6 answers
Faith
Student
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Questions
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What jobs are best for someone with social anxiety?
I currently work in daycare and have been for about a year. I am looking to switch careers but dealing with “customers” seems intimidating. I would like an easy start job and don’t mind learning as I go, but I feel retail or adjacent is not a comfortable environment for me.
I was curious if anyone else works a job that they feel is fulfilling while dealing with social anxiety.
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6 answers
Briana Pelle, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech language pathology
149
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Briana’s Answer
Hi, Faith,
I have diagnosed social anxiety and work as a clinical speech-language therapist. As Valeria pointed out, I do think it's important to find a balance between being comfortable by limiting how much socialization you do and going outside of your comfort zone by trying new or more challenging jobs. For example, speech therapy is considered a very extroverted, people-centric job. I am not an extrovert, and I don't like "being on" all day dealing with patients. BUT I've learned what work schedule works for me where I can see patients and have enough time to myself to unwind.
There are some jobs more suited for being introverted or having social anxiety. These include data entry (can often work from home), librarian, animal care, trades (electrician, construction, etc), back of house in restaurants/offices, technical writing, paralegals. However, don't limit yourself to just these if there are other careers with settings or content that you would otherwise enjoy if it weren't for social anxiety.
I have diagnosed social anxiety and work as a clinical speech-language therapist. As Valeria pointed out, I do think it's important to find a balance between being comfortable by limiting how much socialization you do and going outside of your comfort zone by trying new or more challenging jobs. For example, speech therapy is considered a very extroverted, people-centric job. I am not an extrovert, and I don't like "being on" all day dealing with patients. BUT I've learned what work schedule works for me where I can see patients and have enough time to myself to unwind.
There are some jobs more suited for being introverted or having social anxiety. These include data entry (can often work from home), librarian, animal care, trades (electrician, construction, etc), back of house in restaurants/offices, technical writing, paralegals. However, don't limit yourself to just these if there are other careers with settings or content that you would otherwise enjoy if it weren't for social anxiety.
Brandon Olson
Tax Manager
52
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
If social anxiety affects you and you'd rather work in a setting with minimal customer interactions, there are numerous job options that can be both rewarding and adaptable. Check out these potential career paths:
Remote or freelance work: A variety of industries now present chances for remote or freelance work. This lets you work from your own cozy space and connect with colleagues and clients mainly through digital channels like email, messaging apps, or video calls. Some examples are freelance writing, graphic design, web development, virtual assistance, or online tutoring.
Data analysis or research: If you possess an analytical mindset, roles involving data analysis or research could be a great match. These positions often require working independently or in small groups, focusing on interpreting data, conducting research, and presenting results. You can find such opportunities in areas like market research, data entry, scientific research, or business data analysis.
Technical or IT support: Many organizations need technical support experts to help customers or employees resolve technical issues. This role usually involves offering assistance via phone, email, or chat support. With the appropriate training and knowledge, you can work in technical support without excessive in-person interactions.
Library or archival work: A library or archives setting can provide a peaceful and serene environment suitable for those with social anxiety. These roles involve organizing and managing books, documents, or digital resources, helping patrons with research inquiries, and maintaining library systems. This allows for limited customer interaction and more focus on independent tasks.
Creative or artistic endeavors: If you're passionate about the arts, pursuing a creative career can be satisfying and adaptable for social anxiety. Explore fields like writing, painting, photography, crafting, or creating digital content. While these careers might involve some interaction with clients or collaborators, you can often establish boundaries and communicate primarily through written or digital means.
Animal-related jobs: Working with animals can be an excellent choice for individuals with social anxiety. Think about roles such as pet sitting, dog walking, animal shelter work, or veterinary assistance. These jobs usually involve caring for animals, offering a sense of comfort and fulfillment without excessive human interaction.
Remote or freelance work: A variety of industries now present chances for remote or freelance work. This lets you work from your own cozy space and connect with colleagues and clients mainly through digital channels like email, messaging apps, or video calls. Some examples are freelance writing, graphic design, web development, virtual assistance, or online tutoring.
Data analysis or research: If you possess an analytical mindset, roles involving data analysis or research could be a great match. These positions often require working independently or in small groups, focusing on interpreting data, conducting research, and presenting results. You can find such opportunities in areas like market research, data entry, scientific research, or business data analysis.
