introverts

Having a job that fits your personality type is important for your overall career happiness. You likely spend most of your week working, after all, so what you do, and how you do it, matters. Especially when it comes to how much human interaction is expected from you. For some people, particularly introverted personality types, interfacing with customers or working collaboratively with coworkers can be a huge mental and physical drain. After all, we can’t all be software developers working remotely or score freelance remote writing jobs! As an ideal job, most introverts don’t look for one where they have to talk all day or be around other people as their main function. They prefer to work independently and collaborate when necessary. Whether self employed or working on a small team, introverts tend to do their best when they feel energized by their environment, not stifled by it—or anxious because of it.So, if you’re an introvert looking for your dream job—or just a career path that doesn’t force daily social interaction—you may want to consider the following job possibilities for your next job interviews. These 17 best jobs for introverts play to your strengths, and allow you to truly love your career. Let the job search begin! What is an introvert? Before getting into the best jobs for introverts, it’s important to fully understand exactly what an introvert is. Some people mistakenly believe that all introverts are super shy or flat out hate being in social situations. This is a big misconception. Introverts aren’t anti-social, they just tend to be more internal than external when it comes to their comfort and their personality. Introverts and extrovertsPsychologist Carl Jung was the first to typify introverts and extroverts, sorting people into these categories by how they spend their mental energy and how they receive that energy. Extroverts recharge by spending time in large,vibrant social situations while introverts recharge by taking time for themselves, or perhaps meeting up with a friend or two for an in-depth conversation. Introverts tend to be more introspective and in their heads. They’d rather write you an email or text than talk on the phone. It’s not like there isn’t dating for introverts and plenty of social fun, but from a professional angle, they prefer to work independently rather than with a group of people to solve a problem. And too much social interaction—like a plans-packed weekend—is more draining than stimulating to introverts. While most introverts have these qualities, there are actually four types of introverts with their own specific idiosyncrasies. Here’s a brief breakdown of each: Social introvertsThis type of introvert loves their Me Time. They like to spend nights binge-watching shows, crafting or reorganizing their closets solo to recharge. (Getty)When someone cancels plans on them, these introverts are secretly stoked to not have to go out. While they aren’t loners—social introverts typically have a few very close friends—they aren’t the type to strike up conversations with strangers. They definitely wouldn’t be the ones yakking it up in the office breakroom trying to get the details on what everyone did over the weekend. Thinking introvertsThe thinking introvert is a dreamer—these introverts are always coming up with great ideas and tend to be constantly in mid-thought. They are less avoidant of social interactions and could work with a small team that understands these introverts’ introspective nature. Restrained introvertsThese introverts are reserved at first but tend to bloom into social butterflies in the right situations. When they feel comfortable around other people, restrained introverts can even steal the spotlight right alongside their more extroverted counterparts. Anxious introvertsAnxious introverts are the most socially averse of the four types. While many introverts can handle big groups—like all-hands meetings or parties—from time to time, these introverts feel especially awkward and worried about being part of a large social interaction. When it comes to the best jobs for introverts, anxious introverts would thrive working from home, alone, without having to be on Zoom all day. What makes certain jobs better for introverts?Work in general can be exhausting enough. A work situation that drains you because of your personality type can be extra tiring. Because introverts need time to recharge away from other people—without having to talk or meet in person constantly—certain jobs are better suited for introverts.In particular, most introverts thrive when:They can work independently most of the timeThey don’t need to be in-person or on-camera all day every dayThey can check in with their superiors or reports via emailTheir job doesn’t require a lot of group workThey don’t need to give presentations or speeches for their jobTheir human interaction can be limited in order for them to rechargeThey aren’t required to wine and dine clients There are a number of career paths that introverts can follow that fit the above criteria. Of course, introverted personality types have to look for jobs that don’t just work for you socially, but also ones that fit your skill set, provide job security, offer benefits and come with an average salary that supports your lifestyle. But knowing that you can work more effectively in roles that won’t overextend you mentally can help you narrow down your search to particular fields or types of jobs so that your work doesn’t completely suck the life right out of you. Best work from home jobs for introvertsIf you know that working from home is the best job path for you, there are a number of jobs for introverted personality types that allow you to do meaningful work right from your computer. While not every company will offer remote work for the following jobs, the pandemic has certainly shifted office culture toward being more flexible. Even if a job posting doesn’t outright say that the position is remote, it never hurts to inquire about your options. Here are the best jobs for introverts that you could do from home: Social media managerSocial media managers like to be social, something many introverts shy away from. However, being social virtually—and as an ambassador for a brand—is usually more comfortable for most introverts. (Getty)In fact, running a company’s social media accounts and its social media marketing campaigns can even be fun for introverts who don’t usually engage with social media themselves. While the average salary varies based on how big of a company you’re working for, and what the marketing budget is, working as a social media manager can be lucrative once you get your foot in the door and work your way up. Content writerIf you’re skilled at writing, which many introverts are, creating print and digital copy for companies or editorial outlets can be a rewarding job you can do from home. You create the content and then send the digital assets to your team for publication in a magazine or newspaper, website or other materials you’re writing words for. With an average salary of $48,000, content writers can be paid by the article, the word or on retainer, if you’re freelancing, or get hired as a fulltime employee with benefits. Content writers can also translate their skills from editorial to more technical writing. Technical writers are typically paid more because they need to translate high level material into detailed manuals and procedural breakdowns. EditorMany introverts like to collaborate and work with others, just not in a super social way. An editor is a great job for those who want to