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What Are Top Enneagram Type 4 Careers? + Careers to Avoid

26 August 2023

Ordinary career advice does not apply to Enneagram Type Four. Their creative spirit needs special challenges, so don’t expect them to settle for a job that just pays the rent. In other words, Enneagram Type Four’s career needs to be as exciting as they are!

Fours often feel like unicorns in the business world, and it is quite a challenge for them to find a career that caters to their essential needs. Do you want to know how they do it? Read this article and discover everything a Four needs to know to choose the best career path!

Enneagram Type 4 Overview

Enneagram Fours are defined by a vivid imagination and the need to explore their inner worlds. For them, life is an everlasting soul-searching quest, and finding their true selves and expressing their authenticity never lose relevance in their lives.

That’s one of the reasons why they also feel the need to be different and unique, which propels them to talk, dress, and behave in a theatrical or dramatic manner.

As one of the most emotionally sensitive Enneagram types, Fours are very romantic and often believe in true love. Special, deep relationships are high on their list of priorities, though they are generally very introverted.

However, they tend to tie their identity to their feelings, which promises no stability and makes them prone to mood swings. For that reason, they often feel insecure and as if they lack something substantial while projecting that others have in abundance what they lack.

As a result, they easily feel inferior to others, thinking they have to prove their worth by doing something special.

However, since they are very introspective, they often find creative ways to express how they feel, which gives them much-needed peace. When they are balanced, their creativity and depth of insight fascinate others, so they can truly offer something different to the community.

The bottom line is that, being unconventional and unconstrained by social expectations, Fours walk to the beat of their own drums. After all, regardless of how insecure they may occasionally be, they never hesitate to question and reexamine societal norms.

Curious to know more about Enneagram 4 type and craving a good laugh? Head over to our Enneagram 4 memes page.

What Do Enneagram Type 4s Look For in a Career?

Fours need to feel that what they do serves a special purpose. A job that provides them with just enough to survive or promises social status brings little to no motivation to them. Instead, they are driven by the need to express their authenticity and declare how different they are from others.

Having this in mind, it’s safe to say that no common, ordinary job can meet their needs. Speaking of that, here’s what an ideal Enneagram type 4 career must have:

Creative challenges. They need to be allowed to use their imagination to come up with unique solutions. Thinking outside the box and using their feelings in a creative manner provides them with a sense of special purpose.
Opportunity for self-development. Fours want to grow through what they do. They need to feel like they have enough room to evolve, change, and transform their careers. Otherwise, they easily get bored.
A sense of purpose. They have a very distinct need to contribute to the world, change it a bit, and make it more beautiful in their own way. The phrase "Beauty will save the world" is something that resonates with them on a very fundamental level.
Freedom and autonomy. Fours want to feel free to express their unique views, explore their ideas, pursue their passions, and follow their own pace. It is important for them to make a personal impact at work, and they can only do that if they have enough autonomy.

10 Enneagram Type 4 Career Options

Though it may not seem so at first, there are many inspiring Enneagram Type 4 career paths that would support Enneatype Four’s greatest assets. These people are indispensable in the creative industry, the arts, and the social sciences thanks to their unique, deep insights and original approaches.

Furthermore, what’s great about Fours is that they won’t hesitate to change their career at any time if they don’t find it satisfying.

Some of the top Enneagram Type 4 career choices are listed below:

#1. Graphic Designer

Graphic design allows for a lot of creativity and personal expression. It requires a sense of aesthetics, which Fours are abundantly gifted with. Moreover, using colors and images to express their ideas feels both satisfying and calming for Individualists.

Plus, as graphic designers, Fours can work pretty independently. They can be freelancers or external associates, which suits their freedom-loving nature perfectly. The fact that graphic design is a field that never stops evolving is also very stimulating for the Fours’ restless spirit.

#2. Journalist

A journalist's career implies a lot of independence, creativity, and inspiration, so it is obvious why Fours excel in this line of work.

As journalists, they are constantly learning new things, growing, and evolving while rethinking reality. They get the chance to leave their unique mark by covering topics that inspire them and influence society in the way they want.

