Best career choices for introverts

The 15 Best Jobs for Introverts

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Updated March 4, 2022

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Introverts thrive in professions that offer them plenty of space and independence.
Most introverts perform better in workplaces with fewer external distractions.
Good jobs for introverts include accounting, engineering, and technical writing.

Contrary to popular belief, not all introverts are shy, soft-spoken, and socially awkward. In fact, some introverted personality types boast excellent social skills and form rich relationships — they just prefer not to put as much energy into social interaction, or simply desire more alone time to rest and recharge.

We all think and interpret things differently depending on our surroundings and the motivating factors at play. Like extroverts, introverts can adapt to their environments and a variety of workplaces. Nevertheless, introverts are often better suited to careers that offer a high degree of independence and self-reliance.

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What Is an Introvert?

One of the most widely recognized theories on the psychological concept of introversion was introduced by famed Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, who popularized the term. According to Jung, introversion is an "attitude-type characterized by orientation in life through subjective psychic contents. "

Those who agree with Jung's interpretation believe that the typical introvert struggles to adjust to social situations and is overall reserved, sensitive, and contemplative. The popular Myers-Briggs personality test many of us have taken for job interviews is based on his theories.

German-born British psychologist Hans Eysenck presented another popular interpretation of introversion. His three-factor model proposes that introverts possess naturally higher excitation levels, leading them to avoid stimulating environments.

A more recent theory of introversion was presented in a research paper by Colin G. DeYoung, a professor of psychology. According to DeYoung, "People who score low in Extraversion are not necessarily turned inward; rather, they are less engaged, motivated, and energized by the possibilities for reward that surround them."

The 15 Best Jobs for Introverts

Regardless of which theory of introversion you subscribe to, being an introvert doesn't limit your career options. The best jobs for introverts listed below are extremely well suited for introverted personality types.

These careers provide work environments that allow for greater independence and one-on-one interaction. Individuals with superior listening and problem-solving skills are more likely to excel in these types of roles.

Job	Median Salary (May 2020)	Job Growth Rate (2020-30)
Psychiatrist	$208,000+	13%
IT Manager	$151,150	11%
Engineer	$83,160	6%
Architect	$82,320	3%
Psychologist	$82,180	8%
Technical Writer	$74,650	12%
Accountant	$73,560	7%
Scientist	$69,760	8%
Writer	$67,120	9%
Editor	$63,400	5%
Librarian	$60,820	9%
IT Specialist	$55,510	9%
Graphic Designer	$53,380	3%
Paralegal	$52,920	12%
Artist	$49,600	4%

Accountant

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $73,560
Job Growth Rate (2020-30): 7%
Common Education Requirements: Bachelor's in accounting, certificate in accounting

Accountants aren't necessarily known for their bubbly personalities, and you likely won't see any job descriptions for accountants that require an outgoing nature. This is what makes accounting an ideal career path for people who prefer to work alone. With the continual changes in tax laws and the expansion of global commerce, society will always need qualified number-crunchers.

Architect

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $82,320
Job Growth Rate (2020-30): 3%
Common Education Requirements: Bachelor's in architecture, master's in architecture

A career in architecture works well for introverted personality types. While architects must meet with clients and other industry professionals, much of their time is spent working independently on planning and designing buildings. Architecture is a great career choice for people who enjoy using their creativity, focus, and problem-solving skills.

Artist / Graphic Designer

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $49,600 (artists), $53,380 (graphic designers)
Job Growth Rate (2020-30): 4% (artists), 3% (graphic designers)
Common Education Requirements: Bachelor's in art, fine arts, graphic design, or a related field

Artists come in all personality types, with some working independently at home or in a studio, and others working in an agency setting surrounded by other creative-minded people. No matter what type of artist you are, you probably spend long periods of time alone developing your craft — perfect for imaginative introverts.

Graphic designers are good examples of artists who can work independently, especially as self-employed freelancers. To be a successful artist or graphic designer, you must have a solid portfolio of work to show potential clients.

