What are the best jobs for introverts?
Hi! Talking to people makes me wanna crawl into a hole and never leave. Are there good career options I can pursue if I want to interact with people as little as possible? Thanks.
While you can definitely seek out jobs that align with introverted tendencies, consider challenging yourself to take on responsibilities more suited for extroverts. The world seems to be more structured for extroverts than it is for introverts, so this could open up more opportunities for you. When we're at work, we often need to be able to participate in shared spaces rather than isolating ourselves in our offices to get something done. If you're willing to put yourself out there more, you can learn to improve your communication skills, practice active listening, and hone your presentation skills.
Take some time to reconnect with your basic strengths and passions. Returning to your natural strengths will boost your confidence and direct you toward the type of work that you're most likely to succeed in. Your passions will motivate you and direct you toward the causes and industries that you are most likely to enjoy. Start by doing some informational interviews with people who already work in jobs that align with your strengths and passions. Ask them what their work is like, what it takes to succeed in that career, and how they got their job. Once you know how they got where they are, learn and acquire any skills and experience you need to position yourself as a great candidate for your dream job. This could involve going back to school, enrolling in a boot camp or certification program, as well as volunteering or even freelancing to get firsthand experience.
Informational interviews can be a great resource to find jobs that are right for you as an introvert. Connect with other people who are doing work that inspires you or that is similar to the career you are thinking about. Interview them, learn from them, and ask them how they did it. Ask them about the most in-demand and highest-paying sectors of the industry are. Then, look up professional associations and join the professional community of people doing the work that you're passionate about. Go to conferences and events and immerse yourself in this industry, then start doing it! There's nothing as useful as trying something new and getting real experience as a way of learning. You may not want to quit your job just yet, but you don't have to in order to start exploring something new. With some exploration and dedication, you can find the job that's right for you!
Informational interviews can be a great resource to find jobs that are right for you as an introvert. Connect with other people who are doing work that inspires you or that is similar to the career you are thinking about. Interview them, learn from them, and ask them how they did it. Ask them about the most in-demand and highest-paying sectors of the industry are. Then, look up professional associations and join the professional community of people doing the work that you're passionate about. Go to conferences and events and immerse yourself in this industry, then start doing it! There's nothing as useful as trying something new and getting real experience as a way of learning. You may not want to quit your job just yet, but you don't have to in order to start exploring something new. With some exploration and dedication, you can find the job that's right for you!
I work as a truck driver. Most of my working hours are spent on the road and I rarely have to talk to people. I used to work in a corporate office job and it feels SO good to not have to go to a million meetings every day. I also used to work retail and that was even worse. But when you're a truck driver the road is peaceful and I can enjoy time by myself. I like that I can enjoy the scenery and listen to audiobooks or music while I drive, and then if I'm feeling lonely I can always call up a friend or my wife.
I'm a software engineer. Sometimes I have meetings if a manager wants to talk through the details of something they want me to build, but usually those are quick chats with just a few clarifying questions. Most of my time is spent coding in blissful solitude! I also get to work from home so I don't even have to worry about being in the same building as my coworkers haha
I've switched to the night shift at my grocery store job and I'm really liking it as someone who tends to be more introverted. You don't get as many customers on the graveyard shift so it's more quiet and you're mostly just straightening things up, restocking the shelves, doing some cleaning, things like that. It also means that my days are free so I can run errands while everyone else is at work! It might take a little bit of adjusting if you're not naturally a night owl, but I'd say it's worth it.
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Reader Tips from How to Choose the Right Career
Don't let anyone push you into a career or make this big choice for you. Take some time to really think about what you get excited about and picture for your future. Explain those dreams calmly even if your parents don't seem convinced right now — finding work you love will improve your whole life.
Play to your natural strengths and look for jobs using the skills you kick butt at — whether that's being handy, working with people, creating art, or something else. But also listen if someone sees a talent in you that you're oblivious about. Their outside view could surprise you.
Before you commit to an expensive degree, research the actual jobs you can get, average salaries, and long-term security. Some majors don't lead to careers that could realistically pay off massive debt. Crunch the numbers to see if potential pay aligns with program costs.
Don't freak out if you don't have some perfect plan mapped yet. Many people shift careers in life. For now, focus on picking up useful skills in classes or jobs matching your tentative interests. Give yourself time to rule out options through real-world experience.
If you're still unsure about direction, talk to people who work in careers you find interesting to learn the reality behind the roles. Ask about their own journey and the hurdles they overcame to get where they are.
Reader Tips from How to Choose a Career Path
Find a career you're passionate about. Take some time to reflect on your goals, dreams, and values. When you're passionate about a job, it may not feel like one right away. Sometimes, it takes time for a job to grow on you enough that you realize it's the right career for you.
Although it may be tempting to have someone else pick your careers for you, you must make the final decision. Trust your own judgement above anyone else's, and listen to your heart.
Reader Tips from How to Search for Jobs
Job hunting websites are great, but don't get discouraged if you don't hear back from every company you apply to. A lot of those postings aren't monitored all that closely and some of them get hundreds of applicants, so don't think it's personal if you never get any word back.
It's okay to recycle cover letters. Just make sure that you change a few of the details so that it seems like you're writing a custom cover letter each time. I know it can get tiring real fast if you need to write a brand new cover letter for every job you apply to.
If you want to work at any small businesses, don't hesitate to physically visit them and introduce yourself. A lot of small business owners like the audacity and chutzpah of young applicants who aren't afraid of taking a shot at an IRL job request.