Find the Career Best Suited for You
Anxiety comes in many forms, and all of them can impede how well we do our jobs. In a world built on social interaction and high-stress environments, it doesn’t seem like many opportunities cater to anxious employees—but we have a list of suitable careers that might just be perfect for you.
1. Receiving Associate
Associates mostly spend their time in the backroom receiving packages, checking their quality, and following company protocol. You won’t have to spend much time—if any—with the public and can focus on sorting shipments. The best part about these jobs is that they’re primarily entry-level, so you won’t need a ton of schooling to lock in your position.
2. Writer
Writers come in all shapes and sizes, meaning you have a bunch of options to choose from. Are you looking for a daily creative challenge? Copywriting or content writing may be your best options. If you’re more by the book, technical writers handle marketing and in-depth guides. Bloggers and social media managers also follow strict schedules that let you work those creative juices. Most options let you work from home too!
3. Data Entry Administrator
Detail-oriented people make perfect candidates for data entry. You’ll handle anything from invoices and correspondence to scheduling and payroll information. Employees often need some experience with payroll or specific programs like Quickbooks and Excel, but you’ll work a well-paying job focused on precision.
4. Photographer
Much like writers, photographers come with a variety of avenues that target your skills. Everything from product photography to real estate photos lets you work an invaluable, comfortable job that hones in on creativity. Not every employer requires experience either, so it could be a good entry-level position as well.
5. Landscaping
If you have a driver’s license and love time in the great outdoors, landscaping offers a promising career. You’ll need a little muscle for jobs like weeding and irrigation, but you’ll also spend most of your time doing your own thing. Not every company requires experience either, though some adjust pay according to how much you have.
6. Driver
Drivers don’t always mean deliveries or freight transportation. You can score jobs as a chauffeur, cab driver, or even a driving instructor. Experience varies with each position, but the variety can give several options for social interactions and schedules.
7. House Cleaning
Custodian work is often frowned upon, but we’re here to flip the narrative. Office buildings, homes, and schools are just some of the spaces maintained daily by hardworking employees—employees who are often left alone to work without the hassle of social interactions. Many places offer entry-level positions as well.
8. Veterinarian Assistant
While not exactly a low-stress job, some people with anxiety thrive as vet assistants. They spend a lot of their time caring for animals, ensuring room cleanliness, and speaking with pet parents. Duties vary across clinics and your days will always be busy, which helps keep your mind sharp. You’ll likely need a driver's license and several years of experience, but this career is more than worth it for some.
9. Librarian
Pop culture likes to show librarians in stress-free environments—little old ladies whose main duty is to shush you. However, they deal with a lot more than you might think, which means proper research on your end to ensure it’s a proper fit. Clerks deal with a lot of social interaction whereas entry-level jobs like pages are mainly tasked with sorting books and stocking shelves. Depending on your personality, either could be an ideal match!
Alexei Maridashvili on Unsplash
10. Graphic Designer
Graphic designers spend a lot of time exercising creativity and avoiding stressful social interactions. These careers often require a good deal of experience before you land a gig, but it’s a lucrative path perfect for anyone who prefers to work on their own (even when they’re in the office).
11. Video Editor
If you prefer to work behind the scenes, video editing is a promising career that helps you put final projects together with a tight-knit team. You’ll need experience with various programs and an impressive portfolio, but you’ll also score a handy remote job.
12. Plumber
Anxious tradespeople can always find work in high-demand jobs. Everyone needs a good plumber with proper bedside manners and intensive know-how to get the job done—that’s where you come in! You’ll mostly work alone and earn one heck of a good living too.
13. Computer Programmer
If you have a knack for coding and want to build apps or web pages, look into computer programming. You’ll earn a solid paycheck and might even be able to work from home. Even if you can’t, in-office hours often don’t require too much social interaction.
14. Virtual Assistant
Everyday assistant jobs sound like a nightmare for anxious people. You’re made to answer phones, potentially deal with angry customers, and book meetings—essentially, dealing with the public! A good workaround is virtual assistance, which focuses more on tasks behind the scenes like document management, calendar organization, and email responses (among other tasks).
15. Pet Groomer
Pet lovers can dive head-first into grooming, a popular career for anyone who loves animals and making a difference. You can either open your own business at home or apply with trusted companies. Either way, you’ll spend most of your time with furry friends over the general public. (Of course, it’s worth remembering that you may also deal with stressed animals from time to time.)
16. Parcel Sorter
Sorters make perfect entry-level positions for anyone interested in low-stress environments. While it’s true that you’ll need a little muscle and detail orientation, your days are mostly filled with unloading mail and scanning shipments. After training, you’ll likely be left to your own devices.
17. Accountant
Anyone good with numbers and a strong attention to detail can thrive as an accountant. It’s not for everyone, especially with the experience required, but some love working with math over people, preferring the odd client meeting over daily public interaction.
18. Dishwasher
We won’t lie—dishwashing is tough work. You’ll need to keep up with the busy pace, spend hours on your feet, and ensure thorough cleanliness of both dishes and your station. On the flip side, this job also requires very little social interaction and that kind of methodical labor can actually reduce anxiety symptoms for some people.
19. Baker
Not everyone’s a morning person, but those who enjoy the peace and quiet of early days may love a career in baking. Bakers also come with various paths such as cake decorating or pie making, all of which come with their own schedules. Some require more face-to-face time with the public but others let you work in total solitude.
20. Online Tutor
In-person classrooms can wear down those with anxiety. You’re forced to deal with students all day, speak publicly, and potentially deal with angry parents. However, online teaching provides a happy medium. You can build your own courses and host meetings online—and most interaction is handled via email.
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