Key Takeaways:
- Your job status matters for your mental health and how well you function at work
- Different types of jobs affect your mental health and anxiety differently
- Introverts with anxiety struggle more with high job demands
- There are, however, many jobs and careers out there that could be perfect for you
Do you ever find yourself dreading the thought of another hectic day at work, overwhelmed by the constant buzz of activity and social interactions?
If you’re an introvert with anxiety, having a stressful job is a “great” way to aggravate your symptoms even further and feel drained by excessive social interaction and external stimuli.
Stressful jobs typically come with high expectations and tight deadlines. For introverts with anxiety, the pressure to perform under these conditions can be paralyzing, right?
As someone who has grappled with anxiety in the workplace, I understand the extent of finding a role that not only pays the bills but is also good for your mental health and anxiety in particular.
And the truth is, some of the most stressful jobs pay very little, or at least not enough. Case in point: teachers, police officers, social workers, reporters, nurses, firefighters, and the list goes on.
So, let’s explore a curated list of low-stress jobs tailored for introverts like yourself that offer a sanctuary from the frenzy of the corporate world but still pay well.
1. Actuary
Why it’s Good for Introverts With Anxiety:
Actuaries crunch numbers and analyze data to assess risk for insurance companies and financial institutions.
It’s a mostly independent job that involves a lot of focused work with minimal social interaction.
Introverts can thrive in this role because they can dive deep into their work without constant distractions. Plus, the structured nature of the work helps reduce anxiety about unexpected situations or changes.
Annual Salary:
Actuaries are well-compensated for their expertise. On average, they earn around $100,000 to $120,000 per year.
However, this can vary based on factors like experience, location, and the specific industry they work in. Some seasoned actuaries with specialized skills can earn significantly more, sometimes exceeding $200,000 annually.
Here’s what an actuary had to say to a person asking if becoming an actuary was worth it:
Most definitely worth it.
I have a job that is flexible and allows me to have a life outside of work. My income covers everything I need and more. I enjoy the people I interact with and the problems I solve, and I make a difference in my organization.
Studying made me miss out on some things, but not everything. I do not regret my choices.
2. Gardener/Landscaper
Why it’s Good for Introverts With Anxiety:
Working as a gardener or landscaper offers introverts a peaceful and fulfilling career outdoors.
It’s a hands-on job that allows you to work independently, often without constant supervision or interaction with others.
What I like most about it is that you can just plug in your AirPods and do your thing in the quiet and serene environment of gardens and outdoor spaces.
That’s why it’s an ideal career choice for those who prefer solitude. Additionally, the physical aspect of the job can be therapeutic and help reduce anxiety.
Annual Salary:
As with most jobs, the annual salary for gardeners and landscapers varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and whether they work independently or for a company.
On average, gardeners and landscapers in the United States earn around $30,000 to $40,000 per year.
But, if you have specialized skills or own a landscaping business, your earning potential is significantly greater.
Here’s what some gardeners/landscapers had to say about the job:
Its not easy being outside, slinging a shovel and pick axe, doing what needs to be done. But boy is it rewarding when you can create some awesome designs and the customer is happy. There is great money to be made as well, especially in design/construction.
Call around and see if you can get on a crew one weekend. You’ll know quickly if it’s for you or not. If you make the jump, work for someone who respects their employees and pays a living wage. Learn as much as possible and on the weekends… Start your own company. Transition again to becoming your own full time boss, and you have the best of both worlds. Best of luck to you.
3. Fitness Instructor
Why it’s Good for Introverts With Anxiety:
Surprisingly, fitness instruction can be a great fit for introverts with anxiety. While it involves leading classes and interacting with clients, much of the job is focused on guiding individuals through exercises and routines instead of engaging in small talk.
Plus, you can find comfort in structured nature of fitness classes, where you can channel your energy on helping regular people achieve their health and fitness goals.
Annual Salary:
On average, fitness instructors in the United States earn around $30,000 to $50,000 per year.
