What is Max Partain’s Type?!
Episode #22 / Towards Eden, an Enneagram Podcast
In this episode of Towards Eden, we sit down with Max Partain, a freelance video editor, to talk about his journey from film school to navigating the ups and downs of freelance life. Max shares his experiences in carving out a niche in the creative world, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how the Enneagram has played a key role in his personal and professional growth.
From Film School to Freelance: Finding His Passion
Max’s college years were filled with creativity, collaboration, and, of course, the pressure to stand out in a competitive industry. While many of his peers aimed to be multi-skilled generalists, Max discovered that his real passion lay in editing. This realization changed everything. Instead of trying to do it all, he focused on refining his craft—and in doing so, positioned himself as a specialist.
For creatives looking to break into the industry, Max’s story highlights an important lesson: knowing your strengths and embracing a niche can help you stand out. Clients often see specialists as more valuable, which can open the door to better opportunities.
The Role of the Enneagram in Self-Discovery
A big part of our conversation dives into the Enneagram, a personality tool that helps people understand their motivations and behaviors. At first, Max was labeled as a Type 7—outgoing, energetic, and adventurous. But over time, he realized that this didn’t fully reflect his deeper motivations. His journey with the Enneagram became less about fitting into a specific type and more about self-reflection and growth.
This is something a lot of people experience—the struggle of being boxed into a label that doesn’t quite fit. Max’s story is a great reminder that personality tests should be a tool for discovery, not a rigid definition of who we are.
Navigating Life After College: Identity, Community & Growth
One of the biggest challenges Max faced after college was a sense of isolation. When you’re used to being surrounded by creative friends and a structured environment, stepping into freelance life can feel overwhelming. During this period, he turned to the Enneagram as a way to better understand himself and how he related to others.
His experience highlights something many people go through: after big life transitions, our sense of self can shift. The Enneagram helped him recognize how different aspects of his personality showed up at different stages of life, giving him a better understanding of his own growth.
The Creative Struggle: Perfectionism vs. Productivity
Like many creatives, Max has battled the tension between wanting to produce high-quality work and the fear of not being good enough. Perfectionism can be paralyzing, leading to overanalyzing and self-doubt. But he’s learning to find that balance—creating meaningful work without letting fear hold him back.
This part of our conversation is one that so many creatives will relate to. How do you push past the fear of imperfection and actually create? Max shares some of the ways he’s learning to trust his instincts and let go of unrealistic expectations.
How Personality Shapes Work & Creativity
Beyond personal growth, Max’s insights into the Enneagram also shed light on how personality traits impact workplace dynamics. Understanding different motivations—both in ourselves and in others—can improve communication, collaboration, and self-awareness in professional settings.
For anyone trying to figure out their creative identity, Max’s story serves as both a personal reflection and a guide. Whether you’re navigating freelance life, overcoming self-doubt, or trying to understand yourself better, there’s something in this episode for you.