Editor

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $63,400
Job Growth Rate (2020-30): 5%
Common Education Requirements: Bachelor's in communication, English, writing, or journalism

Editors serve as the link between the writer and the reader. Often working alone, editors analyze texts for quality, clarity, consistency, and grammar. They also typically oversee content production and ideation sessions. A passion for detail and accuracy is a must-have for this occupation.

Engineer

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $83,160
Job Growth Rate (2020-30): 6%
Common Education Requirements: Bachelor's in engineering

Engineers are currently in high demand, and these jobs typically pay very well. What's great is that both introverts and extroverts can thrive in engineering environments.

As an engineer, you'll use mathematical and scientific principles to find solutions to technical problems, working either independently or on a team. You can choose from among a wide array of specializations, such as aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering.

IT Specialist / IT Manager

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $55,510 (IT specialists), $151,150 (IT managers)
Job Growth Rate (2020-30): 9% (IT specialists), 11% (IT managers)
Common Education Requirements: Associate in computer science or information science/technology, bachelor's in computer science or information science/technology

Information technology jobs may not require an outgoing personality, but they do call for a passion for computers and information systems. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT jobs are projected to grow 13% — much faster than the average for all occupations — between 2020 and 2030.

Librarian

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $60,820
Job Growth Rate (2020-30): 9%
Common Education Requirements: Bachelor's in library science, master's in library science

Libraries are quiet places, so it makes sense that this profession would attract introverts. An influential 1992 study found that almost two-thirds of librarians who took the Myers-Briggs personality test fell into the introverted category.

Paralegal

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $52,920
Job Growth Rate (2020-30): 12%
Common Education Requirements: Associate in paralegal studies, bachelor's in paralegal studies, certificate in paralegal studies

Paralegals help attorneys stay organized. Duties may include assisting with trials, organizing case files, performing research, and preparing legal briefs. Though you'll be working alongside lawyers and other professionals, you'll spend most of your time conducting research and gathering information.

Psychologist / Psychiatrist

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $82,180 (psychologists), $208,000+ (psychiatrists)
Job Growth Rate (2020-30): 8% (psychologists), 13% (psychiatrists)
Common Education Requirements: Doctor of psychology, doctor of medicine

While psychologists and psychiatrists both interact with clients and patients, they do so by listening deeply and empathizing with others. Empathy and listening skills are common among introverts — who are often sensitive and caring individuals — and are critical to becoming a successful mental health practitioner.

As a psychologist or psychiatrist, you'll typically work one on one with clients and small groups to assess, diagnose, and treat the psychological and behavioral conditions related to your clients' physical and mental health.

Scientist

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $69,760
Job Growth Rate (2020-30): 8%
Common Education Requirements: Bachelor's or master's in a life sciences field, such as chemistry, biology, or physics

Because social interaction is not generally a job requirement for scientists, introverts tend to thrive in scientific fields. Scientists are rational, curious, and inquisitive — all traits that describe introverts as well.

Scientists work independently or with others and spend much of their days conducting research to advance knowledge in a particular field. Some of the different types of scientists you could become include an anthropologist, a chemist, an epidemiologist, and a zoologist.

Technical Writer

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $74,650
Job Growth Rate (2020-30): 12%
Common Education Requirements: Bachelor's in communication, English, or writing

Technical writers produce instructional and technical manuals, including how-to guides and other supporting documents, in order to communicate complex information in an easy-to-understand manner. Being able to work independently is a key component of this job.

Writer

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $67,120
Job Growth Rate (2020-30): 9%
Common Education Requirements: Bachelor's in communication, English, writing, or journalism

Writing — whether fiction or business copy — is an excellent career path for introverts. Writers let their words do the talking for them, and it's a craft best pursued alone, making it appealing to independent types.

As John Green, author of the bestselling 2012 novel "The Fault in Our Stars," said, "[Writing is] a profession for introverts who want to tell you a story but don't want to make eye contact while doing it."

