You’ve probably had the chance to take a personality quiz, and if you found out that you’re an introvert, you should know that a trait like that doesn’t fare well in certain professional environments.
As someone who is often portrayed as shy, reserved, and antisocial, you might find it challenging to find a job in which you can excel and feel comfortable. Most jobs are set in a very loud and fast-moving work environment, which can be a nightmare for introverts.
If you’re having trouble finding a good job that will allow you to truly shine, here’s a list of 21 options that you should consider.
Key Takeaways
- An introvert is a person who is often quiet and reserved and prefers to be alone rather than in other people’s company.
- Since introverts are shy and are often able to focus much better when they’re alone, it can be quite difficult to choose a job.
- Even though introverts are considered the opposite of social butterflies, there are certain industries and work arrangements that can help them make the most of their temperament.
- Some good options for introverts can be creative jobs like writing and editing, tech-related jobs like developers and engineers, and even jobs like vets and scientists.
What is an Introvert?
An introvert is a person who enjoys alone time and prefers more intimate social settings. It’s one of the two opposite traits a personality test can determine, the other being extroversion, and it’s usually linked to people who enjoy a less stimulating environment.
One of the main attributes that introverts share is that they feel overwhelmed when faced with social situations, which usually leads to exhaustion.
Even though there are shades of introverts, most of them often have these characteristics in common:
- Reserved
- Agreeable
- Quiet and shy
- Sensitive
They also share some common behaviors:
- Recharging during solo time
- Avoiding social interactions
- Having small number of friends
- Experiencing social anxiety
- Planning ahead of time
- Preferring writing to speaking
Although introverts’ qualities can differ dramatically, they will generally thrive more in environments that accommodate these quirks.
Take networking as an example. It requires you to consistently speak to other people and maintain relationships with colleagues and clients. This can be quite taxing and overstimulating for introverts, which is why figuring out what jobs allow them to feel and function well is crucial.
Creative Jobs For Introverts
If you excel at creative tasks, here are the best jobs for you:
Writer
Most introverts agree that they are able to express themselves better in writing than in speaking. If this sounds like you, becoming a writer is a great option.
If you have a vivid imagination and are good at transforming that into compelling stories, some writing jobs that would fit you well are:
- Content Writer
- Copywriter
- Technical Writer
- Creative Writer
- Ghost Writer
The best part of this is that you can work in all of these positions from the comfort of your own home.
Here’s what you need to know about these types of jobs:
- Average salary: $60,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (in a Language or Journalism) and/or prior experience in the industry
Editor
If you’re someone who has a great grasp of language and really loves reading in your free time, becoming an editor might be just the right calling for you. Editors also have the privilege of working from home, where they can stay in their own comfort zone while reading and revising content before it’s published.
Editors can work in many industries, such as:
- Magazines
- Blogs
- Digital marketing agencies
- Book publishing
- Communications
Here’s what you can expect for this type of job:
- Average salary: around $74,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and/or prior experience in the industry
Graphic Designer
Being a graphic designer provides an opportunity to let your creative visual side shine. This is a great option for those who enjoy technology and art. You’ll also get the opportunity to work from home, and working hours can be quite flexible.
As a graphic designer, you can:
- Create logos
- Design visuals for apps and websites
- Design ads and various digital assets like NFTs
If you’re interested, here’s all you need to know as a graphic designer:
- Average salary: $50,000
- Requirements: Adobe Creative Cloud knowledge (or some other design software like CorelDRAW) and/or previous experience
Content Manager
If you’re interested in sharing content ideas with other people and helping their company perform better, then becoming a content manager is definitely the way to go. A lot of content managers have the opportunity to work from home, as they can manage writers and projects remotely.
