People don’t give enough credit to how limiting social anxiety can be. Whether your anxiety prevents you from going out and meeting people or it limits your comfortability with different workplaces, it’s tough to manage sometimes.
When others can’t see a particular way that you’re suffering, they might be critical of your lifestyle or choices and that’s tough as well. When it comes to working, though, we’re here to show you that it’s possible for you to move forward without compromising.
We’re going to take a look at some jobs for people with social anxiety in this article, giving you some insight into ways that you can get out into the workforce meaningfully.
Let’s get started!
1. Freelance Writer
There’s no better position for someone with social anxiety than a freelance writer or content creator. If you have the skill set, or even if you have an expert interest in some area, there’s a good chance that you could work from home as a writer.
There are a lot of positions out there for various sites that need good writers to create their content. In many cases, the only thing that you have to show in order to be hired is a good grasp of writing.
You might order a book or two to get your chops up, write some samples, and see what’s available online. In the best-case scenario, you might find a website or business that deals with a subject that you care about and needs a writer for their blog or website copy.
You could also take the creative writing route, but it might be a smarter financial decision to supplement your creative efforts with another writing job that’s more consistent.
2. Animal Trainer
If you’re not privy to working closely with a lot of people, maybe work with animals is the right fit for you!
Of course, this isn’t the sort of profession that you can just hop into without any training. If you’re looking for a long-term career path, though, it might be an excellent choice to go to school for animal training or veterinary work.
There are thousands of truly rewarding positions that involve mostly contact with animals and little contact with people.
3. National Parks Maintenance
The United States is home to some of the most beautiful natural parks in the entire world. These are the spaces in the country that have the most untouched, unpopulated land, and we need people out there who can help keep it beautiful.
Working with the land is another profession that can require a good deal of training, but having a career working to preserve and manage the land of national parks would allow you a great deal of time in nature, often by yourself, and it’s extremely meaningful.
At the very least, this position wouldn’t require you to punch in and out, working in cubicles making small talk with people in suits and ties in a confined space. That’s an equation that should make anyone raise their eyebrow, but it might be especially difficult when anxiety is flooding through you at the same time.
So, do some digging and see if there are any positions that put you in direct contact with nature.
4. Computer Programmer
A computer programmer is one of the best jobs you can get if you have SAD. You will be able to be in the comfort of your own home, solving problems and developing some fantastic work. While this career requires little social interaction, employees in this field rely heavily on being detail-oriented and having excellent analytical skills.
If you like computers, possibly creating websites, and dont might sitting for long periods, this is the job for you. You can work independently on some great projects but make sure you try challenging yourself to interact with coworkers.
5. Entrepreneur
Becoming an entrepreneur is the perfect opportunity to find your passion in life. As an entrepreneur or small business owner, you will work for yourself, set your schedule, and be responsible for your success. The great thing about being an entrepreneur with SAD is that you control everything you need to do to run your business.
Although you might have to meet with customers or clients, you won’t have to report to anyone. You’ll be your own boss working on your own time. As a business owner, you’ll also have the opportunity to hire employees to help with your workload. This will give you a chance to practice your social skills while being in charge.
Addressing Social Anxiety Disorder
It’s important to note that social anxiety disorder comes in many forms and can impact people differently. If you’re trying to find a job that allows you to go through your professional life without feeling uncomfortable every day, that is totally acceptable.
There are methods for treating and improving social anxiety, and those should be pursued. At the same time, you shouldn’t have to subject yourself to extreme anxiety and discomfort just because someone says that you should just “get out there and face your fears!” (insert dopey businessman face here.)
That means we shouldn’t feel bad about finding places to work, things to do, or people to see in ways that accommodate social anxiety. It’s often beaten into our heads that the issue is one that can be easily solved and any “avoidant” or remotely-avoidant behavior should be looked down upon.
The workplace is a hotbed for the kinds of social situations that promote anxiety in all people, let alone individuals that have a clinical social anxiety disorder. With that in mind, pursue the lifestyle that you think will make you the happiest and do so without a shred of doubt.
Hopefully, the ideas above have given you a little bit of insight into the possibilities that are out there for you!
Want More Jobs for People With Social Anxiety Disorder?
There are a lot more jobs for people with social anxiety disorder to look through. Additionally, there are tons of resources that might help individuals move forward and come to a better place with their disorder.
We’re here to help. Contact us for more insight and ideas into social anxiety, lifestyles, treatments, and more.