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24 Fulfilling Jobs for Introverts

As an introvert, you can succeed in any industry or job. Your qualities can be an asset to the workplace that you can use to achieve the balance you need, even in roles that require more social interaction and energy.

Susan Cain’s powerful book and TED Talk, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking advocate that introverts’ extraordinary talents should be encouraged [1]. Finding the right job fit for you can lead to a fulfilling career, even in a world where extroverted qualities tend to be celebrated.

In this article, you will explore the high-value skills introverts may possess, tips to leverage these skills, and jobs that may be fulfilling for introverts.

What is an introvert?

An introvert is someone who prefers recharging alone or quieter settings. It occurs on a spectrum—people are neither completely introverted nor extremely gregarious at all times, and it can be situational. Many introverts can be outgoing and enjoy spending time with others, while extroverted individuals can be shy and enjoy long periods of solitude.

Often, introverted individuals are drawn to deeper, meaningful connections, rather than entertaining a crowd, so they are quite skilled at relationship building—a huge benefit in jobs that require leadership, interviewing, or teaching (skills that tend to be associated with extroverts).

21 fulfilling jobs for introverts by skill

In the workplace, introverted individuals tend to thrive in jobs that emphasize their skills and strengths. Finding the right job fit can help you feel more fulfilled in your career.

Common skills among introverts include:

Based on these skills, this guide compiles 24 jobs in different industries that might be a good match for you. Consider your own unique skills and passions alongside this list to help you make an informed decision.

*All salary data represents median salaries in 2020 in the United States according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.

Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and feel what another person is experiencing, or “putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.”

Leverage your empathy by leading and acting with compassion. If you are a UX designer, ask probing questions to better understand your user. If you are a social worker, your empathy and care can lead to improving clients’ lives.

1. Social worker

A career in social work can be rewarding for introverts because it requires empathy to advocate for the well-being and empowerment of individuals, families, and communities. Social workers can work within child and family services, health care, mental health, substance abuse, schools, gerontology, criminal justice, and the military. If you want to become a clinical social worker, you will need a master’s in social work from an accredited college or university.

Median salary: $51,760
Job outlook: 12 percent (faster than average)
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree for administrative positions and master’s degree for clinical positions

2. Physician assistant

As a physician assistant, you will help physicians and surgeons examine, diagnose, and treat patients, as well as research the latest treatments. Introverts can use their strong empathy skills to connect with patients.

Median salary: $115,390
Job outlook: 31 percent (faster than average)
Typical requirements: Master’s degree

3. UX designer

UX designers are responsible for the end-to-end journey of a user’s interaction with a product, including design, usability, and marketing. This career does require you to conduct user interviews and build connections with people, but it may be fulfilling for introverts because it focuses on empathizing with the user and applying innovation to improve a product or service.

Median salary: $77,200
Job outlook: 13 percent (faster than average)
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree

Analytical thinking

Many introverted thinkers seek consistency and logic, which helps in building a framework for how things work and using this to improve ideas. This is particularly useful for problem solving and data analysis.

Use your analytical skills in jobs that involve finding insights or inconsistencies in data, such as quantitative research or IT systems.

4. Data scientist

Within this rapidly growing field is ample opportunity for analytical thinkers to solve problems for companies and organizations. Data scientists identify patterns and trends in data to uncover insights and create algorithms and models to forecast outcomes. If you enjoy working with data and transforming it into actionable plans, then this in-demand career might be the one for you.

Median salary: $126,830
Job outlook: 22 percent (faster than average)
Typical requirements: Master’s degree

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5. Engineer

This highly analytical science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) job can be fulfilling for introverts who enjoy problem solving. Engineers must design, test, modify, and inspect products and systems, applying science and math to address society’s needs and problems with economical solutions. For the right person, this can be a rewarding career that does not require too much constant social interaction.