#3. Photographer

Girl holding up a camera to capture photos

Photography is also a field that encourages Fours’ creativity to shine through. However, apart from the freedom, aesthetic, and artistic satisfaction that it provides them with, photography also gives them a chance to leave a lasting legacy of their creative talent. An Enneagram 4 male, in particular, might find photography fulfilling, as it allows him to express his deep emotions and unique perspective on the world.

Because of this and the fact that they have a strong desire to make their mark on the world, photography can fulfill all of their essential professional requirements.

On top of that, this Enneagram Type 4 career path also allows them to travel and explore the world unbounded by typical work hours and any kind of office policy, perfectly aligning with their traveler style.

#4. Social Media Manager

The role of a social media manager requires the ability to create unique and compelling content, drive engagement, and interact with the online community. It allows Fours to communicate and nurture relationships with others while remaining at a safe distance, which usually sounds like a dream to them.

It also stimulates their creative mind, as it inspires them to use different channels and tools to share certain insights and information and create the desired image for the company.

#5. Writer

Emotional depth combined with outstanding imagination makes Individualists exceptional writers. They are capable of creating enchanting universes with their words and enjoy making sense of their emotions through writing.

Their unusually detailed perception also helps them greatly, as does their freedom to use language in surprising ways. They like to play with poetry, verse, mythology, and all kinds of literature as they search for their unique voice.

Additionally, writing also provides an excellent framework for their everlasting quest for identity, as it allows them to express everything they feel freely.

#6. Fashion Designer

Fashion designer taking measurements on a model

Fashion is another great outlet for Fours’ creativity and imagination. These individuals have a very distinct sense of trend and feel the spirit of the time, which they express through adorable clothing pieces. They often combine the past and the future in their creations, which results in truly memorable items.

Additionally, fashion is the ideal environment for them to increase their zest for life because they enjoy being around beauty in all its forms.

#7. Actor

Though introverted, Fours often show some kind of exhibitionism and enjoy sharing their feelings with the public. A career in acting allows them to explore their many identities, grow and develop through such exploration, and express all the depth of their feelings.

Moreover, acting implies a lot of versatility and pushes them to constantly expand their boundaries and get out of their comfort zone, but in a way that is pleasantly challenging and not stressful to them.

#8. Filmmaker

Fours are often great storytellers who know intuitively how to appeal to others’ emotions. This trait also makes them excellent movie directors and filmmakers. What’s also great about this kind of Enneagram Type 4 career is that it requires constant learning about the latest trends in the industry, technologies, and filmmaking techniques, which only enhances Fours’ creativity.

Filmmaking also includes a lot of scriptwriting, crafting the screenplay, and casting actors, which calls for the Four’s imagination. It also enables them to instantly apply the original ideas that spontaneously come to their mind in the process.

#9. Art Therapist

Though not extraverted or inspired by being in constant contact with others, Fours have a very specific capacity for healing. They don’t have the patience for small talk but are always ready to talk about the things that really matter. As art therapists, they can combine their unique emotional wisdom and creativity to help others find their truth.

Connecting with others in a therapeutic session also allows them to grow like no other profession does. This way, they get to learn from their own experience that everyone feels flawed in some way and that it does not make them less worthy in any way.

#10. Content Creator

Content creation is a dynamic and exciting field that is constantly evolving, so it is very appealing for creative spirits who enjoy playing with different kinds of media. The ways in which a person can express themselves through content creation are practically limitless, which is why so many Fours are attracted to this line of work.

Enneagram Type 4 Wings’ Impact on Career

Each Enneagram type can have a wing, meaning it can share some traits with one of the adjacent types. Therefore, Fours can have either a Three or a Five wing, and any of these can significantly affect Enneagram Type 4 career inclinations.

Type Four with a Three wing will be more realistic and down-to-earth than typical Fours and significantly less introverted. These Fours are more socially apt, driven, and determined to make an impact and achieve something extraordinary.

Because of this, they may be more drawn to performing than to creating, as they enjoy being in the limelight. Needless to say, actors, singers, musicians, and art performers often belong to this type.

Type Four with a Five wing is a more analytical version of Type Four. These individuals are very curious about boththeir inner and the outer world and pursue their passions without any regard for what’s practical or socially desirable. Highly independent and introspective, they are the lonely artists, inventors, and scientists who fascinate others with their original approach.

