If you’re talented, one of the best jobs for introverts is working as an artist.
If you like to work alone – like most introverts – then you need to find a job that suits your personality.
Below is a list of the best careers for introverts. But first, here’s a confession and question from a reader:
“I am an introvert, and I feel tense if I am suddenly asked to tell something about myself,” says G. on Unhappy Introverts – When Introversion Causes Life Problems. “I do well when I am prepared with my answers. I don’t like to talk to people around me. Moreover, I don’t know what job suits introverts. I haven’t stayed in a job that lasts longer than 6 months because I feel depressed, low, less energetic. What kinds of jobs are good for introverted people? Thanks.”
The first step is finding what your strengths are. It’s fine to prefer to be alone – I know I do! But, you need to take the next step and figure out what you’re good at.
StrengthsFinder 2.0 has received almost 500 reviews on Amazon, and is a bestselling book that will help you figure out where you should be steering your life.
And here are a few job suggestions for people who’d rather be alone…
Jobs Where You Work Alone - Careers for Introverts
First, are you an introvert? Take this test for introverted personality traits.
When I searched for “best jobs for introverts”, I didn’t find many lists of career opportunities. I found a few articles that describe Laurence Shatkin’s types of introverted personality traits. He’s the author of 200 Best Jobs for Introverts, and says introverts can identify their perfect job by learning the type of introvert category they fit into.
Shatkin ’s Types of Introverts
- Realistic
- Investigative
- Artistic
- Social
- Enterprising
- Conventional
So, if you’re an “artistic introvert”, you’d be happiest in a job that allows you to create art. The best jobs for people who are “social introverts” are those that balance people with working alone.
But instead of focusing on different types of introverts, I’d rather describe a few career categories that people who like to be alone would enjoy.
Self-employment, freelancing, or working from home
I’ve been working at home as a freelance writer for five years, and it’s the best job I’ve ever had. I love to be alone, love to write, and love being self-employed. If you’re an introvert who has a skill (eg, writing, editing, graphic design, etc), the self-discipline or motivation to work independently, and the ability to invest a year or two in starting your business, then self-employment may be the best path for you.
Online careers
Can you support yourself as a blogger, web writer, data entry clerk, or social media expert? Those online jobs require minimal person-to-person interaction, and lots of alone time. Real Writing Jobs has several types of online job opportunities – not just writing.
Air traffic controller
Here’s an interesting idea:
“As an air traffic controller, you don’t need to talk to anybody except the pilots under your control, and when you do, it’s very regimented, routine, and there is no superfluous dialogue,” says Andrew on What Would Be Ideal Jobs for Introverts? “There’s no dealing with the masses, it’s just you, the pilots, and maybe a half dozen other people (depending on your location) in your immediate vicinity. And communications with these colleagues are all business. No room for small talk when you’re responsible for the lives of hundreds of people at any given moment.”
Quick list of jobs for people who like to work alone:
- Truck driver
- Artist
- Photographer
- On air personality (radio DJ)
- Internet technology or computer programming
- Night cleaning person/janitor
- Night watchman
- Lab worker or researcher
- Trades: carpenters, plumbers, landscapers
- Science: geologist, pathologist, engineer, statistician, actuary
- Finance: accountant, stock broker, bookkeeper
But the problem with suggesting particular jobs for introverts is that not everyone has those skills! For instance, an air traffic controller may work alone a lot, but she needs to know how to deal with high stress situations.
So, I believe the best way for people to find a job is to find your passion, and then search for the circumstances that allow you to work at your passion alone.
If you know you’re an introvert and aren’t in the best job for you, read How to Quit Your Job When You’re Scared.
Career tips for introverts
Remember that finding the right job isn’t just about being alone. It’s about figuring out what your strengths are, what you enjoy doing, and what makes you feel fulfilled.
Another book for job seekers with introverted personality traits is The Successful Introvert: How to Enhance Your Job Search and Advance Your Career.