Median salary: (Mechanical) $90,160 (Civil) $88,570 (Industrial) $88,950
Job outlook: (Mechanical) 7 percent - as fast as average (Civil) 8 percent - as fast as average (Industrial) 14 percent - faster than average
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree

6. IT manager

An IT manager oversees activities that deal with organizations’ computer systems, requiring an analytical mind to find workable solutions to improve for enhanced efficiency and security. Keep in mind that you will still have to work closely with teams to troubleshoot technical issues, but this can be a rewarding career for introverts who enjoy digging in and solving problems.

Median salary: $151,150
Job outlook: 11 percent (faster than average)
Typical requirements: Bachelor's degree

Creativity

Creative thinking is about being able to draw connections between unexpected situations. Creativity is not merely about artistic or aesthetic ability, but using your imagination to find new solutions to problems.

7. Social media manager

As a social media manager, your role is to use social media platforms to engage with and attract customers. Your creativity can empower you to dream up innovative concepts and implement high-traffic social campaigns. Much of the work involves engaging with online consumers and building partnerships in industries as varied as banking, fashion, tech, and government.

Median salary: $55,117
Job outlook: 10 percent (as fast as average)
Typical requirements: Bachelor's degree

8. Graphic designer

Graphic designers have the exciting job of creating visual concepts that communicate ideas about products and services that captivate consumers. Critical to nearly every marketing and communications team, many graphic designers also have the pleasure of working remotely and/or on a freelance basis, which can contribute to well-being and job satisfaction.

Median salary: $53,380
Job outlook: 3 percent (lower than average)
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree

9. Software developer

Software development may seem like a highly technical pursuit, but it’s also an excellent field for harnessing creativity to solve problems in new and interesting ways. This highly analytical career that involves creating computer applications, systems, and networks for users is suitable for introverts who enjoy solving problems independently.

Median salary: $110,140
Job outlook: 22 percent (much faster than average)
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree

Attention to detail

Keen attention to detail derives from being observant and mindful of your surroundings, including people’s actions and reactions. Harness your ability to notice the tiny details that others might not see. This skill is useful in editing, data analysis, and medicine.

10. Accountant

In accounting, you prepare financial documents and reports for tax purposes and handle financial information relevant to your company. Accounting requires a high level of detail and analysis.

Median salary: $73,560
Job outlook: 7 percent (as fast as average)
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree

11. Market research analyst

Market research analysts study market conditions to forecast potential sales for products and services. This in-demand job requires strong math and analytical skills, as well as attention to detail, sifting through data and statistics to determine feasibility and outlook given economic trends.

Median salary: $65,810
Job outlook: 22 percent (much faster than average)
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree

12. Industrial machinery mechanic

As an industrial machinery mechanic, you are responsible for maintaining and repairing factory equipment and other industrial machinery. Many detail-oriented, analytical introverts are suited to this type of work.

Median salary: $54,920
Job outlook: 19 percent (much faster than average)
Typical requirements: High school diploma or equivalent

Building relationships

Introverted individuals tend to seek meaningful connections. In the professional setting, this can foster strong, long-lasting relationships. You can employ this workplace skill to manage, lead, and collaborate with colleagues.

13. Health services manager

Also known as health care executives or administrators, health services managers direct and coordinate health services in a facility, department, or medical practice. This career is a good fit for an organized introvert who is comfortable working collaboratively with a small team, especially those who enjoy helping people.

Median salary: $104,280
Job outlook: 32 percent (much faster than average)
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree

14. Veterinarian

As a veterinarian, you have the privilege of caring for animals, reducing your levels of human interaction. It can be fulfilling for introverts to use empathy to provide high-quality care and research for pets and livestock. You will also build relationships with animal owners, suppliers, and animal activists.

Median salary: $99,250
Job outlook: 17 percent (much faster than average)
Typical requirements: Doctoral or professional degree

15. Marketing manager

As a marketing manager, you are in charge of leading campaigns and projects to promote a brand or product. It can be a fulfilling career for introverts who prioritize creative and analytical thinking, and who can collaborate with cross-functional teams and build connections with stakeholders.

