Highlights
- Social anxiety is linked with higher rates of unemployment, but people with this condition can be successful professionally, especially if they know how to manage their symptoms.
- Some of the best jobs for people with social anxiety offer flexible work arrangements and supportive environments that don’t require you to frequently interact with others.
- Avoiding social interactions can keep you trapped in the cycle of social anxiety, so it’s important not to allow your fears to dictate your life choices. Treatment can help.
Social anxiety disorder — especially when it’s severe — can present significant barriers and affect every area of your life, including your career. People with this condition do face higher rates of unemployment as well as
Each person with social anxiety is unique, so there’s not necessarily a “best” job for someone with this condition. But if you’re still learning to manage your symptoms, then a job that requires little to no social contact may feel comforting to you. In this article, let’s review several most common options.
Understanding Social Anxiety and Its Impact on Careers
Social anxiety disorder is
Fortunately, social anxiety disorder is treatable. But until you learn how to manage it, it can have serious impacts on your life — including professionally.
If you live with unmanaged social anxiety disorder, then you may find it too overwhelming to work in professions where you’re required to frequently interact with strangers or perform in front of others.
Best Jobs for People With Social Anxiety
There is no “best job” for someone with social anxiety. Although social anxiety can impact your career, you still can be successful in any profession you choose — just remember that some professions may take more effort and practice than others.
It’s essential to start choosing jobs based on other factors (like your strengths, values, and goals) rather than simply choosing jobs that cause the least amount of social anxiety. So although we’ve compiled this list, it’s best to think about them as the least triggering jobs for unmanaged social anxiety.
1. Writer, Copywriter or Editor
People in the writing industry (like writers or editors) often have a low level of contact with other people, which may be less triggering for social anxiety. But writers are often self-employed, which means that you may not get the benefits you need to get treatment.
2. IT Specialist
IT specialists also often work alone or in small teams and usually have 1:1 interactions. But you may still need to meet strangers (for example, to help them with technology issues or present new solutions), which could be triggering social anxiety symptoms.
3. Software Engineer
Software engineers can work at larger companies, but the work itself is often conducted alone. You may also be able to work remotely from home, which could be comforting. But keep in mind that software engineers often need to participate in large, team-wide meetings and projects.
4. Web or Graphic Designer
Designers also often work on their own, even if they’re employed at a company. Keep in mind that many designers are self-employed, which means that you need to consider things like job interviews for new projects and other forms of communication with clients.
5. Artist, Illustrator
Artists often work independently and are spared of the office politics that many other types of professions need to navigate. But it can be difficult to start a career as an artist, which is something to keep in mind.
6. Film and Video Editor
Editing film and video often means that you’ll spend long periods of time alone perfecting your craft. While you may need to collaborate with directors or clients on projects, much of the work is independent. You may also be able to work from home.
7. Photographer
Depending on the type of photography you do, you might not need to interact with people much. For example, wildlife photographers may have long periods of alone time. But many photographers need to also be business owners, which might require things like salesmanship.
8. Music or Sound Production
Musicians often need to perform in front of others, which could be triggering social anxiety. But working in music or sound production could be a way to use your musical skills without having to perform.
9. Archivist
Archivisits preserve historical records, including photographs, maps, and other paper and digital documents. Most of the work entails analyzing these documents and not interacting with people, which can make it a comforting job for you if you live with social anxiety. To break into being an archivist, you need at least a Masters in archival sciences.
10. Data Entry Specialist
People in data entry take information and input it correctly into databases. Most of the work is done alone. However, some reports show that data entry is a diminishing field due to the emergence of artificial intelligence.
11. Transcriptionist
Transcriptionists (or transcribers) work in a variety of settings, including in medical fields, in legal fields (courtrooms), and in entertainment. Depending on what, exactly, your transcriptionist job entails, you may not need to interact with people much.
12. Librarian
Libraries are often quiet and can feel like a safe haven for people who live with social anxiety. To become a librarian, you’re required to have a Masters degree. You can also work as a library assistant with fewer qualifications.
