Best Jobs for Social Anxiety
Although navigating your career choice can be daunting, there are many jobs for social anxiety that are well-suited to accommodating the challenges this condition presents. From creative pursuits that are more solitary-oriented to behind-the-scenes, low-stress jobs and roles, the following social anxiety jobs offer a supportive and comfortable environment that allows people with social anxiety to thrive.
1. Freelance writer
Freelance writing — where you write for a variety of clients or projects instead of just one company or organization — typically allows you to work from the comfort of your own surroundings and environment. It’s a job that minimizes social interactions and offers control of your workload and schedule.
Most freelance writers enjoy the reduced pressure of not having in-person interactions that are typical in a traditional office setting. Another significant bonus is that this job generally means communicating via written exchange, like email or shared documents, so you can express yourself comfortably and confidently.
2. Accountant
Accountants work in a structured and detail-oriented environment. Most of the work involves independent tasks and a focus on data and numbers, reducing the need for extensive social interaction and making this profession particularly suitable if you struggle with social anxiety.
Accounting can also be a great freelance job that allows you to work from home for multiple clients. You may not need to interact with coworkers regularly or find yourself in an unwanted social situation.
3. Graphic designer
Graphic design offers a creative outlet that can benefit people with social anxiety. This career allows you to express yourself visually and work independently on projects, with the bonus of minimal face-to-face interaction.
Additionally, as a graphic designer, you can often communicate via email, messaging, or shared digital content, reducing the pressure you might feel when you must have real-time or in-person conversations or exchanges.
4. IT specialist
As an IT specialist, you can focus on technical problem-solving rather than social interaction. This career choice can be excellent for people with severe social anxiety symptoms, as the nature of the job commonly means working independently. Even if you’re working with a small team, the close-knit environment and more intimate interactions you’ll have can help reduce overwhelming anxiety about being in or interfacing with large groups.
There’s also a high demand for skilled IT professionals today, so you can enjoy flexible work arrangements that offer you control.
5. Computer programmer
Computer programming is one of those jobs for people with social anxiety that offers a solitary yet stimulating work environment. Most tasks demand independent problem-solving skills and require little to no major social interaction.
Like many other job opportunities here, working remotely is common in computer programming, which means flexibility and low-stakes work environments.
6. Librarian
At first, being a librarian might seem odd if you don’t want to interact with people, but it offers a quiet and structured work environment. Even the social interactions that are required can be minimal. With a focus on organizing and managing information, librarians’ job demands often fit well with the strengths of people who have social anxiety.
As a librarian, most of your tasks will involve independent work, which can offer you a sense of autonomy and relatively little to no stress.
7. Landscaper/gardener
Landscaping and gardening can be a therapeutic outlet for anyone, especially someone with social anxiety. The job allows you to work outdoors and connect with nature while being physically active and creative.
Most of the time, landscapers and gardeners can do their jobs independently, so you can minimize your social interaction with others.
8. Animal caretaker
Caring for animals can be a nurturing job where someone with social anxiety doesn’t have to worry about judgment. Studies show that interacting with animals can reduce anxiety. The job can provide a sense of companionship that’s often missing in the lives of people with social anxiety disorder.
Focusing on animal welfare can be meaningful work that eliminates a lot of the pressure of social interactions with others, making it the perfect job if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require you to deal with people all day.
9. Video editor
Video editing can be a creative and solitary work environment. Focusing on manipulating visual elements and video content can be an outlet for self-expression without risking the need for overtly face-to-face communication.
Most video editors can do their jobs remotely, allowing flexibility and minimal pressure to maintain social interaction during work hours.
10. Data entry specialist
Data entry specialists work in a structured, typically low-stress environment. Day-to-day tasks are often repetitive and very detail-oriented. With little need for social interaction, most of the work can be done independently, so if you’re looking for a job with a sense of autonomy, becoming a data entry specialist might be perfect.
Data entry can be done remotely, with flexible work options in many cases, so if going into an office every day feels like too much, this is a job you can do from home.
