The Enneagram Type 5 is a cerebral personality type and is extremely perceptive and creative. Their curiosities can get the best of them, and they become easily preoccupied with their thoughts.
At their best, these thoughts allow them to innovate new and exciting ideas, especially in the workplace!
Keep reading to learn more about the character traits associated with being an Enneagram Type 5 and what it means for the future of your career.
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Characteristics of an Enneagram Type 5
The Enneagram Type 5 is known as the Investigator, but what does that mean? Well, “investigator” is the perfect word to describe the inquisitive mind and nature of the Enneagram Type 5.
According to the Enneagram Institute, Type 5s are usually alert, independent, and insightful. They can maintain a high level of concentration, which is excellent for developing new ideas and working on complex tasks.
Each Enneagram personality is motivated by specific desires and fears. The Enneagram Type 5 desires to be capable and competent, while they fear being helpless or incompetent.
These fears and desires motivate them to become visionaries. The Investigator strives to learn, be knowledgeable, and understand everything around them.
Typical Personality Traits of an Enneagram Type 5
As mentioned, understanding your personality type and its personality traits can help you determine the best careers for yourself. Some personality traits you may exhibit as an Enneagram Type 5 are:
- Alert
- Intellectual
- Introverted
- Curious
- Innovative
- Observant
- Open-minded
- Independent
- Sensitive
RELATED: Introverts in the Workplace: Strategies to Succeed
Enneagram 5 Wings: 5w4 and 5w6
The Enneagram Type 5 wings are 5w4 and 5w6, also known as the Philosopher and the Troubleshooter, respectively.
The Philosopher can showcase characteristics similar to the Enneagram Type 4. That makes them more in touch with their emotions and creativity.
The Troubleshooter sometimes shares characteristics with the Enneagram Type 6. 5w6s are excellent problem-solvers and may focus more on technical subjects than creativity. Nevertheless, they’re equally creative and use their innovative minds to create practical solutions to real-world problems.
The Many Strengths of the Enneagram Type 5
As mentioned, the Investigator’s main desire or motivator is usually to be helpful and competent. They do this by constantly pursuing knowledge, acquiring new skills, and developing their intellect.
Understanding your strengths as an Enneagram Type 5 helps you master them, improve your weaknesses, and use them to your advantage in the workforce.
Some of your most notable strengths as an Investigator are:
- Heightened observation skills able to help you observe the details about your surrounding environments
- A thirst for knowledge that keeps you actively seeking out knowledge and learning new skills
- Calm nature that helps you stay cool during intense situations or crises
- The ability to devote all your focus and concentration on a task and developing solutions to complex problems
Top Enneagram Type 5 Careers for You to Consider
1. Engineer
As mentioned, Investigators are natural problem-solvers. They’re innovative, and for many, their minds never turn off.
These qualities can make them excellent engineers. As an engineer, you’ll solve problems, develop new ideas, and independently create functional designs for a number of purposes.
2. Software Developer
Like an engineer, software developers also innovate and solve problems. However, they do this in a very different way.
Successful software developers must be creative and analytical. They must also stay up to date on software trends. The Investigator may prefer a job like this, and this work can fulfill your need for freedom within your professional career.
3. Writer
While some consider getting lost in their thoughts a weakness, it can be an asset when working as as a copywriter or technical writer. Additionally, Enneagram Type 5s are clear and concise with their thoughts. With this, you can build a career by becoming a technical, nonfiction, or article writer, to name a few.
4. Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts spend their days performing in-depth depth on their own. But solitary work isn’t the only thing that stands out about this career to a Type 5. Through research, they become subject matter experts on whatever they’re researching. That allows them to broaden their knowledge of many subjects.
5. Medical Researcher
Similar to market research analysts, medical researchers also spend their time completing solitary research. Medical research is complex and requires an intense level of concentration and analysis.
That makes it perfect for the Investigator. As a medical researcher, you can utilize your strengths, spend time researching and executing studies, and analyze your findings.
6. Web Designer
Web designers use code to create functional and aesthetically pleasing websites for clients or to market their products or services. The combination of creativity and analysis required to craft these websites makes it an excellent career consideration for the Investigator.
Consider These Careers for Your Personality Today
The Investigator observes everything around them, gathers information, and uses their innovative strategies to solve complex problems. While they can work well with others, they may be independent learners and prefer solitary work. As leaders, they may motivate others to learn independently as well. =
Consider researching your Enneagram Type 5 further to better understand how to utilize your strengths in your work, and figure out what weaknesses you can improve on. And to find a job that suits your personality type, consider working with Insight Global!
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