As a content manager, you will be tasked with:
- Planning new content
- Managing a team of content editors or writers
- Publishing and optimizing content
- Building strategies
Here’s what to expect as a content manager:
- Average salary: $80,000
- Recommended requirements: Bachelor’s degree, prior experience in the industry + management and SEO courses
Photographer
If you’d like to share how you see the world through a lens, becoming a photographer is a wonderful option. It’s a creative, expressive, and flexible job, and it doesn’t necessarily require too much interaction with people, which is why it can be great for introverts.
As a photographer, there are a lot of genres that you can work with, such as:
- Portrait photography
- Product photography
- Landscape photography
- Street photography
- Fashion photoshoots
Being a photographer is also one of the few jobs for introverts that requires no degree.
As a photographer, you can expect:
- Average salary: around $35,000
- Requirements: A good equipment and setup, photography courses or training, and any prior experience in the industry
Landscape Designer
If you feel at peace when you’re alone outdoors and are interested in expressing your creativity in the open, look no further than a landscape designer.
As a landscape designer, you can plan out and design the following:
- Gardens
- Walkways
- Water fountains
- Restaurant gardens and terraces
- Promenades
- Parks
If this sounds like your calling, expect the following:
- Average salary: $55,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and prior experience
IT Jobs For Introverts
If you’re tech savvy, here are some of the best IT jobs for introverts:
IT Manager
The most important skills IT managers should have are the following:
- Passion for tech
- Problem-solving
IT jobs in general aren’t scarce, as many companies are constantly looking for employees. That’s why you have a good chance of getting a hefty salary.
If you’re comfortable with your IT skills, here’s what this position offers and expects from you:
- Average salary: $90,000
- Requirements: IT related Bachelor’s degree, certifications, and prior working experience
Data Architect
As a data architect, you’ll get to design and create ideas for data systems and manage them. If you enjoy working on your own and are interested in technology and data-related software, this is a great match for you.
Since it’s a challenging job that not many people can do, you’ll also get rewarded handsomely. If you’re interested, expect the following from data architect job listings:
- Average salary: $120,000
- Requirements: IT related Bachelor’s degree, IT certifications, and prior working experience
Software Engineer
One of the most sought-after job positions in the last couple of decades has been that of software engineer. Software engineers get to create and analyze software programs and improve them in the long run.
This type of job can be considered an introvert’s heaven, as you’ll get a chance to work flexibly and at your own pace, and you rarely need to have too many interactions with colleagues or superiors.
Here’s what you can expect from these types of job listings:
- Average salary: $120,000
- Requirements: IT related Bachelor’s degree, IT certifications, and prior working experience in the industry
Developer
Developers have the opportunity to employ both their creative and technical skills by designing, creating, and updating apps. As a developer, you’ll get the chance to work for different types of industries, and you can also choose to work as a freelancer.
Here’s what you can expect from this job:
- Average salary: $120,000
- Requirements: IT related Bachelor’s degree, Google and Apple Developing certifications, as well as prior experience in the industry
Digital Marketing Manager
Another introvert-friendly job is that of a digital marketing manager. It allows you to apply your versatile digital skills while still working from home.
You have a good shot of landing this job if you have any of the following skills:
- Content promotion and strategy
- Online sales
- Problem-solving
- Social Media, PPC, and email marketing
Here are some details for this type of position:
- Average salary: $120,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field, marketing courses or certifications, and prior experience in the industry
Researcher
If you’re a fan of the scientific method and science in general, you should consider becoming a researcher. This position probably requires the largest investment in terms of education, but it can be well worth it as these jobs are often very rewarding.
As a researcher, you’ll have the opportunity to work for:
- Government
- Laboratories
- Research centers
- Environment organizations
- Educational institutions
A solid research job has these types of listings:
- Average salary: $80,000
- Requirements: Master’s degree or PhD, scientific research certification and publications, prior working experience in the industry
Jobs For Introverts in Sciences
If you’re really into technical, natural, or social sciences, here are the best jobs for you:
Psychiatrist
If you’re someone who is intrigued by the human brain and the various mental disorders people battle with, you can choose to become a psychiatrist. Being a psychiatrist might be a good choice for introverts, as they are often quite empathetic and friendly, which can enable them to reach people dealing with depression and bipolar disorder, for example.
