7 Best Jobs for People With Anxiety
Jobs for People With Anxiety and Social Anxiety
Struggling to de-tune from your noisy mind? It could be time for a career change.
8.7% of people say they suffer from some variety of social or general anxiety. Yet working life often forces them into situations that aggravate their condition. Soon, they're stuck in a cycle where they find it impossible to relax, leading to depression in the long term.
That's why we've put together this list of the 7 best jobs for people with anxiety.
Freelance Writer
Many people suffering from social anxiety have dreamed of a career as a writer.
But the reality of writing jobs can be quite unlike the expectation. Traditional writing roles like journalism demand a lot of human contact. Interviews and building connections are a long way from the anxious person's ideal environment.
The rise of the internet has changed things. The path of the freelance writer is a viable career choice. And unlike traditional journalism, freelance writers often have little direct contact with the clients, with most communication happening by email.
Freelance writers primarily work from home, ensuring long hours spent in one's own company. And on the occasion they do feel like some hustle and bustle, they can head to a coffee shop for a change of pace.
Working With Animals
We're cheating, because working with animals encompasses a whole array of good jobs for people with anxiety.
Whether it's grooming, training, or walking animals, working with animals can be a soothing way to live.
Animals are simple creatures when compared to people. Their emotions are easy to read and they don't have hidden depths. Social anxiety often expresses as a fear of judgment, so working with non-judgmental animals can be a welcome relief.
Vlogger or Streamer
Aiming for the lower rungs of celebrity might not seem like one of the best jobs of people with anxiety, but it could surprise you.
Becoming a content creator on YouTube or Twitch is a way to engage with other people on your own terms. You'll have complete control over your environment as you're talking to your audience. If your fans want to engage with you, they have to do it via indirect channels.
You can interact with your fans as much or as little as you like. It's common for a creator to only respond to one or two comments and handle the rest of the interaction through videos or tweets.
As for the celebrity factor, it's unlikely someone will recognize you in the streets unless your channel truly blows up, and even then it's likely to be rare.
Artist
The internet has been a true blessing for the anxious.
Thanks to platforms like Patreon, it's easier than ever for the average Joe to get their work in front of an audience - and get paid for it.
Artists ranging from painters to authors are building audiences using all the tools of the internet. And they can do it without ever having a live conversation with another individual.
Like all good jobs for people with anxiety, this gives you complete control of your situation. You have all the time you need to craft your responses. And if you experience negative judgment, you'll have time to process it without public embarrassment.
Small Business Owner
In a world of megacorporations, it's easy to forget that you don't need to work for a faceless juggernaut.
Many traditional jobs are a lot more relaxing when kept at the smaller scale. Even a customer-facing job can be pleasant for anxious individuals when they're dealing with a small group of regulars.
If you have a trade, consider opening your own business. Carpentry, plumbing, and similar trade skills are always in demand. And your customers will always be happy to see you.
Or consider starting a small, out-of-the-way business, like a flower boutique or bakery in a quiet area. You'll cut down on the number of irate customers or complete strangers you deal with in a day.
Courier
If you like the sound of spending hours in isolation with only occasional interactions, then the life of a courier could be for you.
There are a wealth of courier jobs out there, from truckers to van drivers. You'll spend hours on the road with only a radio for company. That means no one to judge you - even when you're singing at full volume to ABBA's greatest hits.
Sadly, couriers might not have the best long-term prospects. With self-driving cars and drone delivery on the way in, the life of the courier might be on the way out. But for now, they still form a vital part of any modern country's infrastructure.
Accountant
Accountants might get a bad rap for their "boring" career, but they laugh all the way to the bank.
A qualified accountant can bring in a huge salary simply by doing their job well. There's not a lot of pressure to get out and network when your expertise lies in spreadsheets.
The world of numbers and figures also offers a much better sense of control than the analog world of human emotion.
Accountants even have the option of launching their own business. Freelance accountants can earn megabucks without even leaving their home. They might never meet the bulk of their clients.
Gardener
Finding a job to suit social anxiety doesn't always mean staying indoors.
Many people with anxiety love the outdoors. Being out in nature elevates our mood can help alleviate depression, even in people without chronic mental health conditions.
The life of a gardener is often solitary. But it's also surrounded with the beauty of nature. Fresh air and exercise become your daily life, helping to moderate your moods.
And a gardener can also take immense job satisfaction at the end of their day. They contribute to beautifying the world whenever they get to work.
Choosing the Best Jobs for People with Anxiety
The best jobs for people with anxiety have a lot in common. They involve long hours alone, with interaction optional rather than required. And it's often better to engage people on your own terms than on theirs. Keep these traits in mind, and you can find a career that suits you.
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