What are the Best Careers for the Enneagram Type 6?

The Enneagram Type 6, “The Skeptic,” has an innate desire to avoid danger, maintain security, and find peace. Because of this intense need for preparedness against potential hazards, including avoiding manipulative and untrustworthy people, Type 6s remains exceptionally loyal to those they trust. If you’re the Skeptic, you’ll find you either have an aptitude for avoiding danger altogether (aka a Phobic Type 6) or for breaking some rules in an attempt to conquer your fears face on (Counter-Phobic Type 6). 

Although your traits are a great asset in several careers, it can take time to find your perfect match. Most Type 6s prefer an environment that allows for trust-building and teamwork, a sense of security and safety, and, in some cases, a job that includes a bit of danger such as crime-fighting. That’s especially true if you’re a daring, rule-breaker that prefers to focus on your ideals. Another key strength Type 6 has is an intense intuition for issues, problems, or perils, thanks to their constant watch for unsavory patterns. Couple your watchful eye with your caring, understanding nature, and you’ve got a combination that suits many service-based jobs.

If you’re a Type 6, your unique traits can help propel you into a rewarding career in various fields, and much of them require little-to-no training. Here’s our rundown of the best Enneagram Type 6 careers you’ll want to consider.  

1. Nanny or caregiver

Although you may not think your problem-solving skills would come in handy as a nanny or caregiver, they’re a great asset to those who want to pursue working with children or the elderly. For most jobs, you don’t need a degree to be a full-time caregiver (unless you choose to provide some form of medical care, which would require some formal training). To get the most out of your options, however, you’ll want to make sure you’ve completed a quick course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

You can flex your danger-sensor as a caregiver while enjoying a safe and secure atmosphere that’ll make you feel at ease building trusting relationships with your clientele. If you prefer to work on a team, you may also want to think about applying as a caregiver at an assisted living home that doesn’t require a medical background.

2. Secretarial or assistant work 

Those who prefer to work with a small team of people they trust and don’t want to face danger in their day-to-day jobs may want to consider working as a secretary or assistant. These low-profile positions are an integral and vital part of businesses, and you’ll feel your talents are being put to good use once you find a supportive team. 

As a secretary or assistant, you can work in just about any field you can think of that requires office work, filing, appointment scheduling, and a person to complete the boss’ tasks. Many positions don’t need training or a college degree, so you can jump right into the application process. Bonus points if you already have a background in customer service, communications, or office work.

3. Police officer 

If you’re a Type 6 who is comfortable chasing down your fears, you may want to think about joining the police force. Law enforcement is an ideal position for Type 6 due to their extreme concern for safety, including the safety of others. You may also find yourself well-suited to spotting patterns of crime because you’re on high alert by nature. 

To become a police officer, you need to check your state’s requirements, as they vary depending on where you live. For example, some states don’t require you to have a college degree. Instead, you’ll need training at a police academy and pass some health and competency tests. However, some states prefer or require you to have an Associate’s degree or some equivalent form of post-secondary education, so be sure to look at your guidelines before planning.

4. Security guard

If you want to use your talents to keep others safe, you may enjoy working in security. In a security job, you’ll get to work on a team (or, in some cases, solo) and stay alert to any impending dangers, crimes, or thefts. Openings for security professionals are rife, ranging from shopping malls to concerts and more prominent security companies covering large events, private parties, and more. 

Depending on where you want to work and live, you may not need more than a certificate from a training course (often amounting to around 40 hours of coursework). Plus, many training programs allow you to work with an interim license before you’ve earned the official license.

5. Substitute teacher

As a substitute teacher, you can enjoy nourishing children’s minds and impart some of your wisdom and care. The job may open doors for you to consider branching out into full-time tutoring or even pursue a post-secondary degree if you find you want to be a teacher.

Depending on the state you live in, you don’t always need a degree to become a substitute teacher. However, if you live in a state that doesn’t require an Associate’s or Bachelor's degree, you’ll need to take a training program through your local school district and get some classroom observation hours before you can start substitute teaching on your own. Therefore, it’s best to check your state’s requirements or your local school district’s before making any plans.

6. Home inspector

Becoming a home inspector might be a career you had no idea you’d love. Working on a home inspection firm team will give you plenty of connections and the chance to build meaningful work relationships, even if you aren’t doing inspections together. Meanwhile, your talent for seeing problems will be an excellent strength for determining whether homes or buildings are up to your state or county’s building codes and offer a valuation for homeowners who are planning to sell their homes.

To pursue a career in home inspection, you should think about enrolling in a training program to gain the knowledge you need. Depending on your previous knowledge, a course typically takes two to three months. From there, you’ll need to get your home inspection certification and apply for a firm.

7.  Data analyst

Data analysts work with all kinds of data depending on their specialization or job title. Because Type 6s loves solving problems and stopping impending doom before it becomes a reality, data analyst jobs can feel like one big, rewarding puzzle. 

Believe it or not, you don’t always need a degree to become a data analyst. Data analytics courses online can teach you the ins and outs of the field in as few as six months, with some offering a certificate upon completion. Once you’ve completed your course and begun working in an entry-level position, you may also want to get further certification in the future to open up more opportunities. 

8. Armed forces

Fighting fear head-on to keep others safe is a trait that makes Type 6s unique, and this detail can make them perfect members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Whether you prefer to join the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, or otherwise, your problem-solving skills and desire for security will help you thrive in this career path, and you’ll also have time to develop deep bonds of trust with your co-workers.

If you have a degree already, you can apply for a particular position in the Armed Forces. Either way, you can expect a physical fitness test, background checks, and basic training to be a part of your training before becoming official.

9. Pharmacy technician

As a pharmacy technician, you’ll work under the lead pharmacists on a team that cares about the welfare and health of others. Filling prescriptions and assisting the pharmacists in dispensing medications are all part of the job, and the safe, secure atmosphere may be one some Type 6s thrive in. 

Depending on which course you choose, you can complete a certificate in pharmacy tech in as little as four months. Once you do, you can apply to job openings at a retailer with an in-store pharmacy, a drug store, or a local hospital. 

The takeaway

The best Enneagram Type 6 careers include many service-based roles due to your desire to care for yourself and others. Your loyalty is a tremendous strength, no matter which field you choose to pursue, and depending on your threshold for danger, you can counteract your need for safety by providing it for your community and the people you love.