20 Best Jobs for Introverts with Anxiety (and 5 Jobs to Avoid)

Today, we’ll talk about the most suitable jobs for introverts with social anxiety – and several occupations that introverts should avoid.

Introversion is not a mental illness or a personality disorder. It’s a personality type.

However, introversion does make doing certain occupations very difficult.

As an introvert myself, I prefer smaller crowds, solitude, and independence.

Big crowds tend to drain my energy, and so I need some quiet alone time to recharge and re-energize after interacting with people.

Plus, I tend to get distracted easily.

Too much outside stimulation (e.g., noise, passersby in my line of sight, food smells, perfume, and other sensory distractions) leaves me unfocused and overwhelmed.

Because of this, working in an office, especially with plenty of employees, open layouts, and frequent meetings and collaborations holds very little appeal for me.

If this sounds like you, at least take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone (yes, it is with heavy irony that I say that).

This means that the best jobs for introverts are those that allow them to work in quiet spaces and in seclusion. Also, it’s best to allow them to self-manage their work.

Note that this doesn’t mean that introverts aren’t capable of doing difficult jobs or they aren’t hard workers.

If you’re an introvert looking for a job where the work conditions are ideal, go through our list of 20 jobs and consider applying to at least one of them.

The 20 Best Jobs for Introverts with Social Anxiety

If you’re looking for a job where you can get straight to work without having to socialize, here are 20 jobs for you to consider starting.

1. Researcher

The best thing about being a researcher is that it is such a broad category that you’re bound to find an industry or topic that you’re interested in doing research on.

All research positions basically have two requirements:

• Having excellent written communication

• Being able to work independently

Being a researcher is one of the best careers for introverts due to the fact that it perfectly utilizes introverts’ strengths and is usually very easy to transition into.

There are plenty of types of research, too: from marketing research to gender studies, to medical research, you’re likely to find a field of research that is interesting to you.

2. Freelance Writer

Freelance writing opens up thousands of opportunities for you.

Whether you want to write ebooks, write for blogs, write FAQ pages, publish your own book, write contracts, or ghostwrite strategies, your options are practically endless.

Many introverts love working as freelance writers because of the sheer flexibility that comes with the job.

Plus, the fact that they get to spend a lot of time on their own.

Whether you want to be a freelance writer or a full-time copywriter; this is considered the perfect job for introverts.

How much do writers earn?

• Surprisingly, you can make as much as $3000 per month or even more just through freelance writing.

• Pro tip: If you have any previous training in a certain type of writing (e.g., academic writing, scientific writing, or technical writing), then you also get to set higher rates for your clients.

• If your writing is more specialized, you can even double your expected monthly salary of $6000 a month or more.

3. Crafter

The best jobs almost always involve doing something you love.

If you’re into crafts but dread the idea of going to local fairs, flea markets, or bazaars, then selling on Etsy is a great option for you.

Selling online eliminates the need to talk to too many people.

You also avoid the tendency to be overwhelmed by the many sights and sounds of a public marketplace.

You can limit your online interactions with customers as well.

What’s more, starting your own Etsy business can make you hundreds and even thousands of dollars.

4. Proofreader

Many introverts have top-notch laser focus and attention to detail.

So why not put those skills to use?

If you like spending plenty of quiet time reading, then proofreading might just be your thing.

You will need to spot mistakes, check for spelling and grammatical errors, and re-read texts multiple times to ensure that everything is correct.

The best thing about becoming a proofreader is that anyone can be one – there are no special requirements aside from attention-to-detail.

Here is a list of companies currently looking for proofreaders.

5. Virtual Bookkeeper

Most accounting jobs require a degree, but bookkeeping jobs only need you to be attentive to details, trustworthy, and reliable.

If numbers are your thing, then this is one of the best careers for introverts you can have.

Bookkeeping involves:

• Creating financial records from scratch

• Consistently verifying those records

• Handling, saving, and reporting incoming receipts and purchase orders

• Keeping track of expenses

If you’re planning on working full-time from home, know that average salaries run around $40k per year.

Being a freelance bookkeeper, however, will help you earn more as you get to set your own rates.

