Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health problems in the United States. According to the ADAA, 40 million adults suffer from some sort of anxiety disorder. Of those 40 million, 15 million suffer from social anxiety disorder (SAD). Does that mean those with social anxiety disorder can’t excel at starting a business or a career? Absolutely not! We’ll show you the best jobs for people with social anxiety disorder.
Just a quick note: social anxiety disorder doesn’t prevent you from being as successful as the “fortunate” who don’t suffer from it. Presidents, successful business professionals, athletes as well as celebrities have suffered from anxiety disorders. Don’t let it hold you back!
Here are 12 good jobs for people with a social or generalized anxiety disorder:
12 Good Jobs for People With Anxiety
1. Web Developer
Most hours are spent in front of a computer writing and editing code and the pay is not bad either. There are tons of schools that focus solely on coding and within a year you can learn these web development skills which are in high demand.
Resume example: Front End Developer Resume Example
2. Writer
Writing is of course another excellent career choice for people with social anxiety disorder as most time will be spent researching and writing. With writing positions, you can choose to freelance from home or work for a company.
Resume example: Professional Writer and Editor Resume Example
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3. Entrepreneur
Have you ever wanted to start a business?
Being an entrepreneur allows you the freedom to build a business where a lot of human interaction isn’t required.
Starting a blog, setting up an eCommerce website or even selling on Ebay and Amazon can be very lucrative. It does take some patience but it can really pay off if done right.
You can also always hire other people to deal with tasks you may not want to deal with such as sales and customer service support.
Average salary varies
Resume example: Entrepreneur Resume Example
4. Graphic Designer
This is another excellent opportunity and one that is in demand. Graphic designers, like web developers, usually spend most hours working alone with little social interaction.
You do need to have an eye for good design along with knowledge of different design programs. Many universities and vocational schools offer graphic design programs ranging from 10 weeks to 4 years.
Resume example: Graphic Designer Resume Example
5. Security Guard
This is another position that’s great for people with a social interaction disorder. Although there is usually a need to communicate with others, it’s often minimal. Many choose to work a night shift where there aren’t many people coming in and out.
The pay isn’t as high as some other jobs on this list, but it’s an excellent choice for someone wanting to gain employment fast without a college degree or high school diploma.
6. Accountant
An accountant is tasked with analyzing and preparing financial statements. This position often requires few social interactions as most hours are spent working alone. This is a good choice for someone with SAD and the pay is not too bad either.
For most accounting firms a minimum of a bachelor's in accounting is required.
Resume example: Financial Accountant Resume Example
7. Mechanic
Whether it’s working on cars, aircraft, or any other machinery, mechanics don’t have to interact with others much and the pay isn’t too terrible either.
Many vocational schools offer accelerated programs where you can learn the skills in as little as 6-months. You will need a couple of years of on the job training as well to really master the trade.
Resume example: Mechanic Resume Example
8. X - Ray Technologist
An X-Ray technologist arranges patients for radiological examinations, produces radiographs (x-rays) to aid in the diagnosis of medical problems, and prevents patient from being exposed to unnecessary radiation.
This is also an excellent choice for people with social anxiety disorder as little social interaction is required.
To become a X- Ray tech, an associate's degree from an accredited program is required.
Registration as a technologist by the A.R.R.T is also required.
Resume example: MRI Technician Resume Example & Template
9. Construction and Industrial Trades
These trades are really excellent for anyone who likes to work with their hands and tools. It’s also really suitable for those with social anxiety disorder as they require little social interaction.
The pay is also pretty good for these positions and you don’t really need a degree to get started. If you’re serious about advancing and increasing your earning potential, then a 2-year degree and a license may be necessary.
Resume example: Construction Site Manager Resume Example
10. Chef
A Chef is an excellent choice for those who like to cook. Although some communication is required with your own team, most time is spent putting together delicious meals.
Being a Chef can be a rewarding and lucrative career. A degree from a vocational school is usually required for higher end restaurants.
Resume example: Chef Resume Example
11. Paralegal
A paralegal is another good option for those who want to work without too much human interaction. Most of your time will be spent alone conducting legal research, gathering information, and drafting legal documents. Most positions require an associate’s degree. Getting certified through the Empire State Alliance of Paralegal Associations (ESAPA) is also a plus.
Resume example: Paralegal Resume Example & Guide
12. Anything That Makes You Happy!
Don’t let social anxiety get in the way of something you really want to do. If there is a certain career or industry you have in mind that requires social interaction, just go for it.
It may be a bit uncomfortable at first but it will get easier as you adjust.
5 Career and Job Search Tips for People With Social Anxiety
1. Remain confident
We’ve mentioned this before and we’ll mention it again: having anxiety doesn’t prevent you from having a successful career. Keep in mind that there have been many highly successful politicians, businessmen, celebrities, and athletes with SAD.
Amazingly, entrepreneurs have a 50% higher chance of having some sort of mental health challenge, such as depression or anxiety. So if you have a founder or small business owner you admire, do a quick Google search to look for mental health advice. Here's some from Tim Ferris, best selling author and angel investor:
“The fact of the matter is this: if you’re driven, an entrepreneur, a type-A personality, or a hundred other things, mood swings are part of your genetic hardwiring. It’s a blessing and a curse.”
12 Quotes on Entrepreneur Burnout And Depression, From Those Who’ve Walked The Path
2. Don't completely isolate yourself
There are several options on this list that allow you to work from home, perhaps with minimal contact with a team or customers.
However, we don’t recommend you pick a career that will isolate you completely from the outside world. You may not want to be the center of attention, but interacting with people occasionally will boost your confidence in social environments.
Try to find a job that allows for the amount of interaction you're comfortable with, like only face-to-face communication with your team, or mostly written communication via email or instant messaging. If you can't tell from the job description how the company communicates, this is a great question to ask during an interview!
3. Practice your interview skills
Interviewing may be one of the most stressful components in the job search process for someone with SAD. The good news is that if you prepare properly, you’ll nail the interview no matter how anxious you may be.
Then, check out this article for tips on handling interview anxiety. If you need more help, consider hiring an interview coach to work with you individually.
4. Network
Networking is the best way to land a job fast today. For someone with social anxiety, this may be a bit challenging. Start small: reach out to some of your friends, family members, and colleagues and let them know you’re looking for a job. You’d be surprised at how many people will be willing to help you out.
5. Perfect your resume
Having a well written resume is the first step for a successful job search. It helps you remember where you've been and what your goals are for your future. Your resume should also include your best accomplishments and successes, so reading it should make you think: "Wow! I'd hire me!"
We’ve included several resume examples written by our team of professional resume writers in this post. Here are several more job titles that you can reference to see if your skills and experience are a good fit:
Most companies also use a resume screening software called an ATS so you need to ensure your resume is formatted correctly and keyword optimized to get past these systems. This requires more effort and time to get right, but it is one thing that is under your control while job searching. Check out this article for how to set your resume up for ATS success.
The good news is you only have to perfect your resume once. After you've set it up for success, you only have to do some minor edits to tailor your resume for each new position. This process should only take about 10 to 15 minutes–not be a complete resume overhaul for each new job.
Summary
These are just some of the suitable jobs for people with anxiety. There are many other career opportunities that are available. Don't be afraid to do something that you love even if it may put you out of your comfort zone.
Good luck with your job search!
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Written by
ZipJob Team
The ZipJob team is made up of professional writers located across the USA and Canada with backgrounds in HR, recruiting, career coaching, job placement, and professional writing.
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