Technical or IT support: Many organizations need technical support experts to help customers or employees resolve technical issues. This role usually involves offering assistance via phone, email, or chat support. With the appropriate training and knowledge, you can work in technical support without excessive in-person interactions.
Library or archival work: A library or archives setting can provide a peaceful and serene environment suitable for those with social anxiety. These roles involve organizing and managing books, documents, or digital resources, helping patrons with research inquiries, and maintaining library systems. This allows for limited customer interaction and more focus on independent tasks.
Creative or artistic endeavors: If you're passionate about the arts, pursuing a creative career can be satisfying and adaptable for social anxiety. Explore fields like writing, painting, photography, crafting, or creating digital content. While these careers might involve some interaction with clients or collaborators, you can often establish boundaries and communicate primarily through written or digital means.
Animal-related jobs: Working with animals can be an excellent choice for individuals with social anxiety. Think about roles such as pet sitting, dog walking, animal shelter work, or veterinary assistance. These jobs usually involve caring for animals, offering a sense of comfort and fulfillment without excessive human interaction.
Leila Zuaiter
Consultant
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Leila’s Answer
Hi there- totally understand where you are coming from! "Customers" can come in many different formats and with different levels of exposure. If you are comfortable working remotely, this could also be a great option. You can still work with people but interact with them online or on calls! This could help with social anxiety. I would recommend going on LinkedIn and filtering on jobs that are remote. There could be some really cool options especially in the daycare space which you have experience in (daycare coordination etc)
Valeria Martin Del Campo
Analyst
2
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Valeria’s Answer
There are definitely jobs that would be more comfortable than others with social anxiety, but I wouldn't completely shy away from any "customer" facing job just to avoid social situations. Personally, I think social anxiety becomes much easier to manage when you slowly try to get out of your comfort zone. I used to have bad social anxiety as a teenager and I now work in consulting, which is extremely customer facing, so nothing is impossible :)
That being said it completely depends on what you're interested in. Without knowing anything about your interests, I would recommend working in a library since that's what I did when I had social anxiety and I really enjoyed it. Like a library page where you're mostly sorting books and prepping the space for any events. You may occasionally get asked questions and so you can slowly build up your confidence to handle social interactions. Also, library workers and frequenters are usually very sweet people!
That being said it completely depends on what you're interested in. Without knowing anything about your interests, I would recommend working in a library since that's what I did when I had social anxiety and I really enjoyed it. Like a library page where you're mostly sorting books and prepping the space for any events. You may occasionally get asked questions and so you can slowly build up your confidence to handle social interactions. Also, library workers and frequenters are usually very sweet people!
Thank you very much for your response, I did think about library jobs, I just hope they looking for people! It’s nice to be reminded that it can get easier and small interactions help build up that confidence. Thank you!
Faith
Alisa Bailey
Technical Writer/Editor
11
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Alisa’s Answer
Depending on the fields you're interested in, there are many remote job opportunities these days. You could work from home on your computer with no face-to-face interactions with customers and little or no face-to-face (via video call) interactions with coworkers.
Gyu Hyun "Q" Byun, CPA
Accountant - External Auditor
3
Answers
New York, NY
Updated
Gyu Hyun "Q"’s Answer
Hello Faith,
I'm confident that numerous in-office professions, such as an accountant, tend to involve minimal customer interaction. Additionally, you may want to explore technical jobs that provide the option to work remotely.
However, as Valeria mentioned, social anxiety can become more manageable as you progress in life. Your anxiety might be specifically related to the "customers" at your current daycare. If you still have a passion for the daycare field, consider trying a different daycare and see how you feel there. It's not uncommon for people to experience fatigue and work burnout after a year or so in the same environment. A fresh setting could offer you a new perspective.
I'm confident that numerous in-office professions, such as an accountant, tend to involve minimal customer interaction. Additionally, you may want to explore technical jobs that provide the option to work remotely.
However, as Valeria mentioned, social anxiety can become more manageable as you progress in life. Your anxiety might be specifically related to the "customers" at your current daycare. If you still have a passion for the daycare field, consider trying a different daycare and see how you feel there. It's not uncommon for people to experience fatigue and work burnout after a year or so in the same environment. A fresh setting could offer you a new perspective.