9 Best Jobs for People With Social Anxiety Disorder in 2020


The above picture shows two women and a man sitting at a table. One woman is writing, the other is on her laptop and the man is sitting with a cup of coffee.

9 Best Jobs for People With Social Anxiety Disorder in 2020

Social anxiety is a condition that is often misunderstood by many people. After all, those who suffer from it don't typically exhibit symptoms that the average person can recognize. It's strictly an internal condition. 

Millions of people have social anxiety. This means the feel tremendous anxiety being in social situations, even if they are only talking to one person. Extroverts might have a difficult time understanding this, and yet it's a very real condition that can be crippling and cause resistance in interacting with others.

This article takes a look at the best jobs for people with social anxiety. Keep reading to discover insight that you help you find the perfect occupation even if you're deeply introverted.

1. Computer Programmer

The first job on our list is a computer programmer. This is a career that demands someone with tremendous attention to detail. You have to be a truly focused individual.

A computer programmer has to spend a lot of time alone working on complicated projects. This means that you can't necessarily be a super social person. Thus it can be ideal for those that are essentially introverted by nature, as well as who experience social anxiety.

You don't have to be an introvert to be a programmer, but this is still a great career if you prefer to work alone rather than in a group.

2. Dog Walker

A dog walker is another job that allows you to spend most of your time avoiding people if you choose. This job is especially great if you love dogs and would prefer to spend as much time outside as possible.

Being a dog walker provides a lot of flexibility because you can decide moment to moment exactly how much you want to interact with people. After all, if you'd prefer to avoid conversation with others on the sidewalk, simply put on sunglasses, pop in your earbuds, and then feel free to go about your business without fear of interruption.

3. Painter

There are obviously different types of painters, including house painters and artists. Both of these jobs can provide as much solitude as you require to feel comfortable in your surroundings.

Those with crippling social anxiety typically feel most comfortable avoiding social interactions as much as possible. That's why painting is so ideal for introverts. 

As a house painter, most of your day will be spent on a ladder or scaffolding, focus on your work as you enjoy the sun on your face. While an artist will typically spend the bulk of the day in the solitude of your studio, methodically creating your next masterpiece.

Keep in mind that painters are able to enjoy as much social interaction as they like, and can then hide away in their work when they feel the need to be alone. 

4. Writer

Writing is another occupation that can take various forms. You can be a freelance writer, a journalist, a novelist or screenwriter, a copywriter in advertising, or even a blogger.

No matter what type of writer you want to become, this is a job that requires a certain amount of social isolation. 

Most writers are typically introverted by nature and need time alone to recharge. This obviously isn't true a hundred percent of the time, and yet the vast majority of professional writers are happiest spending long hours alone in their office.

Some types of writing jobs do require periods of intense social interaction, such as journalists working on a story, or screenwriters who must be part of a team as a screenplay goes into production at a studio.  

A career as a writer can be ideal for anyone needing a lot of time to themselves, while also providing the opportunity to express yourself creatively and to communicate with as much of the world as possible, though almost exclusively through words alone.

5. Accountant

It's no secret that accountants love numbers. They are skilled at making sure that complex financial accounts properly add up as intended. This requires tons of focus. This can be thrilling or boring, depending on the individual.

The good news for those with social anxiety is that accountants are often able to focus on the work rather than interacting with colleagues or clients. 

6. Landscaper

Landscaping is another great career for those with social anxiety who'd prefer to spend the majority of their day outside. This is a job that provides fresh air, healthy physical activity, and helps to make the world a more beautiful place.

Landscapers are busy at work all day, adding color and life to homes and businesses, while only being obligated to interact with clients on a minimal basis.

7. Therapist

As a therapist, you would understand social anxiety better than anyone. After all, the work of a therapist is to help clients better understand themselves as well as the world around them.

This might not be a career that provides the social isolation that you likely prefer, but at least you'll typically on speak to one client at a time during each office session.

8. Truck Driver

Starting a career as a truck driver might be the best option available for someone with social anxiety. This is a job that provides long hours on the road alone. It's just you and the open road. It's especially great if you enjoy your independence and enjoy seeing new places each day.

9. Entrepreneur 

An entrepreneur has the freedom to decide exactly how much social interaction they want each day. Most entrepreneurs like to do things their own way and who want as much freedom as possible from the social structures of most jobs, making it the perfect career path for extreme introverts.

Some of the Best Jobs for People with Social Anxiety

Introverts don't like jobs where they have to talk to people all day long. Fortunately, this list of the best jobs for people with social anxiety can help you find the perfect career to match your personality. 

Click here to see the best jobs for people with ADHD.