Which Careers Should Enneagram Type 4 Avoid?

For Individualists, how they feel at work is just as important as what they do. For that reason, they may seem spoiled and picky, but in fact, they are very sensitive to the work atmosphere.

Bearing this and their natural inclinations in mind , here’s a list of some of the worst jobs for Enneagram 4:

Sales Manager/Representative: A career in sales implies a lot of pressure, a strong focus on results, the ability to adapt quickly to different challenges, and exceptional communication skills. It would feel exhausting and highly stressful for a Four to depend so much on external validation and pursue profit above anything else.
Client Service Manager: Fours are introverted, and communicating with others who don’t share their values feels very frustrating to them. Plus, facing rejection and criticism from others is very painful for them, and they would hardly be able to distance themselves from such experiences, which are inevitable in this line of work.
Administration Officer: Nothing kills the zest in Fours like mundane, repetitive tasks. If they were forced to take such a job, they would feel profoundly disconnected from their passions and eventually desperate. Not to mention that they would probably make plenty of mistakes, as attention to detail is not their strong suit.
Police Officer: Fours can’t stand rigid structures, strict rules, and environments that limit their creative expression. Moreover, they are not the least interested in imposing their power on others.

What Kind of Organizational Culture Would Enneagram Type 4 Prefer?

As mentioned previously, Enneagram Type Four needs an environment that feeds their creativity, leaves them enough room to express themselves, and supports their authenticity. Flexibility, autonomy, and opportunities for personal and professional development are just as important to them.

Because of their refined and perceptive nature, they are particularly sensitive to beauty in all its forms. Therefore, they have a pronounced need for an aesthetically pleasing and inspiring workplace. Due to this, they prefer well-designed office spaces with lots of light, as these have a positive impact on their mood.

Finally, they need harmony in their workplace. A competitive atmosphere, too many conflicts, and power struggles deprive them of their life energy. They need supportive, inclusive, and progressive surroundings that nurture individuality and reward personal contribution.

How Do Enneagram Type 4s Act in Teams?

Enneagram Type Four can bring unique qualities to their team, but only if their autonomy is not constrained in any way. For that reason, they may function better as an external associate and a team guest, as their moodiness and tendency to self-isolate are not the most desirable traits for teamwork.

In ideal circumstances, they bring unique insights, authentic ideas, and fresh perspectives to the team. Therefore, they are usually great assets for all kinds of creative projects, but being forced to work in a team on a daily basis might be too exhausting for them.

Another positive trait they often express in teamwork is the ability to listen attentively to other people, as they genuinely care about how other team members feel. For that reason, if they work in a generally supportive environment, they can create a productive and accepting team atmosphere.

Handling criticism is one of the biggest challenges for them and may be an obstacle to productive teamwork, as these people often feel inferior to others. Therefore, Fours give their best when they have enough flexibility to distance themselves from the team and contribute when they feel ready.

Enneagram Type 4 in a Leadership Position

Individualists are generally not interested in taking leadership positions. They may be great thought leaders and pioneers in art and science, but typical managerial roles and all they require are not appealing to them.

However, their unique insights and extensive knowledge often make Fours leaders in their fields of interest anyway. In such cases, Fours turn out to be amazing creative visionaries who inspire others with their progressive ideas.

Fours are great at supporting other people’s creativity and freedom of expression, which is why they are often role models for aspiring artists who are yet to discover their unique expression. However, providing structure and organizing others aren’t their strong suits. They can be devoted spiritual leaders, teachers, and mentors, but pursuing corporate careers has never motivated them.

Unlock deeper insights into your leadership inclinations by exploring our Leadership Inclination Test.

Key Takeaways

The artistic spirit of Enneagram Type Four finds great satisfaction in professions that require creativity and deep thinking. Their authenticity and progressive views make them indispensable in the creative industry, arts, science, and culture. Though these fields seem like the most logical choices for Fours, they are surely not limited to them.

Any job that offers flexibility, room for personal impact and expression, calls for creativity and imagination, provides a harmonious work environment, and a sense of purpose may be a great fit for the Individualist.

On the other hand, jobs that imply rigid structure, strict rules, repetitive tasks, and no room for growth and creative expression are best avoided, as they push Fours to detach from their very essence.

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