11. Virtual assistant
As the name suggests, being a virtual assistant lets you work virtually, which can vastly reduce — or totally eliminate — the need for in-person interactions more often than not. Typical tasks a virtual assistant might be responsible for can include basic administrative duties, arranging travel, scheduling appointments, and calendar management.
The administrative support you would offer clients as a virtual assistant is usually done from a home office, making it ideal conditions if you have social anxiety disorder.
12. Driver
Being a delivery or truck driver can offer a solitary work environment that provides independence and a sense of control. Focusing on the road, navigation tasks, and getting from Point A to Point B minimizes your engagement with others.
Drivers also commonly have flexible schedules that allow them to work when the likelihood of having to interact with other people during busy hours can be further reduced — not to mention the job is in hot demand these days.
13. Dog groomer
Dog grooming can be a rewarding career for people with social anxiety disorder. Research has found that pet therapy positively affects social anxiety levels, suggesting that spending time with dogs for a job might be beneficial and help relieve some of your anxiety. Focusing on grooming tasks can be a calming and satisfying environment to work in if you have severe social anxiety.
Key Factors to Consider in Your Job Search
The job search process can be daunting if you struggle with any type of social anxiety. If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to find good jobs for people with social anxiety, prioritizing some key factors can help. First and foremost, you want to find a job that considers your anxiety and your strengths.
Factors to think about when you’re looking for a social anxiety-friendly job:
- Limited public interaction: Look for jobs that don’t require regular or abundant face-to-face interactions. Reducing your exposure to the public can help relieve symptoms of social anxiety.
- Clear expectations: It’s important to find positions with well-identified and clearly outlined responsibilities and expectations. This allows you to mentally prepare for your job instead of constantly worrying about needing to interact with others on any given day.
- Quiet settings: Work environments requiring concentration and focus can reduce distractions and other anxiety triggers, like having to talk to coworkers.
- Flexible work and remote options: Explore job opportunities with flexibility. Being able to work remotely can be a game changer if you have social anxiety.
- Supportive culture: Seeking a workplace environment with a supportive, understanding atmosphere means you’ll feel valued and respected instead of worrying about how your social anxiety might be interpreted.
- Small teams: If you have to interact with others in your job, finding a role with a small team or department will make it more likely you can foster close relationships, ultimately reducing social pressure and anxiety.
- Access to resources: Actively look for employers who offer resources and support for mental health needs, such as social anxiety disorder.
- Structured environment: Positions with clear, structured routines offer more stability and predictability, which can help manage anxiety.
- Regular hours: Although flexibility and autonomy can be great for some people with social anxiety, jobs with consistent working hours — even if non-traditional — can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance and reduce stress.
Tips for Managing Social Anxiety at Work
Experiencing social anxiety at work presents many challenges. You need to do your job, but your anxiety can prevent you from being your best. Some strategies can be effective in helping manage and alleviate symptoms of social anxiety.
Tips for managing social anxiety at work:
- Practice deep breathing exercises for anxiety in stressful work situations to calm your nerves and recenter your thoughts.
- Break large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones, so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
- Challenge negative thought patterns by replacing them with positive affirmations for anxiety.
- Take regular breaks to recharge and reduce the chance of burnout.
- Communicate with supervisors, leadership, or coworkers about your needs and concerns.
- Gradually expose yourself to social situations so you can work on building confidence.
- Prioritize self-care when you’re outside of work so you can promote and maintain your overall well-being.
Seek cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to learn effective ways to overcome social anxiety.
Overcoming Social Anxiety in Your Career
Although social anxiety can be debilitating and make it feel impossible to find professional success, with support and effective coping skills, finding careers for people with social anxiety is possible.
If you need help managing your anxiety, Talkspace is an online therapy platform that can offer you the tools you need to regain control of your life and your profession. You can learn to manage your symptoms with CBT for social anxiety. Contact Talkspace today to learn how to get started with online treatment for social anxiety.
