Social anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects around 15 million adults in the U.S. It can make daily tasks like going to work or socializing with others extremely challenging. This can make it difficult for you to find and maintain steady employment and to advance in a career.
With that said, by no means does having social anxiety mean that you cannot have a successful career. Many jobs are well-suited for people like you with social anxiety. These jobs allow you to work in less socially demanding environments and provide opportunities for growth and success.
This article will dissect what social anxiety is, how it can affect your career, things to keep in mind during your job search, and the ten best jobs if you experience social anxiety.
What is social anxiety?
Social anxiety is more than just shyness. It’s a condition characterized by symptoms that can cause a significant disturbance in your quality of life.
Symptoms of social anxiety include:
- intense fear or anxiety in social situations
- avoiding social interactions or events
- feeling self-conscious and worried about being judged by others
- fear of embarrassment or humiliation in front of others
- difficulty making eye contact and speaking up in group settings
- physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, and nausea when faced with a social situation
If a therapist with social anxiety has not diagnosed you, although you relate to some of the symptoms above, make an appointment with a Makin Wellness therapist who specializes in anxiety therapy to get started.
How does social anxiety impact your career?
For someone with social anxiety, common workplace scenarios like team meetings, client calls, or even casual office lunches can feel daunting. This anxiety doesn’t just stop at workplace interactions; it can hinder other opportunities as well.
Examples of how social anxiety can negatively impact your career include:
- difficulty networking and building professional relationships
- avoiding job interviews or performing poorly due to anxiety
- struggle with public speaking or presentations, which can hinder career advancement
- feeling overwhelmed by group projects or collaborations
- influence career choices, favoring roles with minimal social interaction
If you experience social anxiety, it is clear that it can impact your career path, earning potential, and quality of life. Next, we will discuss key points to consider while you search for your next job.
Things to keep in mind while job searching
Makin Wellness Counselors can help answer any questions about social anxiety. Start the process of moving forward with Pennsylvania online therapy. At Makin Wellness, we serve the Greater Pittsburgh, PA area, the Philidelphia, PA region, and the entire state of Pennsylvania. To learn more about how we can help you, start your healing journey now.
When you experience social anxiety, looking for your next job or career move can leave you feeling anxious and stressed. There is a balance between the job you want and the job that allows you not to feel overwhelmed simultaneously.
Here are some key points to consider as you search for your next job as a person with social anxiety:
- Consider remote work options: With the rise of technology and the shift to remote work, more companies are offering telecommuting positions. This could be an excellent option for someone with social anxiety who prefers to work independently and remotely. You should brush up on your current skillset or learn a new skill online. This is an excellent option for finding a job with less in-person interactions.
- Look into supportive workplace environments: Some companies have programs for employees with mental health conditions like social anxiety. Look for companies that prioritize employee mental health and have accommodations for those with social anxiety.
- Prioritize job roles that align with your strengths: Job roles that play to your strengths can help reduce stress and anxiety. Consider a position where you can work independently or have a clear set of tasks and responsibilities that you can work on without someone constantly over your shoulder.
- Take note of the company culture: A more relaxed and accepting company may be a better fit for someone with social anxiety. This can ease overall anxiety, making interactions with coworkers easier to tolerate.
- Know your rights: According to the Department of Labor, “Under federal law, workers with mental health conditions may be protected against discrimination and harassment at work related to their condition, have workplace confidentiality rights, and have a legal right to reasonable accommodations that can help them perform and keep their job.” Know your rights and that you have protections from the federal government in the workplace.
The ten best jobs for people with social anxiety
- Writer/Content Creator: Crafting stories or content allows for creative expression with limited direct social interaction. It’s perfect for channeling your thoughts and ideas constructively. This could be done via freelance, contract, or corporate work. Also, you could write for your blog or business, which significantly limits the necessity for constant interaction with others.
- Graphic Designer: This role lets you communicate visually, often through email or messaging, working with clients or teams, reducing face-to-face contact. This type of job usually requires at least two years of post-secondary education. The exception is that if you self-study to learn this skill, as long as you can demonstrate competency in the skillset, you may not need a degree to get a graphic designer job.
- IT Support/Developer: If you’re tech-savvy, these roles offer the chance to solve problems behind the scenes, with many opportunities to work remotely. These roles usually require a degree or certificate to validate a certain level of knowledge to get the job done. Many online courses, online degree programs, and boot camps can help you gain the skills necessary to get a job in IT.
- Librarian: If you love books and quiet environments, libraries offer a serene atmosphere with limited social pressures. Depending on the level of librarian that interests you, the job may require 2 to 7 years of post-secondary education and coursework, specifically in library science.
- Archivist: Like a librarian, archivists work in quiet environments while preserving historical documents and records. If you already have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in history or IT, this may be a good path for you. As one of the most accredited jobs on our list, this can use many years of education to become an archivist.
- Accountant: Numbers don’t require small talk. Accounting can be an ideal career for someone who prefers dealing with figures rather than extensive team interactions. This position usually requires at least two years of post-secondary education, with a preference for at least a four-year degree. Higher positions are given to those with master’s degrees. Regardless of the amount of schooling you take, taking the Certified Personal Accountant exam is highly recommended.
- Online Teacher/Tutor: Teaching online allows you to help others without the anxiety of standing in front of a classroom, offering a comfortable distance while still engaging in meaningful work. This can be done in a school district near you or even teaching others your native language in a different time zone. The possibilities are endless with this career path. Most organizations that teach English as a second language require you to be enrolled in a current bachelor’s program or have a bachelor’s degree to teach.
