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Where can I work with extreme social anxiety?

A veterinary assistant, kennel operator, zookeeper, rescue worker, dog trainer, or pet groomer could be the perfect job for someone with social anxiety.

careercontessa.com - 25 Lucrative Jobs for People With Social Anxiety - Career Contessa

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When you're job searching, do you take your own wellness into account?

Customer service positions are obviously out of the question.

However, we're here to tell you that jobs for people with social anxiety are not as difficult to find as you may believe. Many jobs are surprisingly great fits for someone who prefers little human interaction. We went to work to find some of the most in-demand jobs to light the career path for someone looking to work in solitude. Before we dive into the best jobs for people with social anxiety, let's talk about what social anxiety disorder actually is.

What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety is not about being shy. It’s not about being standoffish or anti-social. Social anxiety often manifests as a palpable fear of being judged and evaluated negatively by other people. These perceived judgments often lead to feelings of inadequacy, inferiority, embarrassment, or the big D—depression. Psychology Today notes that social anxiety disorder can cause "overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations." To that end, you can imagine that there are some work environments out there that include clear-cut nightmare roles for someone with a social anxiety disorder. A telesales representative? Nope. A customer success representative? Hell-to-the-no. A server position at a popular restaurant? Yeah, okay, no. We're not saying that you shouldn't pursue an ideal job , even if it is a more people-facing or social role, if you struggle with social anxiety. Many anxiety disorders are often treatable with help from a medical professional. What we are saying, though, is that it’s really, really important to keep your own mental health in check . You know yourself best. Being in a difficult situation day-in and day-out at work can cause unnecessary stress , which can lead to serious health issues. The average person spends roughly 40 hours each week at work . If you’re battling a social anxiety disorder, there’s really no reason you should subject yourself to suffer through your Monday through Friday. And that’s why we’ve compiled a list of jobs that are great fits for someone with a social anxiety disorder. Whether you are looking for a position that allows you to work in solitude or one that semi-regularly forces you to deal with your anxieties, we have a fit for you. FYI, we are not doctors nor psychologists here at Career Contessa. If you suffer from a social anxiety disorder, please regard this as a thought piece. Always consult your doctor or the ADAA if you are struggling with a social anxiety disorder or a generalized anxiety disorder.

The Most Ideal Jobs for People With Social Anxiety

If you arrive at a packed party only to get a text from your friend saying she’s “still getting ready,” do you do an immediate about-face? I know I do. Similarly, does the daily interaction of a day at work have you losing sleep on a regular basis?

We hear you. Here are a few jobs that are ideal for people who prefer to work in a setting that doesn't require a ton of socialization. Below, we have profiled a wide range of jobs with varying levels of education requirements, licensure, and certification. Many of these careers have job duties that allow you to work to your strengths in a lab, outside, or on the open road.

1. Your Current Job, Working Remotely

Love your job, but have no desire to work in an office every day?

If you're in an existing role that you feel you could manage at home, consider asking your boss if you can work remotely or with a hybrid schedule . This time "off" from others might be a simple solution for you—and offer you and your team a "best of both worlds" approach to work.

Writing and Editing Roles

Writers and editors come in many shapes and forms, but most writing and editing jobs mean a good bit of solitary work. After all, this type of work requires high levels of concentration , so there's not much time for chit-chat with coworkers. Throw on your headphones and get into that solo workflow.

2. Film or Video Editor

Okay, this job might be the most reclusive of all. Typically, a television or film editor needs her own editing bay in order to have an ample amount of quiet. From the editing bay, a film, television, or video editor will be responsible for editing raw material into a cohesive story. Video editing in a loud, open office is nearly impossible. If an editor must work in an open room or a louder space, a nice pair of noise-canceling headphones will be essential.

3. Writer

The independent writer who writes fiction novels or well-researched non-fiction will likely be found hitting the books alone. Once a writer completes a draft of any work, whether a novel, an incendiary investigative piece, or a blog post, she’ll need to turn to others for editing and feedback. This element of the job is where someone with social anxiety will be facing it head-on. Typically, social anxiety rears its ugly head when one needs to ask for advice or feedback Writing is a recommended job for someone with social anxiety because it lends a balance of solitude and social interactions. For someone who might dread regular social interaction, a career as a writer can toe the line between solitude and feedback-based interactions.

4. Technical Writer

Technical writers generally write things like manuals, white papers, or other more "technical" pieces. These usually require a good deal of research as well as the ability to communicate in a way that will help others understand a complex subject. Detail-orientation is a must. Like other writing positions, the editing and feedback stage of technical writing can be intimidating since it will require other people to read through your work. However, if you enjoy some socialization in a role that's mostly solo, this is a solid option.

5. Blogger

If you want to use your writing skills and be your own boss, you might consider becoming a blogger . Blogging is a very solitary activity that requires a ton of focus and hard work to build, manage, and grow. I'm not here to tell you that blogging is an easy way to make money because it isn't. However, blogging is a great way to digitally connect with others to teach and share something you love.