Median salary: $141,490
Job outlook: 10 percent (as fast as average)
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree

Adaptability

Being adaptable and flexible means adjusting to and thriving in new conditions, especially important for introverts who may need to extend outside of their comfort zone to become a successful salesperson or another typically extroverted job role. As an introvert, you may need to adapt to a more extroverted workplace by managing your time wisely so as to not get burned out.

16. Cybersecurity analyst

Cybersecurity analysts, sometimes called information security analysts, help protect a company’s networks and systems by monitoring for and reporting security breaches. This is among the most common roles on a cybersecurity team, so it is an excellent entry point into this field. The role requires you to keep up with IT security trends and be agile in developing strategies to maintain security.

Median salary: $103,590
Job outlook: 10 percent (as fast as average)
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree or certification

17. Project manager

As a project manager, you are responsible for organizing, planning, and executing projects within the constraints of a team’s budget and time. Project managers often lead teams, helping them stay goal-focused until the project’s completion. This role is ideal for introverts who are organized and comfortable with operating flexibly and making effective decisions on short notice.

Median salary: $77,420
Job outlook: 10 percent (as fast as average)
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree

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18. Help desk technician

Help desk technicians are on hand to provide technical support over the phone, in person, or remotely. They must respond quickly and efficiently to employees’ computer-related issues. If you are an introverted individual who is adept at adapting to new situations and problems as they arise, this might be a good fit for you.

Median salary: $55,510
Job outlook: 9 percent (as fast as average)
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree

Listening

Introverts tend to be good listeners because they are often reflective and compassionate. They may process ideas better in intimate group settings.

This skill is useful in career fields that require active listening and nurturing personalities. Tuning in to others’ needs can be fulfilling, whether you are an attorney helping a client navigate a legal situation or a psychologist studying human behavior.

19. Lawyer

While a legal career might not be top of mind when considering an introverted personality, lawyers spend quite a bit of time conducting research and drafting documents. A majority of the work requires listening to client concerns to help them best navigate complex legal situations.

Median salary: $126,930
Job outlook: 9 percent (as fast as average)
Typical requirements: Juris Doctor degree

20. Psychologist

Psychologists observe, interpret and record how clients relate to their life, using cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavioral research to help them. They can work independently to conduct research and consult clients, or join a health care team of physicians and social workers. Empathetic introverts may find this career very rewarding.

Median salary: $82,180
Job outlook: 8 percent (as fast as average)
Typical requirements: Doctoral degree in psychology

21. Interpreter

As an interpreter, you will translate spoken words from one language to another. Being a good listener can be particularly helpful when interpreting live in settings like schools, hospitals, courtrooms, or conferences.

Median salary: $52,330
Job outlook: 24 percent (much faster than average)
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree

Independence

For many introverts, a main strength is their ability to be self-sufficient when working through ideas or issues for long periods of time alone. They may be most comfortable whittling away at an idea or project independently, so remote jobs can be a great option because interactions are limited to only necessary meetings.

Use your self-sufficiency to excel in jobs where you need time to focus, whether it is writing a proposal for funding or building a prototype on Figma. In job roles that require team collaboration, these pockets of alone time can provide the balance you need.

22. Commercial airline pilot

As a pilot, you will have plenty of alone time while flying. After the training and certifications required to become a pilot, you will need to communicate clearly and effectively to team members, but much of flying is either alone or with one or two other co-pilots.

Median salary: $130,440
Job outlook: 7 percent (faster than average)
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree and license/certificate

23. Social scientist or researcher

Social scientists or research-based careers such as political scientist, anthropologist, economist, and urban planner are a good fit for academic-minded introverts. These careers may work independently or with teams, but they tend to offer a balance of both self-guided research and collaboration.