Also, you’ll probably never find a job in which you’ll totally be left alone. Instead, you need to focus on finding a job that minimizes the time you spent with groups of people. This is good because you don’t necessarily want a job that totally isolates you! My job – a home-based freelance writer – is extremely isolating, and after five years I definitely have a touch of cabin fever. I’m starting to look for a part-time job outside of working from home. So, my fellow introverts, be careful what you wish for!
Here’s another article that may help: How to Find a Career to Match Your Introverted Personality Traits.
What do you think – do you have any suggestions for people who want jobs where they work alone? What are the best jobs for introverts?
Rachel ~ when I lived on Bowen Island, I volunteered at a library every Saturday for 3 years! I LOVED it – I wanted to volunteer at one of the libraries in Vancouver, but they only let paid staff do the checking books in and out, re-shelving, helping people find books, etc. I’ve always wanted to work at a library, but … I hear what you’re saying about finding the time to get the right credentials. In my next life, I’ll be a librarian.
Whatever you choose to do – working at the library, volunteering, taking a stab at a new blog – it’s never a waste of time if you love it! Life is TOO SHORT to do things you “Have” to do, to pay the bills. That’s why I’d rather earn less and live cheaply and do what I love, versus making more money but dragging my butt to work every day. Thoreau called it living a life of quiet desperation, didn’t he?
I’d love to hear from you again – please do keep in touch. I’m on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/laurie.kienlen.9 (my personal page) – and you can always sign up for my updates
Blessings,
Laurie
Hi Laurie!
I have to admit you practically moved me to tears with your new article (inspired by lil’ ol’ me!). Seriously, I thank you very much. It’s a great help.
I work part time in a library. Shelving and pretty much talking with folks about books. Bliss for me, but the pay is even less than gravy(!); thus my husband thinks I’m wasting my time there (conversation for another day; yet perhaps – but I like getting up for work these days). I’m actually halfway through my masters in English, however in order to even be considered to move up where I am, I need a different type of masters. That program’s about 2-4 years…. that’s what I really meant about time.
Blogging? I would absolutely love that, but I don’t have a clue as to what my topic would be. I’ve been stumped on that before since I would expect it to be financially feasible for me and the family, and not even look like a hobby. I’ll give it more thought again. Great idea. Even though I enjoy what I’m doing now, I would welcome the opportunity to work full time from home (as I did with real estate), especially since we have a child in elementary school. I’ll get Ferriss’ book this weekend and explore more.
Thanks again, Laurie. I greatly appreciate your reply and your new article. I’d like to update you later if that’s okay. Virtual coffee included!
Sincerely,
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for your comment – it’s great to hear from a fellow introverted writer!
Do you have a blog? What is the part-time job you love doing?
I wrote this article for you:
http://theadventurouswriter.com/blog/how-to-find-the-perfect-job-career-test/
Let me know what you think. My best tip would be to scale down your living expenses, and try to live off your husband’s income. That way, you can keep working part-time and keep writing your novel. What do you think?
All good things,
Laurie
Hi Laurie! Thrilled I found your site. I lucked up into the perfect job for me late last year. Unfortunately, it’s part time and the pay is not good. I’m in my late 40s and no time for the advanced degree it requires to move up, though I’d love it. My husband’s in real estate – he is definitely in his element. I was there with him for a while until I realized how much I hate it. I told him I’d do it again, since we need the money, but the thought closes up my throat and sometimes I break out in a sweat. Not kidding at all. I always knew I was an introvert, but now, I’m trying to figure out how to help my household financially and maintain mental sanity and appreciation in the process. I am writing a novel too. That’s where I am most happy and also when I’m reading other novels, but we need money. Thoughts? And thanks for your time.
Dear Makesyouwonder,
Thank you for your kind comments! I really appreciate hearing from you. I’m glad you sense my spirit – that makes me feel so good.
What sort of articles are you looking for? Did you mean articles on starting a blog, or articles that inspire and encourage people?
Hi Jon,
My husband is a geologist, and he often works in mining and exploration camps as well! I’ve never been in a situation like that, but I think I’d have a hard time working in a camp for a long period of time. It’s good experience, though.
Thanks for commenting – I’d love to hear if you decide to go down the PhD path after all!
