Things To Consider When Searching For Jobs For Introverts With Anxiety

Understanding introversion and anxiety

Before we explore job considerations, it may first be worth understanding what anxiety is and how it may relate to introversion. 

Anxiety can be defined as a feeling of worry or unease about future events. The sources of anxiety may be general, such as one’s health or career, or more specific, such as getting chores done or meeting deadlines on time. 

Symptoms of anxiety

Those who experience anxiety may find that certain “triggers” (such as crowds, public speaking, or life transitions) make their symptoms worse. These symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

• A feeling of nervousness or restlessness
• Rapid breathing or a rapid heartbeat
• Trembling or sweating
• Nausea or digestive issues
• Muscle tension
• Agitation
• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping

It may be worth remembering that occasional anxiety may not be a cause for concern. However, if anxiety persists for a long time, or interferes with quality of life, this may indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder. If anxiety is having a significant effect on your daily life, it may be a good idea to consult a healthcare provider. 

What does it mean to be an introvert?

“Introvert” and “extrovert” are two broad personality types that have been proposed to encompass how different people relate to social situations. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, an introvert can be defined as “a person whose interest is generally directed inward toward his own feelings and thoughts, in contrast to an extrovert, whose attention is directed toward other people and the outside world.”

While people with more extroverted personalities may find themselves energized and invigorated by social situations, an introvert may find socialization challenging or draining. Introverts may prefer to be alone or with small groups, rather than with large groups of people, and may prefer more solitary hobbies and activities. 

Being an introvert is not considered a mental illness, and neither is being an extrovert. However, those who have more introverted personalities may find that they experience anxiety in social situations, or that heavy social interaction makes existing anxiety symptoms worse. For this reason, it may be important to account for both introversion and anxiety when deciding on a job. 

Jobs for introverts with anxiety: Considerations and examples

How can I avoid triggers when looking for jobs for introverts with anxiety?

In what environment do I feel most comfortable?

Do you find that you’re most comfortable in nature? If so, you might look for a job with a strong outdoor component, such as a park ranger or land surveyor. Do you find it calming to spend time with animals? If so, you might explore jobs in the veterinary field. Understanding what relaxes and energizes you may be a key component of finding the right job for your situation. 

Can I make my own schedule?

Managing anxiety as an introvert

No matter your profession, if you are someone who experiences introversion and anxiety, it may be important to prioritize recharging and managing symptoms in a healthy way. In this section, we will review several practices that may be helpful for tending to your mental health. 

How introverts can recharge after social interaction

As an introvert, you may find it beneficial to rest and recharge after social interactions. Strategies for doing this may include:

• Engaging in solitary hobbies that you enjoy
• Building alone time into your schedule, particularly if you are in a social job
• Practicing mindfulness or meditation 
• Spending time with a small group of close friends or family members
• Practicing self-care, such as hygiene, enjoyable physical activity, and a healthy diet

How to reduce symptoms of anxiety

In addition, a range of strategies are available that may also be useful for reducing symptoms of anxiety, regardless of whether you are introverted or extroverted. These may include:

• Getting regular exercise
• Prioritizing sleep
• Using deep breathing exercises
• Learning and recognizing your triggers
• Journaling about your thoughts and feelings

For those with introverted personalities and anxiety who find themselves in need of extra support, therapy may also be a helpful resource. A licensed therapist may be able to provide advice on self-care, managing triggers, or prioritizing mental health while searching for a new job. 

For those who experience anxiety or introversion, leaving the house to commute to a therapist’s office in person may be challenging or draining. In these cases, online therapy through platforms like BetterHelp may be a useful alternative, offering the ability to attend therapy from the comfort of home through voice calls, video calls, or in-app messaging. 

Research on the effectiveness of online therapy

A variety of studies have found online therapy to be an effective form of treatment for anxiety. For instance, a 2015 study found that patients with generalized anxiety disorder experienced significant improvements in symptoms as a result of an online therapy program.