13. Accountant
Accountants (and other related jobs like tax preparers and bookkeepers) may spend a lot of time alone looking over numbers and financial records. However, accountants also work within companies, which means you may need to participate in meetings and company-wide decisions. To become an accountant, you must get a bachelor’s degree and possibly pass the Certified Public Accountant exam.
14. Statistician
Statisticians work with statistics — using math and formulas to interpret data. They can work in different fields including business, academia, healthcare, and more. Often, they spend large amounts of time working alone, but they need to work effectively with teams as well.
15. Researcher
Researchers often work on gathering the data that statisticians analyze. Depending on the field you work in, you may not need to communicate much. But in others — like if you’re a sociological researcher — you may need to work more closely with people.
16. Social Anxiety Therapist
As you learn how to manage your social anxiety, you may think of becoming a therapist to help other people overcome this disorder. You have a unique perspective and lived experience that could be of real value to others going through similar experiences. To become a therapist, you’re required to complete at least a Masters level of education.
17. Translator
If you speak two or more languages, you may be able to get work as a translator, translating written documents — anything from medical records to novels — from one language to another. Note that this is different from being an interpreter, who translates live while people are speaking.
18. Medical Technician, Medical Records Specialist
Not all medical professions require heavy social interaction. If you work in a lab, as a technician, or in medical records, most of your tasks will involve analyzing results or handling patient information behind the scenes. However, depending on your role, you may still need to collaborate with colleagues or occasionally interact with patients. You’ll also need some qualifications.
19. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
If you’re interested in workplace safety, this job involves ensuring that businesses follow health and safety regulations. Much of the work consists of research, inspections, and reporting, rather than interacting with large groups of people. That said, you may need to conduct safety training or present reports, which could push you outside your comfort zone at times.
20. Veterinarian
If you live with social anxiety disorder, you may feel more comfortable with animals than with people. A career in veterinary medicine could be a great fit. But keep in mind that veterinarians don’t just work with animals — they also need to communicate with pet owners, explain treatment plans, and sometimes deliver difficult news. You’ll also need a degree in veterinary medicine.
21. Animal Groomer, Dog Walker, Pet Sitter
Again, any job that requires you to work with animals instead of people may be a comforting choice. Dog walkers and pet sitters, however, will need to form positive relationships with pet owners. If you’re self-employed, you’ll also need to handle client communication and scheduling, which may be something to consider.
22. Landscaper or Gardener
If you enjoy working outdoors, landscaping and gardening can be a peaceful option. You may need to take instructions from clients, but for the most part, you’ll be focused on working with plants, soil, and outdoor spaces — without the need for constant social interaction.
23. Security Guard
Security guards often work alone, especially at night or in low-traffic locations, and you don’t need a degree to break into the field. However, you must be comfortable with conflict, which could be difficult for people with unmanaged social anxiety.
24. Truck Driver
Becoming a truck driver could be a good option if you’re comfortable being on the road (away from home) for long periods. However, it’s important to make sure you don’t become too isolated if you choose this profession.
25. Skilled Trades: Electricians, Plumbers, Machinists, Mechanics, and Carpenters
Many trades involve hands-on, technical work with little social interaction. As an electrician or plumber, for example, you may spend much of your time focused on solving mechanical problems. But depending on the role, you might still need to communicate with customers or collaborate with a team, so it’s important to find a balance that works for you.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Job for Social Anxiety
Almost every profession comes with some sort of social component. The job search process itself can also be intimidating for people with social anxiety; it could trigger intense fears of humiliation and judgment. However, once you choose the most suitable career path, you can reap the benefits. Once you have a job that doesn’t revolve around performing in front of others, you significantly reduce the number of stressful and triggering situations. This allows you to save the energy to focus on yourself and dedicate enough time to anxiety treatment and self-help.
In addition, a job that doesn’t have many triggers but still requires you to step out of your comfort zone sometimes can be a part of your social anxiety management. As you may know, one of the most effective ways to manage anxiety is
What Makes a Good Job for Someone With Social Anxiety?
