It is not necessary that only introverts can face anxiety. But according to research, introverts experience more social anxiety than extroverts. It is not easy for introverts to work fluently at their jobs. Follow this article to explore what are the best jobs for introverts with anxiety and the best self care tips for anxious introverts.
It is not exactly true that all introverts have anxiety. Extroverts can also feel anxious sometimes, but they socialize more and have a more outgoing personality so it might be easy for them to deal with their anxiety. They can talk to people easily and can make friends easily. Whereas, introverts have a quiet personality, they don’t like to socialize much, and prefer to stay alone. They feel pressure more quickly than extroverts thus, introverts will refrain from talking to new people. This is one of the main reasons why an introvert will feel pressure and social anxiety in a social situation like a party or a job.
It is not easy for an introvert to perform their tasks well in front of all the strangers. An introvert with social anxiety might not be able to perform their tasks and may get fired. Even if they are not fired, they will face the fear of rejection and failure. Individuals who are introverted and suffer from anxiety may avoid getting to know their colleagues or taking part in team projects. Follow this article to learn more about what are the best jobs for introverts with anxiety and what are the best self care tips for anxious introverts.
Table of Contents
What is introversion?
Introversion is basically a personality trait, for some people it might give them peace of mind. It is a characteristic that helps people to calm down after a long and tiring day. Some people find solace when they are alone, and it doesn’t mean that they have no one to talk to, they just prefer it that way. Introversion or being an introvert is basically a personality trait where a person does not like to socialize much. Instead, they will find peace and calm by living alone. They will enjoy their time by chilling at home, reading a book, watching a movie, or cooking their favorite meal by themselves.
For an introvert the most tiring is when they have to go out for a social gathering or even for their work. Most introverts will try to find jobs where they don’t even have to go out. Introverts believe in comfort and for them comfort means when they are alone in their home. An introvert might feel extremely lucky when they get an opportunity to work from home. For some people it might be a curse but for introverts, it’s a blessing.
Peace and solitude will make up for the hustle an introvert had to endure because of a social gathering. It is also not possible for introverts to make friends easily, even if they are working in an office environment, an introvert will prefer it if no one talks to them and everyone just minds their own business. Even if they have to communicate with someone, they will keep it professional and short.
Introverts are not afraid of judgment. They don’t care what other people might think of their introversion, they enjoy it. It gives them peace and they really appreciate when someone else acknowledges that and respects their choice. Most people try to force introverts towards a lifestyle that they don’t even want to live. This can have an introvert running for the hills. Nobody likes it when they are being forced to do something that they don’t want to do.
What are the personality traits of an introvert?
Everyone has personality traits and characteristics that define them. Whether you are outgoing or someone who prefers to stay inside, you will have some characteristics that will set you apart from everyone else. Just like everyone else, introverts have the following personality traits that set them apart from the rest of the crowd.
- You need time for yourself
- Socializing drains you
- You work better alone
- You prefer a small circle of friends
- You don’t want the spotlight
- You understand people on a deeper level
- You don’t talk much
You need time for yourself:
An introverted appreciates when they have alone time. After a tiring day, when they get to relax alone with a nice tea. It brings calm to them. An introvert will need some time alone to reflect on all the activities they have done in their day. Self- talk will encourage them for a new day and it will give them much needed energy to socialize the next day.
Socializing drains you:
An introvert will prefer being alone rather than going out. He/she will opt for a quiet day at home if their second option was to go out and be part of a social gathering. Being outgoing and social is not really their thing. Too much socializing drains them. If they attend an event then, an introvert would prefer to leave much earlier than everybody else.
You work better alone:
Working as a group is not an introvert’s forte. They will find it hard to be creative. An introvert will work more productively when they have no fear of judgment, rejection, and when they don’t feel pressured.
You prefer a small circle of friends:
For an introvert, quality matters over quantity. An introvert will prefer a small circle of friends. People who understand them and their personality. Introverts prefer when their friends don’t force them into situations they don’t want to be a part of. Introverts always make friends with whom they can communicate easily.
You don’t want the spotlight:
An introvert will try their best to stay away from the spotlight. They will perform all their tasks from the backfoot. An introvert will maintain a quiet demeanor during their work and they will appreciate it if their boss or manager doesn’t call them out in front of everyone. Once they have everyone’s attention, they might lose their confidence.
You understand people on a deeper level:
An introvert will be an excellent listener. They listen carefully when someone is talking to them. They will pay attention to every detail and will understand what you are trying to say on a deeper level. Talking to an introvert will make you feel light and understood.
You don’t talk much:
An introvert does not talk much but they are excellent listeners. They talk less and appreciate it when people also don’t talk to them unnecessarily. An introvert will always avoid awkward conversations. They won’t initiate any conversation and won’t talk unless they are asked something.
What are the signs of having anxiety as an introvert?
Anxiety is a part of everyone’s lives. Whether you are an extrovert or an introvert, anxiety will find its way to you. But most introverts battle anxiety everyday. It is a huge part of their lives. They cannot share their thoughts with anyone because of their antisocial nature. Following are some of the signs that show that you might be battling anxiety as an introvert.