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Some blog ideas include:

Cooking or Baking

Fashion or Shopping

Movies or Television

Gaming or Virtual Reality

The options are endless. Blogging is a great way to develop and strengthen a variety of skills, like marketing, social media, SEO, and content strategy.

Creative and Design Roles

If you're a creative, you're in luck. There are plenty of creative roles that allow you to utilize your creativity without having to work collaboratively on a regular basis.

6. Graphic Designer

A role as a graphic designer likely means that you'll sometimes work with clients or colleagues to complete design work. If you're comfortable with that element of the role, the bulk of the design and editing is often a solo task. Plus, if you are a remote graphic designer, you may communicate primarily via email or messaging system, so the face-to-face or phone call conversations may be a non-issue anyway. Like writers, there are various types of photographers and illustrators. If you're a photographer who deals with social anxiety, this might mean that you specialize in, say, landscape or real estate photography, rather than social photography like weddings. Illustration jobs require a lot of "face time" with your drawing pad and your computer. Like some of the other roles we've talked about, you'll likely have to discuss work with clients or your team, but the creative element of the role will allow you to be alone, where you can concentrate and create.

Data Entry and Research Roles

Data entry and research roles can often be done remotely, and this kind of work is some of the most solitary out there. Strategic thinkers and people who are highly organized are likely to find job satisfaction in roles like these. Data entry careers are ideal options for those with social anxiety disorder. They can often be done remotely, and they require very little social interaction with others. This might range from entering reports for an appraisals firm to managing online databases for clients.

9. Transcriber

Transcribers essentially listen to recordings and type out what's being said. It might be transcribing something from one language to another, or simply recording something so that it's in writing. This obviously requires intense concentration as well as strong grammatical skills and attention to detail . Transcription work doesn't require much socialization whatsoever.

10. Researcher

If you're great at internet sleuthing, a research role may be a great fit. All sorts of people need researchers or fact-checkers, from law firms to writers to newspapers to universities. A professional researcher would likely have to regularly interact with a manager or a team, but this role also offers the opportunity to spend a lot of time working alone—potentially learning interesting things and compiling your findings.

11. Court Reporter

Court reporter might be an unexpected pick.

Courtrooms are, by nature, sort of high-stress environments. However, the function of a court reporter is to be laser-focused on their work of listening and transcribing at a fast pace. To become a court reporter, one likely would have to complete a six-month postsecondary program to achieve an associate degree.

Web and Software Roles

I'm not here to make jokes about those skilled in computer science being solitary individuals . If you've ever tried your hand at writing code as a know-nothing, you know it takes an incredible amount of focus . And that need for solo focus makes these ideal roles for those who prefer to be alone while working.

12. Computer Programmer

Computer programmers are responsible for building every app, social network, or software upgrade you have ever encountered. That’s pretty amazing work! Intense coding involves a high level of concentration and a low level of distraction factors . Programmers are known to work for hours without a break—so it’s great for someone who thrives on working in solitude. If you’re looking to challenge your social anxiety, the Scrum aspect of programming can come in handy. Scrum is a framework designed to implement the development of a project. It’s often used in the technology industry, but can be applied to any complex project. A scrum often involves a “Daily Stand-Up” in which the team gives progress updates. For someone suffering from a social anxiety disorder, the stand-ups may seem like the worst nightmare. Consider speaking with your therapist to determine if it’s a risk worth taking.

13. Web Developer

Web developers are like "internet architects" in that they need both a creative eye and a strategic, user-oriented approach. Web development will likely require some interactions with clients or your manager, should you work for a company and not as a freelancer, but a bulk of the work is spent, well, developing websites—and for that, you'll need a place to focus alone.

14. Statistician

If you are a natural-born mathematician, then a role as a statistician might be your calling—and you're in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, statisticians are one of the fastest-growing occupations, with an expected growth of 35.4 percent between 2020 and 2030. This means that there will be roughly 15,000 new statistician jobs. Depending on where you work, a role as a statistician can include collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. From there, statisticians translate the data into trends and relationships.

Outdoor and Hands-On Roles

If being cooped up in an office increases your anxiety symptoms by default, a career in wide-open spaces might be your best bet. Luckily, there are some hands-on roles that allow you to work with animals, enjoy the outdoors , and stay in your comfort zone.

15. Animal Caretaker

Caring for animals is not only a rewarding job, but it’s pretty perfect for someone who, for one reason or another, may feel more comfortable around animals than humans. There are a few avenues someone with a social anxiety disorder might take in order to work with our furry friends. A veterinary assistant, kennel operator, zookeeper, rescue worker, dog trainer, or pet groomer could be the perfect job for someone with social anxiety. Given you are an animal lover, working with animals will be the perfect position to give you space to work independently and somewhat quietly (save for the happy barking). Animal care also requires some interaction with clients if you are looking to challenge for social anxiety without overwhelming yourself.