And once you’ve learned the ropes and spent bookkeeping for years, you can even launch your own bookkeeping business from the comforts of your home.

6. Actuary

Another one for all you number-lovers out there—becoming an actuary combines your love for math and your attention to details.

An actuary is someone who not only analyzes hundreds of statistical data but also creates suitable forecasts to match what they find.

The following makes being an actuary a great job for introverts:

• The fact that you can do it from anywhere. All you need is a computer, Excel skills, and a love for numbers.

• You can analyze every type of statistical data—from mortality rates to the probability of people going to a movie at night.

• You can easily make up to $100K/year

7. Data Analyst

Did you study mathematics, statistics, or economics?

If you answered yes to that, then you might want to consider becoming a data analyst.

Your job entails dealing with complex spreadsheets, gathering information, and conducting surveys.

You will later analyze the data and share it with shareholders or managers.

You will need to be experienced in Excel, SQL, PayScale, or Sharepoint.

Data analysts make anywhere from $65k and $110k per year.

8. Blogger

Starting a blog takes little experience but plenty of free time and dedication.

Blogging doesn’t normally fall under the “freelance writing” category, because having a blog is like having your own business.

You’ll have to manage your articles, promote your blog, monetize it, and maximize your profits.

Monetizing your blog may involve running ads, doing affiliate marketing, selling courses and other digital products, selling physical products, selling services, and many other ways.

Always focus on producing as much high-quality content as you can, and you could be one of the people who make six-figure profits per year just from their blogs.

9. Translator

Can you speak a minimum of two languages fluently?

You can consider becoming a freelance (or full-time) translator.

There are plenty of language combinations that are currently in high demand, such as English–Chinese, Arabic–English, and many more.

The more niche your language combination is, the more money you can make.

10. Social Media Manager

Social media managers are highly sought-after by businesses and brands nowadays.

I know what you’re thinking.

Introvert? Social media manager?

Surely you’re joking.

But in truth, this is one of the best jobs for introverts because you don’t need much experience.

Plus all the training you will ever need is available online. You won’t need to get out of the house.

Thousands of courses, online videos, free ebooks, and much more are available.

Given the right training, and if you focus hard enough, you can master social media management in as little as a month.

It can open up an entire career for you in digital marketing, as well.

Managing social media pages involves strategizing creatively, studying the psychology of your target audience, and knowing how to interpret website analytics.

One thing I specifically like about social media management is that it opens a lot of doors for you.

You can expand your services to digital marketing, or even eventually start your own marketing agency.

11. Video Editor

This is an incredible job opportunity for introverts who also want to have the flexibility of working from home.

As video content online increases in popularity, video editors are increasingly in demand nowadays, not only by businesses or brands but also by individuals and influencers.

If you have experience in video editing with different software, file types, and platforms, you can easily make up to $60k per year.

12. Stock Photographer

Are you passionate about photography and unsure how to make money out of it?

Not only are there plenty of ways to make money with photography, but it’s also a perfect career for introverts.

Your photographs can be worth a lot, and the stock photo industry is expected to be worth $4 billion by 2020.

So how does it work?

• Upload photos to a stock photography website, such as Shutterstock, iStock, Alamy, etc.
• Set a price.
• Get a percentage of the profit whenever someone buys the photos you uploaded.

Some people can make up to $3000 from one single image.

13. Transcriber

Everyone knows introverts are generally good listeners.

So it’s no surprise that a good job for introverts is transcription.

What exactly will you be doing then?

It’s simple: You will need to simultaneously listen to an audio track and type what is being said.

Transcription is also quite easy to learn and practice.

You can start by looking for freelance transcription work from different websites.

Transcribers specializing in financial, medical, and legal transcription are in demand nowadays.

Learning to transcribe in these fields will allow you to earn more.

In both cases, the job requires absolutely no contact with other people and you don’t need to go to offices or meetings.

14. Graphic Designer

Many graphic designers are self-professed introverts.

It’s one of the best jobs for introverts because you get to spend plenty of time on your own while exploring your creativity.

You will, however, have to deal with client demands on a daily (if not hourly!) basis.

15. Software Developer

Software development is yet another great career for introverts.