create something with a team without having to do so in person. By editing other people’s work—typically over email or within a content management system—you can provide meaningful feedback and guidance without feeling drained from in-person interaction.The average salary for an editor job is around $60,000. Software engineer(Getty)If you have a degree in engineering, consider becoming a software engineer. You would write software, as well as test, debug and maintain the quality of that software. While you could be working with a team to ensure that the product or process you’re creating is working correctly, you would be writing code solo, giving you time and space to do your own thing. The average salary for this job is just over $100,000. Information technology professionalWhile a software engineer creates software, an information technology professional will install that software and make sure the computer systems for a company are running smoothly. Most of your job would be working with technical equipment, however you may need to work with people every now and then when technical difficulties arise. Nearly every company uses computers and software, meaning that information technological professionals are always in demand. The average salary for this job is $68,000. AccountantIf balancing budgets, understanding tax code and writing financial reports is your forte, consider a career in accounting. Whether you work for a company on its finances or work as an accountant for individuals, the social aspect of the gig is small. (Getty)For the most part, people won’t want to bother you because they realize the intense concentration you require for thriving in this job. (Especially if it's their money you’re dealing with.) Accountants have a median annual salary of $60,000.Graphic designerIf you’ve got a knack for art, working as a graphic designer could be a great career and creatieve outlet all in one. With an average salary of $50,000, this gig allows you to do what you love, and helps you build up a portfolio in the process. If you ever want to become self-employed and start your own freelance business or a design firm of your own, this could be the right move. Website builderEvery company needs a website these days and plenty of people do too, whether it's a storefront for a side hustle craft business or a professional website. If you’re skilled at creating websites, you can do so as your job for a median annual salary of $47,000. While you will likely need to work with a person or a small team in order to bring the vision to light, you will still spend most of your days coding and designing the final product—alone. Data analystIf crunching numbers and looking at spreadsheets all day, by yourself, appeals to you, becoming a data analyst could be your dream job. You would provide crucial information to your colleagues without having to socialize with them. And, with an average salary of $70,000, you’d be doing quite well for yourself, too. Best office jobs for introvertsThis next batch of jobs for introverts are still largely independent, fitting with an introvert’s more reserved personality. However you typically can’t do these jobs from your home. For these jobs, the term “office” is quite loose—you won’t be sitting in a traditional workplace all day. These are the best “office” jobs for introverts:LibrarianThe library is a haven for introverted personality types: people aren’t supposed to talk, you’re surrounded by books and the atmosphere is peaceful. (Getty)Librarians have a median annual salary of $58,000 and the job function is somewhat flexible as far as how social you want to be. You might consider hosting small book clubs or events at the library to dip your toe into the social world or you might give into your bookish nature fully and keep to yourself.Research scientistAs a research scientist, you’ll spend your days poring over books or working in your lab. While you may collaborate with others on your data, most of the time you’ll be immersed in your field of study. You might consider teaching or tutoring one-on-one if this fits your personality or you might choose to devote yourself entirely to study. Either way, you’ll earn an average salary of $97,000 if you choose this career path. Dog trainerIf you like being around others without having to be around actual people, working as a dog trainer could be a great job option, especially if you love animals. Training dogs can be rewarding and challenging, allowing you to have companionship without conversation. Dog trainers can work with a company or be self-employed, making an average salary of $30,000. Guidance counselor Working one on one with young people, a guidance counselor can give life changing advice and help shape the next generation. If you enjoy being part of a school environment and talking with students, this can be a great job for introverts who thrive on deep conversations or want the challenge of working with tough to reach teenagers. The average salary for this position is $60,000 plus the satisfaction you’ll get from knowing that you’re making a real difference. ArchitectAs a building designer, you’ll spend your days drawing and conceptualizing spaces so that they can become reality. This is largely a solo endeavor though you will likely meet with clients to discuss their vision and any revisions they require of you. (Getty)Choosing clients who understand your reserved nature is key to thriving in their career, which has a median annual salary of $90,000. ChefWorking in a kitchen can be fast-paced, as well as creative. As a chef, you can conceptualize menus and create delicious meals, as well as lead a small team to get the job done day in and day out. On busy days, there’s no time for small talk and on slower days there’s always work to do to prep for the next shift. The average salary for a chef is $43,000 but this can go up quite a bit in big cities. MechanicAs a mechanic, you’ll make an average salary of $48,000 and spend your days working on cars, performing inspections, repairs and restorations. You won’t need to entertain clients, attend meetings or engage in office small talk, making this career path a great choice for anyone who’s more interested in working with machines than dealing with people. Medical ProfessionalMedical professionals largely do their jobs solo as they see patients, write information on charts and consider patient outcomes. If you’re the type of introvert who enjoys being around the same people, becoming a doctor or dentist can be rewarding without making you feel socially drained. (Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty)While you may start off working with a small team of colleagues, you could start your own solo practice someday as well. Salaries vary by speciality but you can expect to make over $100,000 annually. Finding the right career path for your personalityIn the end, when it comes to the best job for you, you should consider how your introverted nature will help you thrive in a given industry or career. Make the most of your skills and experience to pick a path that’s best for you.If you know that too much face time will make you feel drained, go for a career track that lets you spend less time with other people. It’s not anti-social to want to work for yourself or mostly by yourself. In fact, by honoring your introverted nature, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to do what you need to stay energized. Choosing a job geared toward introverts ensures that you won’t burn out—in fact, you’ll thrive.know yourselfHave you accepted yourself for who you are?