How to Leave Work at Work, Based on Your Enneagram Type
Whether it’s replaying workplace conversations on loop or checking emails at midnight, so many of us struggle to leave work where it belongs… at work. For some, this stems from a commitment to excellence; for others, it’s about meeting expectations or staying in control. Whatever the cause, carrying work home—mentally or physically—leaves us drained, disconnected and unable to fully recharge.
The good news? Your Enneagram type holds the key to finding balance. Understanding your type can reveal not only why you struggle to unplug but also how to set firmer boundaries between work and home life. Let's explore each type and uncover practical tips tailored to their unique tendencies.
Type 1: Struggles with "Unfinished" Tasks
Perfectionist Type Ones often find it hard to stop working because they feel like there’s always something that could be improved. Whether it’s fine-tuning a presentation or organizing their workspace, they tend to leave the office with mental to-do lists weighing heavily on their minds.
How to leave work at work:
- Set a "good enough" standard for leaving tasks before the day ends. Leave work in a place where you can easily pick up the task tomorrow without going over everything again.
- Create a realistic end-of-day checklist and commit to stopping once it’s complete.
- Give yourself permission to rest and play. Jobs were built around eight-hour work days because everyone needs a healthy balance between work time and downtime—and you do like to follow the rules!
Type 2: Struggles to Disconnect from Others
Type Twos have a hard time leaving work behind because they want to be available for everyone—colleagues, peers and even clients. They worry that stepping away might mean letting someone down when they need it most.
How to leave work at work:
- Set auto-replies on your emails after work hours to manage expectations.
- Replace work-related acts of kindness with personal ones at home (e.g., cooking dinner for your family). This will satisfy your need to support others.
- Remind yourself that rest is necessary to help others effectively. You have to put your oxygen mask on first before you can assist others.
Type 3: Struggles to "Turn Off" Productivity
Type Three Achievers thrive on success and recognition, so it’s not uncommon for them to squeeze in a couple of extra hours—or revisit that strategy deck after dinner. The constant focus on accomplishments makes it tough to leave work behind.
How to leave work at work:
- Celebrate your daily wins with a journal entry or recap of what you achieved.
- Schedule downtime at the end of your day as a "task" to check off.
- Disconnect from work apps and emails entirely once you step out of the office.
Type 4: Struggles with Emotional Investment
For Type Four Individualists, work is often deeply personal. They bring creativity, passion and emotional depth into everything they do—and that level of investment can make it particularly hard to let projects sit unfinished.
How to leave work at work:
- Use a self-soothing evening ritual, like journaling or meditation, to transition out of work mode.
- Channel your creative energy into a non-work-related passion, such as painting or music.
- Practice mentally “bookmarking” projects to pick up later instead of overthinking them at home.
Type 5: Struggles to Stop Overanalyzing
Type Fives are thinkers who love problem-solving. Even after hours, they may find themselves mentally running scenarios or researching potential solutions. The inability to switch off means their brains rarely get a break.
How to leave work at work:
- Set firm "thinking zones" and allow work-related thoughts only during those times.
- Create a post-work ritual of unplugging (like reading for fun or taking a walk).
- Write down work-related thoughts or ideas to revisit the next morning instead of dwelling on them.
Type 6: Struggles with "What-Ifs"
Type Sixes often take work home in the form of worry. What if someone misunderstood an email? What if tomorrow’s meeting doesn’t go well? The persistent "what-if" mindset keeps them constantly connected to work concerns.
How to leave work at work:
- Use a "worry journal" to write down all lingering concerns as a way to mentally release them.
- Reframe work situations with logical (and less fearful) outcomes.
- Establish a clear boundary—no work-related conversations or tools after a set time.
Type 7: Struggles to Juggle It All
Type Sevens often overcommit, packing their workday with projects and tasks. This multitasking tendency leads to evenings filled with catch-up, an inability to be fully present and a scattered mindset.
How to leave work at work:
- Time-block your workday to focus on one task at a time.
- Reflect on your accomplishments at the end of the day to avoid dwelling on unfinished items.
- Plan an exciting after-work activity to look forward to (e.g., dinner with friends).
Type 8: Struggles to Stay in Control
Type Eight Challengers often feel responsible for ensuring that everything is running smoothly—and that extends beyond working hours. They may check emails late at night or micromanage from a distance to ensure their team stays aligned.
How to leave work at work:
- Delegate tasks to trusted colleagues before leaving for the day.
- Turn off notifications entirely to prevent after-hours micromanaging.
- Engage in a physical activity (like boxing or yoga) to channel energy into unwinding.
Type 9: Struggles with What They Didn’t Say
Type Nines often mull over conversations or situations from work long after they leave, worrying about unresolved conflicts or unspoken feelings. The fear of disharmony keeps them mentally tied to the workplace.
How to leave work at work:
- Practice closing out the day by reflecting on how you advocated for yourself or others.
- Set clear “worry cut-off” periods to stop overanalyzing work interactions.
- Transition into a cozy, calming routine at home, like tea and a favorite book.
Find Balance with the Enneagram
Understanding your Enneagram type can empower you to break free from the cycle of carrying work into your personal space. By learning your tendencies and adopting simple, practical strategies to set boundaries, you'll feel more present, grounded, and ready to take on the day ahead.
If you don’t know your type yet, take Truity’s Enneagram Test today to learn more about yourself and discover how the Enneagram can transform your work-life balance!