The money is excellent ($98k per year on average), you can easily work from home, and you have no need to interact with other people.

If you can write impressive code, bring apps to life, and develop websites, then you’ve got a promising, cubicle-free career ahead of you.

16. Online Librarian

Bet you didn’t know this job even existed.

The duties of an online librarian are essentially the same as that of a regular librarian.

Tasks of online librarian include:

• working during online classes to provide online references to university students
• assisting remote students with the use of library services and equipment.

So basically like a regular librarian, only you won’t have to scan and check out books or return books to shelves.

You’ll generally have to hold a Library and Information Science degree or a Masters in Library Science degree from an accredited institution.

17. Truck Driver

If you’re looking for real-world (not online) work, one of the best introvert jobs is truck driving.

As a truck driver, you spend a lot of time alone moving cargo from one place to the next.

It pays well, too!

Truck drivers can earn about $4,700 to $7000 a month.

You do need to pass a background check,  meet age requirement and maintain a clean driving record.

Check here if you want to see other ways you can get paid to drive.

18. Gardener

If you’re looking for the perfect jobs for introverts with anxiety, I’d recommend gardening.

The sunshine, the peace, the taking care of nature – all help in easing a person’s anxiety.

If you’re worried about pay, since gardeners tend to earn little, there are ways you can bring in more money.

For example, blog about your garden, or use social media to showcase your garden. You don’t even have to show your face, or use your voice to do this.

There are different ways to earn money from these social media platforms – follow here if you’re interested in learning Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, or YouTube monetization.

19. Carpenter

Carpenters work with their hands to design, construct or restore furniture, building structures, frameworks, and other items.

As a carpenter, you can earn an average $48,000 a year.

It’s not much, but carpentry is a low-stress job, particularly if you’re doing it freelance.

20. Animal Breeder or Trainer

Introverts may prefer not to be around plenty of people, but most of them aren’t bother by animals.

In fact, breeding or training animals may even be good for introverts with anxiety.

Pay ranges between $30,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience and location.

Salary too small? Here are 15 other ways to make money with animals.

The Worst Possible Jobs for Introverts

Just because a job is online and from home does NOT mean that it’s good for introverts.

Here the top 3 worst jobs for introverts:

1. Phone Customer Support and Cold-Calling Sales Representative

Even though you will mostly be working from home, you will have to constantly talk to people, pick up phone calls, and deal with other’s problems.

A lot of cold-calling sales jobs pay a decent amount of money but the job entails at least 7 hours a day of being on the phone with people convincing them to buy a product or service.

Introverts barely want to interact with humans for prolonged periods of time.

Imagine an introvert being forced to initiate and take charge of a conversation.

Yeah. No thanks.

That could be quite the draining job for introverts.

3. Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents not only have to convince people to buy properties, but there will be plenty of meetings until the deal is closed.

Imagine traveling outside of your comfort zone, meeting people frequently, and then having to sell to them.

Avoid this one too.

4. Financial or Insurance Advisors

To be able to “advice” people with their finances, budgeting, debt management, insurance, or investments, advisors must be able to communicate ideas effectively.

Unfortunately, people-facing roles like financial advisors can be overwhelming for introverts who have anxiety taking to people.

5. Patient-focused Healthcare Worker

Generally, science- or research-related jobs suit introverts.

The challenging part would be to  face patients and patients’ families for hours a day as a doctor, nurse, or caregiver. This can be quite draining on an introvert.

That said, there are specializations that allow introverts to work in solitude, such as:

• radiologists who interpret X-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic images,
• laboratory technicians who perform blood work, urinalysis, and other diagnostic tests in the laboratory, or
• biostatisticians who analyze complicated data for hospitals, insurance companies, or epidemiologists.

The Most Suitable Jobs for Introverts with Anxiety

Not all jobs I listed above would make sense for introverts.

Of course, at the end of the day, even if we’re all introverts, we’re still individuals with varying likes and dislikes.

But as you can see from my examples above, there are plenty of suitable jobs for introverts to consider.

You can also learn about more legitimate work from home jobs here or another 100 (yes, seriously) ways you can make money online.