Instructor

Before we look at some of these jobs in detail, we will introduce the type 4 enneagram to the audience!

Who Is A Type 4 Enneagram?

They are also known as the individualist because of their desire to be self-sufficient and do things on their own terms. Being dramatic innately, expressive and sensitive describes them very well. Such individuals are very honest, creative and remain reserved and personal however they do long to connect with others. What prevents this? Their fear of being vulnerable or abandoned hence they tend to keep a distance. 

Another highlighting feature of such personalities is that they dislike the ordinary lifestyles people have most probably because they feel they cannot achieve something like this in their life.

The type 4 enneagram does have a dark side to itself. These enneagrams can become very toxic to themselves if left alone for too long. They fear that they will never develop a self identity with which they can understand themselves. However, they always feel as if something is missing from their life which they can’t seem to pinpoint. The type 4 enneagram is brutally honest with himself or herself; they accept feelings, thoughts, pain and fear which they experience. Hence they are often more equipped to go through experiences others may break during.

When their fears become too much, they can adopt the path of self destruction and engage in habits of excessive alcohol consumption, drugs, reckless sexual behavior and in the worst cases suicide. 

The type 4 also experiences very negative thoughts. They become extremely pessimistic and torment themselves with their thoughts to the extent that they view themself with hatred and dissent. They will try to drive away anyone who tries to help them. 

Basic Fear.

Type 4 enneagrams are confused about who they really are or what beliefs and values define them. They fear not having an identity or self worth. They feel as though they are not benefitting society and have no place in it. Such individuals become a victim of self pity and self indulgence and want to stay inside their thoughts.

If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.

Basic Desire.

Their basic desire stems from their fear; they want to discover themself and hence possess an identity. They want to be known for who they are and be visible in the eyes of others so maybe they can connect with them and experience the life of the ordinary and live the dream they imagine.

The Workplace: Good Vs Bad Practices

In this section, we will look at good and bad workplace practices.

The Good Workplace Practices

Here are a few workplace practices that help keep things great for the type 4 enneagram!

Close Relationships With Their Boss

The type 4 enneagram appreciates it when their boss takes the time out to get to know them and actually understand their needs and personal commitments. This not only means a lot to them but they also appreciate that their boss wants to know more about them in case they need some time off from work. 

Having a close and friendly relationship with your boss can do wonders for employees. Not only are they more committed to making things work at the office but they also feel comfortable sharing issues with their boss especially if they need a favor such as time off or something filling in for future assignments if required.

“How Are You Doing?”

The type 4 enneagram is very happy when they are actually asked how they are doing by their colleagues or managers. They like to know that others are genuinely concerned about them and their wellbeing. Furthermore, it makes them happy when people go out of the way during their busy routine to check in on them.

Managers need to ensure that they promote work cultures where employees are made to understand the importance of taking care of their colleagues too and not just their own work. Being a social being, we are not designed to operate or live alone. Sooner or later, we will need someone’s help and the best feeling is when people offer it without you even asking for it!

Peers Are Real People

The type 4 enneagram is indeed someone who wants to be independent but they appreciate people around them who are real and genuine and not just individuals who put on a mask. They want to feel safe while being around peers so they can focus on their work and not focus on how to behave around people who actually hide their true selves.

Being in a toxic workplace where people are constantly up to something – God knows how they have the time and energy for that – is extremely exhausting mentally. You have to be alert because you cannot fully trust the other person or the words coming out of their mouth. Hence, type 4 enneagram deeply desires a workplace where they can trust people. They are simply not ready for the drama of life.

Workplace Practices: The Bad Ones

Let’s take a look at workplace practices that drain or demotivate the type 4 enneagram!

Lack of Opportunities – Creativity Matters

Enneagram type 4s hate it when they don’t get the opportunity to grow! They want to explore new areas relevant to work that can allow them to try out new skills. They want to grow in a way that allows them to create a unique identity. So doing the same thing everyday or something common is definitely not an option for them!

Critical Bosses

Not to mention that type 4 enneagrams expect a lot from their bosses, being criticized by them can be a huge deal! They not only want to have a good relationship with their boss but one where their boss appreciates their work and understands the value or purpose it serves.

Being criticized by their boss especially when they are unaware of the hard work being put into the work is something that greatly disappoints the type 4 enneagram. When it comes to people like this, bosses need to take more interest in work!

Not Being Taken Seriously

From previous sections, we are aware that the type 4 enneagram wants to be known for who they are and what they do – they want to establish an identity unique only to them. One of the reasons they want this is because they want to be taken seriously by others. If the people at work do not consider their opinions, value their work or respect the input they give in discussions, the type 4 enneagram may become extremely upset and unmotivated.

Enneagram Type 4 Careers: The Best Jobs

In this section, we will explain why some jobs are best suited for the type 4 enneagram!

Actor

Being an actor is an interesting job for the type 4 enneagram. There are a number of reasons for this. One of them is that they get the chance to take on different roles and see which of these roles appeal to their personality. This is important because they are in a process of creating a unique identity for themself!

Personal Trainer

This is another field where the type 4 enneagram can establish themself as one of the best who is known for their great exercise routines, understanding of clients and of course their own health and fitness which truly lies in their hands.

Hair Stylist

Another great profession where they can prove themselves in the eyes of others is becoming a hairstylist! This way, not only do they make people feel good about themselves but also they get a chance to show off their expertise and have people listen to what they think would look great on them! Here, their opinion truly matters.

Writer

Becoming a writer is an occupation where the type 4 enneagram can not only do what it is they love but also express their own selves and assert the identity they have always wanted to have!

Photographer

A photographer is someone who captures the beauty and moments in the world. They are keen individuals who work hard to get the perfect shot and this is only possible because of their skills.

Conclusion

This article not only introduced the type 4 enneagram but also highlighted what jobs and why they would be suitable for them. Furthermore, the article also commented on good and bad workplace practices for the type 4 enneagram.

References

https://www.crystalknows.com/enneagram/type-4

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