Being an introvert doesn’t mean you lack social skills. It simply means that you and others have different energy levels when it comes to social interaction. Some introverts naturally have more energy for social interaction than extroverts and are very adept at forming relationships but simply enjoy their time alone.
Being an introvert doesn’t mean that you’re doomed to working behind a computer. While it’s true that, overall, more extroverts are employed in white-collar offices, there are still plenty of jobs available to people who would rather work on projects alone and chat in person instead of over email. If you’re an introvert, you might be surprised to find out that many of the best jobs for introverts are entirely different from what you’d expect.
What are the best kinds of jobs for introverts?
As introverts tend to be deep thinkers, they often find greater fulfilment in careers that allow them to work independently. This will enable them to cultivate their creativity and make use of their analytical skills. Therefore, the best jobs for introverts are those that:
- Allow people to work independently. These jobs let you focus on your own projects and complete them without dealing with too many interruptions from others.
- Offer quiet working spaces where you can think, work, and get things done while you’re not interrupted by meetings or energy-draining office chitchat.
- Allows you to focus your attention on a single task at a time.
- Require interaction with individuals more than public speaking.
Best jobs for introverts
1. Accountant
A career in accounting can be a good fit for those who enjoy working independently without the pressure of interacting with others. The nature of this job is constantly evolving, keeping professionals on their toes. And because the core responsibility of accounting is information management, it’s also an area that’s always going to be in demand. Since you won’t have to schmooze clients in an office, it might as well be a place you actually enjoy going to.
2. Scientist
For introverts who are motivated by reason and empirical data, a career in science may be the perfect fit. Introverts often find it easier to fit into the solitary and mental landscape of a research laboratory. Many scientists spend their days researching to further knowledge in a particular field. Introverts are logical, patient, and thoughtful. They like to work alone or with a select few companions. Scientists advance our knowledge of the world through intensive study, and this is one of the perfect jobs for introverts to spend their lives discovering something new.
3. Architect
An introverted personality type might naturally thrive in a career as an architect. Unfortunately, not many people think about architecture when they imagine careers that appeal to introverts. You will be alone with your drawings for a large portion of the day and will deal with issues internally. Working as an architect lets you go against the grain by using your strengths in creativity, focus, and problem-solving skills.
4. Travel Photographer
Becoming a professional travel photographer can be a rewarding career choice for introverted people who like being alone on trips. You can take your time getting to know your surroundings, taking pictures of sights that interest you rather than getting pulled along by other people. It can be relaxing without the expectation of instant success or instant gratification. You can create your own schedule, taking time off work or school to travel if you need to.
5. IT consultants
The introvert personality type is all too common and has a hard time being vocal in groups, especially if it’s not their forte. For those who need a little more quiet time at work or just a bit of breathing room between coworkers, work in IT might be just right for them. As a software engineer, your primary duties will be to build and maintain software using programming languages. It’s possible to work remotely in a world of constant internet access.
6. Editor
If you’re naturally organized, meticulous, and have strong proofreading skills, you may be cut out for a career as an editor. Of course, you wouldn’t need to be the life of the party, but don’t sit in the corner reading a novel either. It’s time to look at editing from a reflective point of view.
7. Archivists
Archivists are the guardians of our history and our culture. Consequently, and without them, so many different pieces of information would be lost. They are, without a doubt, one of the best jobs for introverts in the modern world. As an archivist, you will get to work on exciting and challenging projects. You will not need to socialize as frequently as an office worker would.
8. Librarian
As you can imagine, this type of career suits the introverted personality perfectly. It offers a quiet environment that allows you to get to know people and help them achieve their goals without socializing actively. People who work in libraries are skilled at researching topics and providing answers to visitors’ questions. They are also patient instructors who teach patrons how to use the library’s materials. Libraries allow introverts to cultivate their knowledge of a wide variety of topics and engage with other people in a way that doesn’t drain them.
9. Paralegal
A paralegal is someone who occupies a position between law students and lawyers in the legal field. Paralegals assist lawyers with their work and are responsible for conducting research, organizing case files, preparing briefs, and performing other tasks. Though you will be working with an attorney, most of your job will include rese3arching and making drafts in solitude.
10. Psychologist / Psychiatrist
Introverts can have great success in a mental health career because of their empathy and listening skills. As introverts tend to do, those who care about others have the potential to make a difference in the lives of many clients. As a psychologist or psychiatrist, your job is to understand and treat mental illness. You’ll listen to patients’ problems, conduct evaluations, and suggest how to resolve them.
11. Writer
Writing is one of the best jobs for introverts who shy away from crowds and noise. With little interaction with coworkers, you’ll have ample room to let your imagination wander and plenty of time to live in your head. Moreover, writing can be a great career option if you’re an introvert and don’t want to deal with selling or customer requests. Writing is an inherently creative field where introverts can excel.
If you’re an introvert who thrives being by themselves, you can look for live-out freelance writing opportunities that might be more manageable to handle. For example, you might opt for a company that offers remote typing jobs or content writing jobs near your house.
12. Actuary
If you are someone that usually feels drained by social situations or finds yourself hiding in the corner at a party, this is the job for you. They use numbers to help insurance companies understand how much risk they need to cover. And there’s very little interaction involved with others – it’s about sitting around crunching numbers, which makes it a good fit for an introvert. It’s also one of the highest-paid professions with one of the lowest amount of stress factors.
13. Back-house Restaurant Job
If you’re an introvert, working a back-of-house (BOH) job as a dishwasher and a prep cook could be an appealing career choice. You could have plenty of private time to think and bask in the silence. In addition, unlike some jobs that require close contact with others or seem directly related to your on-the-job comfort level, BOH jobs can keep you sufficiently stocked with refills and snacks without drawing unwanted attention to yourself.
14. Medical Carer
If you’re a gifted communicator who enjoys working one-on-one with patients, medical carer jobs are a great option. By working as a home health aide, for instance, you can help your clients regain their strength and independence while gaining the quiet and peaceful work environment to which introverts are drawn.
15. Translator
The very act of translating requires quiet time and perhaps some space to reflect. There is no way to translate effectively if you are constantly talking or texting. So one of the essential things a translator can do is learn how to manage their time well. Whether you’re fluent in Spanish, Chinese, or French, becoming a translator is a great way to put your skills to work. You’ll be helping foreign-speaking clients prepare marketing materials and other documents—and working from home.
Every person has a particular personality type, including the field that best suits them. There are many professions available to people with varying personalities. While there are definitely other jobs that introverts can excel in, the above roles match up perfectly with introvert strengths and skills. If you are seeking jobs for introverts, you need to understand that you are more successful when you work alone. The best way to maximize your social skills is to find something that requires your skillset and enjoy interacting with others but doesn’t require you to be too active or engage with others to succeed.