This is another one of those positions that requires a large time and money investment in education, but it’s also one of the most lucrative on the list and, on top of that, very rewarding as you’re helping people deal with difficult mental health issues.
A psychiatrist in the US can expect:
- Average salary: $245,000
- Requirements: Medical school and specialty in Psychiatry, Medical License from the State, American Board Certification and Residency
Engineer
Engineering positions are always in high demand, and they fall into the category of jobs for introverts that pay well. If you decide to become an engineer, you’ll have the opportunity to use your STEM knowledge to shape and enhance your environment.
There are many types of engineers, including but not limited to:
- Aerospace Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Biomedical Engineers
- Biomechanical Engineers
- Computer Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
As an engineer, expect the following:
- Average salary: $60,000 – $120,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s in engineering and prior working experience in the industry
Veterinarian
As an introvert, chances are you enjoy hanging out with pets more than you do with people. If helping animals with their health issues sounds like something you’d enjoy and be proud of, becoming a veterinarian is a great choice for you.
As a vet, you can expect the following:
- Average salary: $100,000
- Requirements: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, State License and Veterinary License
Therapist
Similar to a psychiatrist, if you’re interested in helping people live a better, less burdensome life, a therapist is a wonderful option for you. Since many introverts are compassionate and good listeners, becoming a therapist is a no-brainer.
This is what the job can offer:
- Average salary: $80,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in psychology, as well as licensure and a certain number of hours of supervised clinical experience, depending on the type of practice.
Scientist
Since a scientist rarely needs to go through many social interactions, this vocation can be ideal for introverts. As a scientist, you need to have curiosity and passion for science. However, you should probably steer clear of social sciences, as those might involve dealing with people more.
Some of the positions you can choose from are the following:
- Biologist
- Chemist
- Anthropologist
- Zoologist and many more
A scientist can expect:
- Average salary: $80,000
- Requirements: Science related Bachelor’s degree
Other Jobs For Introverts
If none of these sound like they’d be a good fit for you, here are some other jobs that you can thrive in as an introvert:
Librarian
If you’re shy and looking for a more quiet option, becoming a librarian is a great fit for you. It is one of the best jobs for introverts with anxiety.
Libraries have strict “no loud noises” rules, and that’s a good environment for an introvert to thrive in.
As a librarian, you can expect:
- Average salary: $55,000
- Requirements: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and passing the Praxis II Library Media Specialist test
Accountant
An accountant is a growing career choice at the moment, so if you’re someone who’s good with numbers, this is the opportunity for you. Accountants conduct and analyze financial records, and the job can easily be done on your own.
An accountant can usually expect:
- Average salary: $60,000
- Requirements: Economics Bachelor’s Degree and a License for a Certified Public Accountant
Mechanic
If you’re a car fanatic and love spending time fixing things, becoming a mechanic is a choice you should not miss out on. It requires very little to no social interaction, and you’ll only have to worry about repairing and fixing vehicles.
A mechanic can expect:
- Average salary: $45,000
- Requirements: Automotive Program Certificate and ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certificate
Translator
Lastly, if you are fluent in many languages and enjoy writing, the perfect blend of the two is a translator. It’s a job that can easily be conducted from home, which makes it a good job for introverts.
If this sounds like a good option for you, here’s what you can expect as a translator:
- Average salary: $60,000
- Requirements: Language Bachelor’s degree, translation portfolio, and prior working experience in the industry
Final Thoughts
Finding the right job for you and your personality is always the number one priority.
As an introvert, this can get tricky, especially since nowadays most jobs imply a fast-paced working environment, which is often overstimulating for a lot of introverts.
However, knowing what skills you possess and how to utilize them best is all you need to thrive, as there are many jobs that offer a quiet and more introvert-friendly working environment, and we hope our list has helped you discover a good match!