- Artist: Whether painting, drawing, sculpting, or any other art form, expressing yourself creatively allows you to communicate without words and reduce social pressures. Being an artist professionally could be done by selling your art as a business owner or being part of a business that creates art for others. Consider filming yourself and sharing your art process. Fellow artists love to see other artist’s styles and specialties. This may mean no in-person interactions at all.
- Animal Caretaker: Animals offer companionship without judgment. Roles in this field can be advantageous and comforting for those with social anxiety. This job may require some human interactions, although most of the time will be spent with the animals you care for. In addition to close to minimal people-time, working with animals might ease your social anxiety, making it easier to get through your day anxiety-free.
- Researcher: This role is ideal for those who love digging into data and working independently, with limited requirements for social interaction. This career could include a data analyst, SEO specialist, UX researcher, or a researcher on a specific topic determined by your employer. Often, these roles require at least a 4-year degree. With roles like a UX designer, you can utilize self-study to gain enough skills to get a job without a degree.
Managing your social anxiety at work
So you got the job you wanted, now what? Even if you were hired for a job with the least people interaction possible, chances are you may experience social anxiety symptoms on the job at some point.
Here are four ways to help combat the symptoms of social anxiety at work:
- Create a supportive network: One understanding colleague can make a huge difference. Build rapport with a friendly coworker and build that relationship over time. This can help ease anxiety in the future by having someone to confide in at work.
- Set boundaries: Know your limits and communicate them respectfully. Understanding your social limits and comfort zones is pivotal to feeling your best at work. If you need to, set boundaries and discuss them with your management team or coworkers so they know your limits.
- Practice self-care: Prioritize activities that reduce stress and allow for quiet reflection. Add things to your day that bring you a job and calm you. This will help you feel at ease and reducet and severity of your symptoms.
- Seek help: Therapists can offer strategies to manage anxiety in professional settings. Your therapist can help you identify triggers and teach you skills to help you combat your symptoms when you feel them coming on.
Conclusion
In navigating the complex intersection of your social anxiety and career development, remember that the right job can accommodate and empower you at the same time. The careers listed above are just the starting point to finding a role that fits your unique talents and needs.
In a world that often celebrates the loudest voices, know that your strengths are invaluable, and there’s a place for you. Suppose you’re finding the balance between managing social anxiety and pursuing your career challenging. In that case, it might be helpful to talk to someone who can help you navigate and ease the severity of your feelings.
Ready for the next step toward a career that fits your unique needs? Make an appointment with a Makin Wellness therapist and start the journey toward a fulfilling professional life. Set up your initial appointment here or call us at (833)-274-heal to get started.
This Post Has 8 Comments
Anxiety is rampant nowadays, and it was a great and helpful piece that we can take the time to read and learn with. Thank you, and I appreciate you sharing this informative piece.
Social anxiety ruined my life. My Father was always judging me harshly. My Mother had it so I modelled from her.
I don’t know what else happened to me, but my nose got broken when I was 8.
I have spent thousands trying to get help but nothing really sorted my problem.
Got married had 2 kids, couldn’t hold a succesful career due to S.A.D , now no secure home.
My life is over now, will end it soon
Martin, I highly recommend calling The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are having thoughts of suicide. They can be reached at 988
or 1–800–273–8255. If you have a counselor, reach out to them asap to talk through these big, overwhelming feelings you are experiencing. It sounds like you have been through a lot, and a counselor can help you through your past and present experiences, and help you overcome them. Sometimes these emotions make us forget that some things can be temporary but feel permanent. If you feel you are having a difficult time making it through the things that are preventing you from succeeding and feeling your best, please reach out to the crisis line, a counselor, or anyone who can support you through this very difficult time.
man what
come on, you’ve got all the way here, it cannot end like this
think about the times you felt you could no longer continue, and still here you are
I lost my dad recently due to sudden ill health. In a matter of weeks he was gone. Your kids need you more than ever and many years ahead you will look back at this dark moment and you will be in a better place. Nothing lasts forever, good and bad… so stick it out and focus on a brighter future. Daily steps is all you need to do… even small tasks tick the off.. even if that means just chores or online tuition, something to keep you busy. Best of luck to ya. May the sun shine on your face.
What is a job that doesn’t require too much socialization that is in the health field. I have a degree in health science (healthy lifestyle coaching) and just got a job as a health coach. I’m passionate about what I do but I’m talking to multiple people every single day non stop which is honestly my worst nightmare and it’s only going to get worse as they add more responsibilities to my plate. I’m not sure what else I could do in this field though that doesn’t require one on one work.
I’m sorry you are in a job that increases symptoms of anxiety. There are jobs, such as medical lab technician or medical billing and coding, that aren’t patient-facing that could be a better fit for your needs.
Hi Martin,
I am reaching out to you with compassion. I am reading this because i have S A D. I know the feelings of worthlessness.
I try to remember that it’s my mind chatter that tells me this and that it’s not true.
I am sorry you had a negative start. Sit with the feeling, don’t run from it, let it be there. It might feel overwhelming to begin with but try this practice over and over. Welcome it and let it be. It will release its grip and eventually fade.
I did this practice when i was diagnosed with cancer. I welcomed the cancer instead of hating it, it helped me heal 100%