- You assume the worst
- You may not show it but you are freaking out
- You see things in a different way
- You are constantly working on something
- You are afraid of disappointment
- Initiating an awkward conversation
- You are mostly nervous
- You avoid situations
- Overthinking is your forte
- You are stressed easily
- You get tired easily
You assume the worst:
This is one of the main signs of having anxiety as an introvert. You always assume the worst results. Your self confidence is deteriorating day by day, you always assume that no matter what you do, the end result will be a disaster. Even when things are not in your hands, you start questioning everything.
You may not show it but you are freaking out:
As an introvert you might have a stoic facial expression but you are freaking out over everything. Even the little things keep you at the edge of your seat. People might assume that you are fine by the decision made but, inside you don’t want any of it to happen.
You see things in a different way:
Most of the time introverts with anxiety see things with a totally different perspective. When they start assuming the worst results, there is a possibility that whatever they listen to they will always see that thing with a negative view.
You are constantly working on something:
If you are an introvert who is dealing with anxiety then, you will start overworking yourself. You will look for things so you can keep yourself busy. Sometimes you may overwork yourself so much that you feel like you are about to die from exhaustion.
You are afraid of disappointment:
As an introvert who is battling anxiety you are afraid of what others think of you. Usually introverts don’t care how others see them, but in this case, you are afraid you might disappoint someone. You are afraid of judgment and it is making you crazy. You might do everything to make people happy.
Initiating an awkward conversation:
Normally an introvert will skip any awkward conversation, they are not comfortable with talking to strangers. But when they are battling with anxiety, they might stutter a lot during a conversation because of nervousness. This might lead to an awkward conversation. Also there is a fear of rejection and disappointment at the back of their mind.
You are mostly nervous:
You will be mostly nervous and this might make things awkward for you and for people around you. You won’t be able to concentrate on your work and you won’t be able to participate in a group project. Most of the time introverts just for the sake of their work, take part in a group activity. But if you are too nervous then things might not work in your favor.
You avoid situations:
Most introverts avoid any situation that might involve socializing, but when you are a part of an organization, sometimes you have to do things that are against your personality. But when you are dealing with anxiety, you will try to skip the scene no matter what.
Overthinking is your forte:
You will overthink every little detail. This will drive you mad but you are unable to stop. You start to overthink every single decision you make and this might stop you from completing your tasks. You will start to lose interest in life and everything you do will mess up your thoughts.
You are stressed easily:
With overthinking comes stress. When you worry about little things then, you start becoming stressed. When you are stressed about everything, every little detail of your work and your life then, you will never be able to move on. You might get stuck at one point and also it will negatively affect your physical and mental health.
You get tired easily:
When you are battling anxiety as an introvert, you overthink, you start to take on too many tasks at the same time to keep yourself busy, and you constantly assume the worst about yourself. This will make you tired easily and you will feel exhausted at the end of the day.
Why is it hard for introverts in the workspace?
It is hard for introverts to work in an outgoing environment. They might not be able to give their best considering they have to be around all those strangers. In a workspace an introvert may face more problems than an extroverted person. Some of the problems are as follows:
- Open office concept
- You are expected to be more social
- You are judged on being quiet
- People will want to be more involved in your life
- Extroverted boss or colleagues
Open office concept:
Many offices are adapting the concept of open office. It means no cubicles for employees. Everyone will get their own desk but there will be no walls separating you and your colleague. Some people may enjoy this concept but, for introverts it is a nightmare. An introvert will appreciate when they have walls separating them from the rest of the world. They will be more productive that way.
You are expected to be more social:
Your colleagues will expect you to be more social. They will not understand that it is hard for some people to socialize easily. It is not easy for some people, especially introverts, to communicate more frequently. They will never initiate a conversation with someone and in a workspace, they will try to minimize their communication to work.
You are judged on being quiet:
Your colleagues will sometimes judge you for being quiet. They will not understand that it is not easy for you to make friends. Sometimes you will be told to socialize more. Or if you are new, people will expect you to come to them and introduce yourself. And if you don’t then, the judgment will start.
People will want to be more involved in your life:
In your workspace, some people might want to be more involved in your life, and not just your work life but also your professional life. And for introverts, this is the most uncomfortable thing. They have a very reserved personality and when people are trying to force themselves into their life then, it will ruin their peace of mind.
Extroverted boss or colleagues:
An introvert will never have any problem with an extroverted person as long as they are not forcing them into unwanted situations. But when you are working for someone who is an extroverted person then, you have to be mentally prepared for more socializing and more group projects. Your boss or your colleagues won’t find anything weird about this but, all of this will be pretty uncomfortable for you.
What are the best jobs for introverts with anxiety?