Laurie
I can appreciate Jon’s comment. As a geologist I have spent considerable time in camps and introvert or not, it is stressful. But I do know several geologists that spend very little time with more than a couple people. As with several of the careers Laurie lists, geology jobs can swing between crowded and solitarily depending on the job.
I love to write. And as a social, creative type of introvert I think I’d love starting a blog. But I’m not sure where to start. My heart is especially drawn to people who need some very real hope in their lives and I’ve been through many experiences, not unlike you, where I can fully relate to pain–physical and emotional. Can you recommend any articles about the subject. I love your blog and the spirit you exude here. God bless you.
Hi,
I’m a geologist and my experience being an ‘extreme’ introvert in this field is not good. If one were to follow a research path (ie, PHD) maybe, but in exploration and mining one is often living in close quarters in a camp with half a dozen or 200 other people for weeks/ months and it has taken a serious toll on me mentally and eventually physically. I need alone time to recharge and this was a good career choice from a financial perspective but, a very poor choice for keeping my head in order. But, great resource you have here. Cheers!
Hi Sandra,
I’m thrilled to be in the MSW program at UBC! The classes run the gamet from counseling to social policy to anti-oppressive practice, and there is a lot of class discussions (except for the social policy class). I love that the students have all had social work experience, and am learning so much.
As with everything, however, there are some things that aren’t perfect. I haven’t been placed in a practicum yet, which I wrote about in http://theadventurouswriter.com/blog/how-to-find-a-practicum-placement-social-work-ubc/
And the courses are a lot easier than I expected. I thought grad school would be harder. I’m sorta glad for this, but sorta disappointed. Of course, I’m just finishing my first of four terms…so the classes could get tougher! In fact, I expect they will.
I think an MSW is a really good degree, whether or not you’re introverted. It qualifies you for a wide range of possible jobs, and gives you a solid background of theory and practical training.
I hope this helps…good luck on the application. Let me know if you have any questions.
Laurie
I think I’m more of an introvert than extrovert and have been considering social work myself, as a career change from communications/PR. If you’re familiar with myers-briggs personality types, I think I’m an INFP (introvert, intuitive, feeling, perceptive). I’d like to find out what you think of being in the MSW program at UBC – I am working on my application now for the foundation MSW there. Are you enjoying it?
Theresa, thank you for your comments! It’s good to know that psychotherapy is a good job for introverts, especially since I’ll be starting my MSW at UBC in September, and I want to counsel people for a living. I was worried that me being an introvert wouldn’t be a good fit for my future job as a counselor, but you’ve helped me see that maybe it would work really well!
I’ve been a social worker (26 yrs.) and worked in politics during that time for 11 years. The job in politics drained me beyond explanation.
Currently I have a private practice as a psychotherapist. It matches my personality very well. My clients aren’t “friends” so that expectation isn’t there. I have complete choice about who I spend my free time with. I love it.
Athena, if you need tips on starting out in freelance writing (one of the BEST jobs for people who like to be alone and who can work independently!), just google “Quips and Tips for Successful Writers.” Lots of help there
I would love to be isolated all of the time at my job. I just cannot handle being around others. Being alone and a freelance writer would be perfect for me. I just need to figure out how to get started.
I like your point about some of us need time to work alone but not completely alone. Deep thinking is I think an introvert trait so it takes more responsive time.
Very interesting read, I am finding myself hooked to these types of articles. Up until now I had no idea what I was, think I am more introverted than anything and would love a job were I am not in large groups of people. Currently self employed and I am also getting the cabin fever which is why I am going out and being a bit more sociable to make sure I don’t go insane lol.
I am not sure what else I would like to do, maybe stack shelves on a night + what I do now (graphics design, social networking websites etc).
Very interesting article, thanks for this.
Thanks for your tip, QuietGal! It’s good to know that radiology is a good job for people who like to be alone. And it’s a valuable, helpful job, too.
I know labworker has been mentioned previously, but anyone who’s interested in the medical field and is an introvert may want to into radiology. There isn’t much interaction with the patients and your normally work by yourself or with another person.