8 Best Jobs for Introverts with Anxiety to Help Them Unleash Their Potential

Working life can be very difficult for anxious introverts.

Luckily, there are jobs for introverts with anxiety that suit them and make for a fulfilling, low-stress life.

Obviously, the best careers for introverts with anxiety don’t involve a lot of stressful contact with people such as conferences, sales calls and presentations. Often, introverts prefer a job where they can work alone at least some of the time. But we are all different and most introverts do enjoy some social interactions with others.

Anxious introverts often find it even more difficult to deal with large groups of people and will not be happy in a job where this is a major part of the role.

The ideal jobs for introverts with anxiety would NOT include:

• Pressures such as sales quotas and benchmarks
• Lots of networking
• Presentations and sales calls
• Unstable working conditions, irregular hours or job instability
• Demanding and unpredictable bosses
• High stakes tasks, such as brain surgery!
• Loud, noisy, bright environments where you cannot find a moment’s peace
• Constant interruptions

But the world is waking up to the special skills that introverts bring to work and business. Most introverts are excellent at jobs that require focus and attention to detail and this is where we really shine.

Anxious introverts are also excellent at preparing for adverse situations. An optimistic extravert might not have a Plan B or consider what might happen in an emergency. However, an anxious introvert is likely to consider what might go wrong and have a plan for when things go awry.

In general, anxious introverts need to find work that has the right amount of social interaction for them. Some introverts like to interact with others in breaks and at small events while others prefer to be alone most of the time. It’s all about finding the right balance for you.

As well as finding the right balance of social interactions, anxious introverts need to find the right amount of stress in their jobs. Some people think that the lower the stress the better. However, some stress can make our work life more fulfilling.

In a no-stress job, anxious introverts might wonder if what they are doing matters. The right balance is a job that feels important and meaningful, yet not too pressured.

Here are some of the best jobs for introverts with anxiety:

1. Working with data

Because introverts often enjoy work that requires focus and attention to detail, working with data can suit them very well. They may be happy in jobs such as accounting, statistics, auditing or financial analysis.

In this kind of work, they will usually get some peace and quiet and their attention to detail will be appreciated. Numbers and data have a predictability that can make this the perfect job for introverts who suffer from anxiety.

2. Working with animals

Many anxious introverts find working with animals very relaxing. After all, you always know where you are with an animal and don’t have to work out a hidden agenda! Of course, this type of career involves working with people, too.

However, the people that share your passion for animals will often be on your wavelength and the interactions should be less stressful. Jobs in this field can include dog walker, pet sitter, animal trainer, animal psychologist, working in a rescue centre, being a vet or veterinary nurse.

3. Practical tasks

Often anxious introverts find working on a predictable, practical task less stressful than having vague instructions and goals. Practical jobs such as driving, gardening, building, surveying or manufacturing have a clear structure and end result which can be very calming for introverts with anxiety.

4. Night work

For highly sensitive introverts who really struggle with interactions with others, loud noises, bright lights and constant stimulation, night work can provide a solution.

Generally, working at night provides a calmer, quieter environment. There are night jobs of every type, from night security guard to doctor. With so many 24 hour businesses these days, the range of night work available is extensive.

5. Working with words

Much like working with data, working with words can be the perfect job for an introvert with anxiety. There are many jobs that involve working with words such as writer, researcher, genealogist, historian, archivist, proofreader and editor, to name a few.

Again, this type of work focuses on attention to detail. It will involve some interactions with others, but this isn’t usually the main part of a writer’s working day. The more creative types of writing work can particularly suit the creative introvert.

6. Technical jobs

Lots of technical jobs require working alone or as part of a small team with few interactions with the general public. Many IT jobs, such as software engineer, computer programmer or IT technician are ideal for introverts, either if they suffer from anxiety or not.

Machine repair is another category of work that suits many introverts and this can involve a range of careers including fixing customer’s appliances, working in an auto shop or working in an industrial setting such as an airport or factory. Other technical jobs that involve focused work and attention to detail include film, video or audio editor.

7. Artist or designer

Being an artist or designer can be a dream job for an anxious introvert. This kind of work allows us to express our creativity and work alone.

It can seem hard to make a living from art and design, but you can see examples of creative artwork everywhere you look from advertising hoardings to website designs and magazines. You can also sell your creations on web sites such as Etsy and local galleries.

8. Scientist

There is a range of opportunities in the sciences that provide perfect jobs for anxious introverts. Many scientists work in a lab, on work that is quite self-directed.

Laboratory technicians also spend most of their time in a lab, with a relative amount of peace and tranquillity. Most introverts are extremely good at this type of work which requires great attention to detail and the following of strict protocols.

Closing Thoughts

Of course, every introvert is different and will have different skills that they bring to their work environment. In addition, the amount of alone and social time differs between introverts. Perhaps the best advice is to find a job in an area that you feel passionate about.

Often, when we are passionate and enthused about a subject, we get into a flow that makes it easier to overcome our anxieties. Ultimately, the best jobs for introverts with anxiety are those that allow them to focus on using their unique skills and talents.