Social anxiety disorder is marked by extreme feelings of fear in social situations. This can manifest as concern about inadvertently offending someone, self-consciousness about being judged by others, or a fear of humiliation or embarrassment. In any case, the feelings of anxiety are disproportionate to the situation. High-stress, crowded work environments may exacerbate symptoms and lead to increased absences and decreased work performance. Finding jobs for social anxiety in South Florida can be a challenge, but good jobs are available.
FINDING THE RIGHT JOB WITH SOCIAL ANXIETY
Generally speaking, the best starter job for someone with social anxiety is flexible, providing opportunities to work when and where you want to. Look for a job that allows you to take off time when you need to for coping with your symptoms and jobs that provide the option to work remotely from your South Florida home, the beach, or wherever you feel the calmest and most productive. Keep in mind that many telecommuting jobs require you to spend at least some time in the office. The best tip is to look for one that allows you to spend most of the time at home and is willing to accommodate you for times that you need to come in.
Otherwise, what you look for when you search for jobs for social anxiety depends greatly on your individual triggers. For example, just because you have social anxiety doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t like being around people at all. You may benefit from occasional or limited social interaction with others, so look for jobs that provide opportunities like these. Maybe what triggers you is high-stress situations, so look for a job that doesn’t impose hard deadlines and allows you to work at your own pace.
If you aren’t quite sure what to look for, here are some specific examples of good jobs for people with social anxiety.
Best Entry-Level Jobs for People With Social Anxiety
An entry-level job is one that doesn’t require a lot of education or prior experience to qualify you to perform it. They usually require a high school diploma or GED at most, though some may require you to complete training programs to receive the necessary certification.
An entry-level job is a good way to gain experience if you aspire to further schooling and more advanced opportunities later on. It may also offer career advancement opportunities of its own. Not all entry-level positions are good jobs for social anxiety, as some can be high-stress and require more interaction than you may be comfortable with. However, there are many that allow you to earn a living in a work environment in which you feel comfortable.
- Landscaper or Gardener: These jobs allow you to plant and maintain landscapes outdoors and require very little social interaction.
- Library Page: A page performs routine tasks, relieving some of the burdens from the librarians and freeing them to focus on other duties. A library is a quiet work environment, and the need for interaction with patrons is limited.
- Veterinary Technician: If you feel more comfortable with animals than with people, you might enjoy soothing pets and assist during examinations as a veterinary technician. This requires you to complete a certification program.
- Writer: Becoming a copywriter or a technical writer allows you to gain experience and build a portfolio. It requires a basic understanding of grammar and technique. Becoming a freelance writer allows you to work from home and set your own schedule, but making a living at it may take time.
Other entry-level jobs for people with social anxiety include lab technician, janitor, and data entry clerk.
More Advanced Jobs for People With Social Anxiety
The following jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, perhaps postgraduate work.
- Accountant: Becoming an accountant requires at least a bachelor’s degree, plus attention to detail and a love of numbers. There are opportunities in accounting that do not involve tax preparation, so you have some say in how much interaction you have with the public.
- Archivist: An archivist preserves and organizes maps, photographs, and other historical documents. It requires at least a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree may allow you to broaden your job search.
- Counselor: As a counselor, you typically work one-on-one with clients. The personal challenges you have faced can give you insight into their problems and help you to empathize. A counselor has to have at least a master’s degree.
FINDING YOUR IDEAL JOB ENVIRONMENT AS A SOCIAL ANXIETY SUFFERER
Finding the right job for you involves knowing yourself and what kind of environment you can thrive in. Elevate Psychiatry is a highly regarded South Florida clinic staffed by caring providers who can help you identify your needs and provide guidance. Contact us for more information.