An introvert may struggle in many office jobs but that doesn’t mean they don’t have the skills. It’s just that they work better when they are alone, they are more productive, and more creative that way. Some of the best jobs for introverts with anxiety are:
- Content writer
- Web developer
- Online school administrator
- Dietitian or nutritionist
- Transcriber
- Data entry worker
- Bookkeeper
- Social media manager
- Entrepreneur
- Geologist
Content writer:
Being a content writer is an ideal job for an introvert. Most of the time content writers work from the comfort of their home and even if it’s an office based job, you get your peace and the environment is quiet so everyone can focus on their writing. If you are working from home then it’s a plus point for you. You won’t have to interact even a little bit with others and all of your interaction will be through the internet solely about work.
Web developer:
Web development is a kind of work that requires your utmost concentration. So even if you are working for a software house from their office, it won’t make a difference because you will be given a quiet atmosphere to work in. And if you are working as a freelance web developer then, you can work from the comfort of your home.
Online school administrator:
It is one of the ideal jobs for an introvert. Many people say that it is like working from the comfort of your home, so many people even use headphones and listen to some music while working. It is one of the most comfortable jobs for an introvert.
Dietitian or nutritionist:
When you are working as a dietitian or nutritionist, you are mostly working behind the scenes in a hospital or school. You won’t have to interact with too many people at the same time. You can easily talk to one person comfortably and sometimes dieticians and nutritionists can also be employed to work from home.
Transcriber:
A job as a transcriber is the most ideal for an introvert. The working hours are extremely flexible and you don’t even have to communicate much with your boss or your colleagues. You only have to provide accurate transcripts on time and that’s it.
Data entry worker:
Data entry work does not require you to make any face to face communication. Once you are hired, you can even work from the comfort of your home. You don’t even have to deal with clients, your work is all technical based.
Bookkeeper:
If you are good with mathematics and finance then, this job is ideal for you. You can work from home, you just have to provide up to date information about your company’s business to the owner in a form of report.
Social media manager:
Being a social media manager is one of the ideal jobs for an introvert. You can work from the comfort of your home. You only have to devise strategies for your company’s social media handles and how they can approach a bigger audience through their content. You will also devise a social media campaign for your company and record its analytics.
Entrepreneur:
It is the most rewarding job for an introvert. Every introvert has an idea for a strong product or business but they are too nervous and scared to tell others. Being an entrepreneur can reward you in so many ways. You work on what you love and you work the way you like.
Geologist:
Being a geologist can be very beneficial for an introvert. You don’t have to spend a lot of time communicating with your colleagues. Mostly you are out in the field doing research or you are coped up in a lab testing your research and analyzing your field study. Sometimes you are on the field for months which can be really inspiring for introverts.
What are the best self care tips for anxious introverts?
Introverts deal with anxiety daily, extroverts too but it is a bit more difficult for introverts. Some of the best self care tips for anxious introverts are:
- You don’t have please everyone
- Take a break
- Don’t overthink
- Eliminate your fears
- Forgive yourself
- Be your own friend
You don’t have to please everyone:
You have to understand that you cannot make everyone happy. What you can do however is make yourself happy. You don’t have to change yourself in order to “fit in”. When someone genuinely likes you, they will like you for who you are, whether you are extroverted or introverted, you don’t have to change yourself for anyone.
Take a break:
Take a break. Don’t overwork yourself, you are a human and not a machine. You are allowed to feel overwhelmed and tired. You deserve a break, you also need to clear your mind. You are not a computer who can work 24/7 without getting tired. Even in a workspace, give yourself micro breaks, that way you will be more productive.
Don’t overthink:
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Don’t overthink every little thing. Go with the flow and see what tomorrow brings for you. Take one step at a time and don’t complicate things for yourself. You are just a normal person who is entitled to feel anxious and stressed but how you deal with it depends on you.
Eliminate your fears:
Eliminate your fears. Forget what people might think of you. Eliminate the fear of rejection and fear of being judged. You are good just the way you are. You don’t have to change anything about your introversion. People who love and support you, will be beside you at every step.
Forgive yourself:
Don’t stress too much and don’t try to change anything about yourself. If you think that you have let down yourself in the past then, forgive yourself and move on. You are so much stronger than what you show. You can achieve anything, you need to move on from your past. Learn to accept your mistakes and forgive yourself for those mistakes. You are a human, you can make mistakes.
Be your own friend:
It is quite difficult for an introvert to make friends. Sometimes your friends are not like you, they are more outgoing and have an extroverted personality. You don’t have to change yourself for anyone. You can learn to be your own friend. Enjoy your own company and spend some quality time with yourself, this will help you motivate yourself for a better tomorrow.
Conclusion:
Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, anxiety is a part of everyone’s life. Introverts may find it more difficult to deal with anxiety than extroverts but that doesn’t mean they are not strong. Introverts deal with anxiety quietly at a workspace to avoid any conflict and problem. They have a fear that people may think of them as less capable with their reserved personality. But that’s not the case. Introverts are capable of doing their every task with responsibility, they just want some peaceful environment.
Introverts may find it difficult to be a part of every job, especially jobs where communication is extremely important. Where you have to present your work in front of a room full of strangers. Instead introverts find jobs suitable for their personality. Like content writer, web developer, freelancing, geologist, social media manager, bookkeeper, and so much more. All of these jobs also provide them with an opportunity to work from the comfort of their home and that for every introvert is a dream job.