But again, if you’re in an affluent area, you’ll likely find much better-paying clients.
4. Accountant
Why it’s Good for Introverts With Anxiety:
Accounting is well-suited for introverts as it involves working with numbers and data analysis in a structured and methodical way.
You can do much of the work independently, with minimal social interaction. It’s also comforting that there’s a high degree of precision and predictability in accounting tasks, which helps relieve anxiety about unexpected situations.
There is also a sense of achievement for introverts, as you’re often helping regular people and small businesses with something that’s incredibly important and that can save them loads of money if done properly.
Annual Salary:
Accountants typically earn a competitive salary, with annual earnings ranging from $50,000 to $80,000.
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) or those with additional certifications and years of experience will naturally have higher salaries, exceeding $100,000 annually.
Here’s what an experienced accountant had to say:
For a white collar high paying job, it might be the easiest to both get through school, get your professional credentials, and break into the job market.
Accounting is really not that difficult if a degree compared to what doctors, lawyers, and engineers have to go through. Even engineers who need 4-5 years as well have to take WAY harder classes in college than we did. Those calculus classes would have been the end of me, let alone the other science courses.
5. Online Tutor
Why it’s Good for Introverts With Anxiety:
Being an online tutor has many, many benefits for introverts with anxiety. You can get paid by utilizing what you already know.
There’s also no in-person interaction, as everything is done online. You can teach almost anything to those who want to learn new skills. From foreign languages and math to coding, test preparation, music, marketing, and so on.
If you’re good at something, chances are someone else will also want to get good at it. Plus, you can work from home or anywhere else in the world. Yay!
Annual Salary:
The annual salary for online tutors can vary widely, of course. You can expect to earn anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000+ per year.
6. Dental Hygienist
Why it’s Good for Introverts With Anxiety:
Dental hygiene offers introverts a structured and predictable work environment with minimal social interaction.
Much of the job involves performing routine dental cleanings and procedures independently.
You’re also in a calm and climate-controlled environment the whole time, and you’re really helping people with their real and pressing problems. Sure, no one likes going to the dentist, but at the end of the day, you’re there to help them and make their ain go away and that’s a good thing for both you and them.
Annual Salary:
Dental hygienists earn a competitive salary. In the United States, the annual salary for dental hygienists ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 on average.
Here are some people’s experiences:
It’s a good job in many ways. It only requires an associates degree that most people finish in 3 years. You can move anywhere in the US and find a job. The pay is good; the median salary was $76k in 2019. You will always work in a clean air conditioned office.
I’d encourage any intelligent young person to consider it.
7. Interior Decorator
Why it’s Good for Introverts With Anxiety:
This creative role allows introverts to work independently, designing interior spaces to meet clients’ needs.
But being an interior designer is great for introverts because you get to work on your own a lot, brainstorming and planning designs without too much interruption.
While you do need to meet with clients sometimes, it’s usually organized and doesn’t involve constant socializing.
Yes, you work with people, and they can be demanding, but most of the time, you’re compensated well for that.
Plus, seeing your designs come to life can be super rewarding and boost your confidence.
Annual Salary:
Interior decorators make decent money, usually around $45,000 to $55,000 a year in the US. But if you’re really good at what you do,have lots of experience, or work in an affluent area, you could earn even more – over $70,000 annually.
If you want to become an interior designer, you can earn even more money, but you’ll also need a degree and could face more pressing deadlines, even more interaction with contractors, etc.
Here’s what a graduated interior designer had to say to someone looking for a career change on Reddit:
If you are serious about a career change and simply wish to decorate people’s homes then I strongly suggest that you do just that. You don’t need a degree to decorate. You will not learn decoration skills pursuing a interior design degree. If you are truly wanting to be an interior designer, I recommend you look into producing construction documents.
Honorable Mentions
Here are some other jobs and careers that are potentially great for you as an introvert with anxiety:
- Librarian
- Photographer
- Archivist
- Researcher
- Park ranger
- Remote IT specialist
- Architect
- Scientist
- Writer