Of course, if you have overwhelming anxiety in social settings, the best job for you is the one where you have fewer interactions and still have options for career development. However, getting treatment and learning how to cope with anxiety at work can help you succeed in any profession you choose.
It’s completely okay if you feel more fulfilled and confident in professions where you face less social pressure. But it’s also important to find a balance. If there’s a job you want to do, don’t feel like you need to avoid it just because you live with social anxiety.
It can also be beneficial to choose jobs that allow for flexible scheduling of work arrangements, offer mental health resources and employee assistance programs, and provide the time off that you may need to get treatment. For example, you might look for a job that allows you to work remotely; although remember that work from home also has some drawbacks, and you should monitor the impact of remote work on your mental health.
What Jobs Should You Avoid If You Have Social Anxiety?
There is no job you need to avoid just because you live with social anxiety. No mental health conditions, including social anxiety disorder, should hold you back from pursuing the career of your dreams.
Remember, avoidance can make social anxiety even worse than it already is. Avoiding social situations keeps you stuck in a trap. You never enter into social occasions, so you never give yourself the opportunity to practice social skills and gain confidence. You also don’t get the chance to prove to yourself that these situations aren’t as scary as you fear — to prove to yourself that you can handle it.
The worst jobs for people with social anxiety aren’t necessarily the ones that require a lot of social activities, like networking events — they’re workplace environments that are unaccepting or judgmental of mental health issues. First and foremost, try to choose jobs based on whether or not they will be understanding of your process as you navigate social anxiety treatment.
Tips to Overcome Social Anxiety at Work
Not everyone has the privilege of choosing their job based on whether or not it triggers social anxiety. If your current job is difficult for you and you don’t have the option to leave — or if you love your job and you want to learn how to make it work for you — then these tips to overcome social anxiety may help:
- Try to challenge yourself little by little. Don’t avoid all social interactions. Push yourself to interact with people even if it’s scary at first. You can go slow — for example, you might smile at a colleague or ask someone about their weekend. Also, before scheduling real interviews, you can try mock interviews to practice.
-
Learn relaxation techniques. Social anxiety can cause physical symptoms, like a racing heart or trouble breathing. Learning stress management techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation can help you calm down in high-anxiety situations.
-
Avoid safety behaviors, which are things you do to avoid or mask your anxiety — like avoiding eye contact, sticking to scripted answers in conversations, or drinking too much at company parties. While they might make you feel safer in the moment, they reinforce social anxiety in the long run.
-
Develop genuine relationships. Social anxiety can make you feel socially awkward. But relationships with colleagues don’t have to be forced or overly formal. Finding even one coworker you feel comfortable around can make a huge difference. Instead of trying to impress people, focus on getting to know them in a way that feels natural to you. Also, you can try group therapy for those with social anxiety where you can improve communication skills in a secure environment.
-
Get social anxiety disorder treatment. If your anxiety is making it hard to function at work, therapy can help. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy are some of the most effective treatments for social anxiety. A therapist can help you build confidence, learn coping skills to reduce stress, and practice real-life social situations. If therapy is insufficient, you may be prescribed medication for social anxiety. Finally, taking advantage of employee assistance programs is a good way to get a referral for treatment.
Takeaway
Social anxiety disorder can make it difficult to feel comfortable at work. But avoiding triggers altogether isn’t the solution.
Social anxiety can be treated. With the support of therapy or medication, if appropriate, you can learn to manage social anxiety so that you can choose your career based on what makes you feel fulfilled. To receive a personalized treatment plan for social anxiety, connect with a licensed medical provider at MEDvidi online. Sign up to get an appointment as soon as within 24 hours and get the help you need.
FAQs
Can people with severe social anxiety work?
Yes, absolutely! People with social anxiety, even severe social anxiety, can and do work successfully. But it’s also okay if you need to take some time off to focus on managing your symptoms.
How to get a job when you have social anxiety?
What is the best starter job for someone with social anxiety?
Do people with social anxiety make less money?
People with social anxiety disorder do have a statistically lower rate of employment and lower income. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that these numbers will apply to you. Especially with treatment, people with social anxiety can get high-paying jobs.