16. Zoologists + Wildlife Biologists

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If you're a lifelong student with a passion for wildlife and all of Earth's creatures, jobs in zoology and wildlife can be the perfect fit. Zoologists and wildlife biologists study wildlife, their ecosystems, animal behaviors, and the impact humans have on the entire ecosystem. While these jobs might require a bachelor's degree, it is possible to work your way up in a zoo setting to explore where this career might take you.

17. Landscaper

Just as animal care funnels your love of animals into a viable position, so does landscaping. As social anxiety disorder can often lead to feelings of depression, the outdoors can serve as an amazing cure-all. Imagine yourself working below the roar of a lawnmower or immersing yourself in tailoring a beautiful garden. Landscaping work can mean working for a company with a large campus, working for an actual college campus, manicuring a golf course, or running your own landscaping company. If you choose to go the route of running your own landscaping company, you’ll need to challenge your social fears by communicating with clients and prospective employees. Entrepreneurship is typically a social network-reliant endeavor.

18. Driver

No, we're not telling you to sign up for a rideshare service, because we can't think of anything more anxiety-inducing than navigating traffic, dealing with entitled riders, and all of the intricacies that come with being an Uber or Lyft driver. We're talking about driving food deliveries, flower deliveries, or other, quieter passengers. In fact, truck drivers are one of the most in-demand roles now. According to America Truck Driving, the demand for drivers is expected to increase by 21% over the next 10 years. With fast fulfillment services like Amazon Prime, the need for drivers only increases.

19. Electrician

Yes, you might have to speak to a person or two, but electricians spend the majority of their working hours working with their hands. The pay can be extremely lucrative, too. According to CNBS, Powerhouse Electricians earn a median annual wage of $80,200. Electricians are typically entry-level roles. However, to earn an income akin to a powerhouse electrician, you'd like have to attend technical school and obtain certification for high-skill work.

20. Plumber

Okay, this is awkward, but let's explore a little bit. Imagine your anxiety being quelled by helping someone navigate a potentially embarrassing bathroom problem. Like many tradesperson positions, plumbers are in high demand. Once the initial human interaction is through, plumbers work solitarily on fixing problems.

Accounting

We're not saying that all accountants or bookkeepers are introverts. But we are saying that a lot of them are—and for good reason! Working in accounting means you're spending the majority of your time crunching numbers in an office, which may seem like a perfect fit if you're a numbers-oriented person who prefers solitude.

21. Accountant

An accountant manages finances for companies and individuals. As such, accountants are essential to any organization or wealth management. If you enjoy working with numbers, an accountant position might be the perfect fit. While the majority of the day-to-day work of an accountant is solitary, there are also opportunities to challenge for social anxieties. As a personal accountant, meeting with clients will allow you to face your social anxieties. If you work as an accountant in a larger company, daily interaction is to be expected. Armed with your diligence and flawless accounting work, you can expect your interactions to be positive.

22. Bookkeeper

Like accounting roles, bookkeeping jobs manage the nitty-gritty of the financial aspects of a business. This might mean recording and managing things like financial transactions and payroll. And like accountants, you might have to occasionally interact with others in this role, but the bulk of the work would be interacting with your computer and software.

Jobs With Some Human Interaction

We know what you're thinking. These kinds of roles may seem counterintuitive for those who prefer to avoid social interactions. That said, social anxiety is not one-size-fits-all. Some people with social anxiety genuinely like dealing with others in small doses or through one-on-one interactions. If you can relate, here are a few jobs that offer the opportunity to socialize—in a way that you'd like.

23. Librarian

If you prefer working in a quiet place and avoiding boisterous or awkward water-cooler talk, working as a librarian may be an ideal option for you. While you will have to help recommend books, check books out, and mingle with people on a daily basis, being in a library provides the perfect way to be around people without really having to make any small talk . A lot of your day would consist of organization, classification, and research.

24. Counselor

You might read this job suggestion and ask, are you actually kidding me?

Listen up, though! Counselors are meant to be understanding, empathetic caregivers for their patients. As someone who suffers from a social anxiety disorder, a therapist or counselor position gives you the tools to confront your own anxieties while addressing others’ problems. And, because you’re someone who acutely understands the challenges of social anxieties, you’re in the perfect position to help others treat and overcome their struggles.

25. Virtual Assistant

If your social anxiety appears to be nonexistent when communicating digitally, a virtual assistant position might be a perfect fit for you. Virtual assistants help with administrative tasks from scheduling to data management—and they can work 100% remotely, without ever laying eyes on their boss.

In Conclusion

As we said, we are not medical professionals. We don’t have the answer to how to successfully treat social anxiety disorders. We do, however, have some personal reflections on dealing with social anxiety at work That being said, we do try to prescribe our readers to challenge their fears, anxieties, and their most cumbersome struggles to the best of their abilities.

careercontessa.com - 25 Lucrative Jobs for People With Social Anxiety - Career Contessa

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