Do you want to choose a career that won’t trigger your anxiety? In this post, we cover 11 perfect jobs for people with social anxiety.
What is social anxiety?
Anxiety is the body’s response to stress. Social anxiety disorder or social phobia is a disorder that causes extreme fear in social settings. People with the disorder have trouble talking to people, meet new people, and be present in social settings. They have a fear of others judging them.
They may recognize that their fears are irrational or unreasonable but are unable to overcome their phobia. Social anxiety can be persistent and debilitating. It can affect a person’s ability to work, attend school, and develop relationships with people outside the home. In this blog, we list the top jobs for people with social anxiety.
You can treat social anxiety with medication and counselling. Therapy is helpful and several therapists offer online counselling.
Tip while looking for careers with anxiety
There are several careers for people with anxiety. Here are some guidelines that may help you look for less stressful jobs that will make you less anxious.
- Look for jobs that offer flexibility in terms of deadlines and workspace.
- Do not refuse job opportunity because it is not work-from-home.
- If do not have a college degree look at certificate course offered at your local technical or community college that may bridge the gap.
- Analyze and identify what is causes anxiety. You can consider jobs that do not need that skill set. E.g. if commuting causes you anxiety, consider work-from-home or remote work options.
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Top jobs for people with social anxiety
In this section, we have listed of best jobs for people with anxiety. Do not let a list limit your search. If you have you have a dream job you should try to pursue it. Therapy and online counselling can help you recover and teach you coping mechanisms.
1. Freelance writing, blogging, and editing
If you write well, you can consider freelance writing. Writing is a vast field and includes fields like blogging, journalism, creating-writing, etc. Experts consider freelance writing jobs as the top jobs for people with social anxiety. The job allows you to work from home, maintain flexible hours, and negotiate your rate. You will have to submit work within deadlines and interact with your clients.
2. Social media manager
If you understand social media and enjoy creating online content, consider social media manager or engagement manager positions. It is one of the best jobs for people with anxiety. You can practice working with others, but you will mainly work on creative designs on your own. The job can give a lot of creative satisfaction.
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3. Bookkeeper and accountant
Booking and accountant jobs are ideal careers for an aptitude for Math. It is ideally suited for if you have an anxiety disorder. The jobs generally offer some freedom from common anxiety triggers. You need to be aware some accounting and bookkeeping jobs can be very stressful. Try opting for bookkeeping and accounting positions in smaller companies or a company, where you do not have to handles multiple accounts.
4. Computer programmer and IT Specialist
A computer programmer and IT specialist is one of the top jobs for people with social anxiety. Programming is a lucrative career where you can work independently. The job offers the flexibility of working from home. You will need coding and programming experience. There are several job opportunities for entry-level positions as well.
5. Librarian
If you enjoy reading, working in a quiet environment, and want to improve literacy, you can consider librarian jobs. These jobs are less stressful jobs. You will need to spend hours cataloguing books and restocking shelves. You need to interact with people when you check out books or ask for help. It is best suited for people with mild or moderate anxiety levels.
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6. Animal care worker
If you are love animals, you can become an animal care worker. It is one of the best jobs for people with social anxiety. You may need to interact with clients but usually have a flexible schedule. Working with animals can be therapeutic. Typical animal care workers are dog walkers, veterinary assistants, and animal rescue workers.
7. Gardner, Landscaper
If you enjoy the outdoors gardening and landscaping are some of the top jobs for people with social anxiety. Landscapers generally work independently or in a small team. The job offers freedom, flexibility, and a sense of accomplishment.
8. Tutor
Tutors generally work in a one-on-one setting. It allows you to practice your social skills in a small group. It is one of the best careers for people with anxiety if you are a subject matter expert. The job can help you gain confidence.
9. Data Entry, Statistician, and Researcher
Both data entry and statistician jobs are jobs that have strict guidelines, instructions, and deadlines. This can be comforting for someone with social anxiety. You do not interact with clients or colleagues. You may get to work under a supervisor who will act as an intermediary between you and other employees.
10. Therapist or counselor
Therapist or counselor jobs are one the top jobs for people with social anxiety. You can help others with mental health problems and disorders. You may worry about speaking to the patients, but it is an interaction in a safe and controlled environment. Your disorder may help you empathize with the situation and make you a great listener and help your patients.
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11. Medical technician
Medical technician is important role, you’ll use advanced equipment to diagnose and treat patients. While there may be some interaction with patients it is generally only when you work with equipment. It is one of the top jobs for people with social anxiety and can be rewarding. Some medical technicians are ultrasound technicians, medical laboratory technicians, and radiologic technicians.
Worst jobs for people with anxiety
Some of the worst jobs for people with high anxiety are –
1. Teachers
Public speaking is a daily requirement for teachers. It is a job that requires social interaction with students and their parents. The job is stressful and is one of the worst jobs for people with anxiety.
2. Waiter
Social interaction is a key part of a waiter’s job description. People expect waiters to be friendly and handle customer complaints. Your tips will depend on the level of service you provide.
3. Salesperson
Salespersons need to be persuasive, confident and can forge a relationship with a customer. Part of your salary may commission received. People with social anxiety may find working in this environment stressful.
4. Police Officer
Police Officer jobs are innately stressful. They need to be resourceful and be able to make a decision quickly. They need to interact with the community.
5. Lawyer
Lawyer needs to argue in court and confront others. They meet different people daily and work in a high-pressure environment. Lawyer jobs for people with high anxiety can be daunting.
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6. Nursing
Nursing requires you to interact with patients and doctors. They need to calm others down and be able to respond to pressure situations.