Median salary: (Political scientist) $125,350 (Anthropologist or archeologist) $66,130 (Economist) $108,350 (Urban and regional planner) $75,950
Job outlook: (Political scientist) 9 percent - as fast as average (Anthropologist or archeologist) 7 percent - as fast as average (Economist) 13 percent - faster than average (Urban and regional planner) 7 percent - as fast as average
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s or master’s degree

24. Writer

Writing of all types, whether it is technical, copywriting, content, or grants, is well-suited for introverts because it is often solitary work. Technical writing involves preparing instruction manuals and journal articles to communicate complex information in an accessible manner.

Median salary: $74,650 (technical writer)
Job outlook: 12 percent (faster than average)
Typical requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Related jobs: Writer/author, copywriter, content writer, editor, grant writer

Maximize your salary earning potential

Plenty of jobs are suitable for introverts, since the range of career possibilities is as diverse as introverts themselves. While studies have shown that extroverts tend to earn more, in part because they are more likely to take on higher-paying managerial positions, introverted people can succeed in any role—even those in sales, public relations, and teaching roles that call for more outgoing personalities [3].

Debunk this stereotype by choosing a career that you are passionate about and that aligns with your specific skill set. Say yes to managerial roles if the opportunity arises, because introverts can be effective, compassionate, and visionary leaders.

Next Steps: Build a fulfilling career

Start building the skills you’ll need for an in-demand career with a Professional Certificate on Coursera. Learn from industry leaders at companies like Meta, Google, IBM, and Salesforce, and earn a credential for your resume in as little as three months.

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Article Sources

1. Cain, Susan. TED Talk. “The Power of Introverts, https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts." Accessed December 20, 2021.

2. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh.” Accessed December 22, 2021.

3. Truity Psychometrics LLC. “Personality Type and Career Achievement: Does Your Personality Type Predict How Far You'll Climb?, https://www.truity.com/sites/default/files/PersonalityTypeCareerStudy-IG.pdf." Accessed December 21, 2021.

professions for women and men

All people are different. Some people cannot sit at home for a single day, they strive to get into the whirlpool of events, to cover the world as widely as possible. And they find an appropriate occupation for themselves in life. Others, on the contrary, avoid casual contacts, like to delve into thoughts, and value predictability. In the article we will talk about these “others” and find out where it will be easier and more interesting for an introvert to work, what professions are suitable for people with such temperamental properties and why.

Contents

Why introversion is important to consider when choosing a profession
- What science says
Key characteristics of "insiders" and the way they work
Best careers for introverts
- Humanitarian and creative professions
- "Computer"
- Artistic
- Technical professions
- Crafts
Related videos
Comments

Why introversion is important to consider when choosing a profession

It is believed that the modern social order is formed by extroverts for extroverts. To achieve success in the vast majority of activities, a person needs to be able to establish contacts, willingly interact with others, be open to new acquaintances, and as a result, to new opportunities.

All these demands of the modern world are opposed to what the introvert can and wants to offer in response to such challenges.

An extrovert-boss, who believes that he is able to teach the "inner" to become the "soul of the company", urging the subordinate "not to mumble and pull himself together", trying to radically change the characteristics of temperament by training, can create unbearable conditions for the introvert in the workplace.

However, introversion is not a whim, not a social habit, and not a psychological pathology that needs to be fought, but a physiological quality of the individual, which in some cases creates a professional competitive advantage.

What Science Says

For the first time, introversion as a presumably innate property of temperament was considered by Carl Jung at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, thanks to the evolution of research methods, scientists' knowledge of what is happening in the brain has expanded markedly. Thus, the experiment described by Dr. Debra Johnson indirectly confirmed the physiological nature of introversion and demonstrated the differences in the work of the brain of bright representatives of the “camps” of “internals” and “externals”. (The test subjects were injected with special markers into the blood, which could be used to determine the degree of activation of various parts of the brain and the direction of blood flow).

From all this it follows that introversion does not need to be fought, trying to overcome the natural reality. It is more rational to first understand yourself and, when looking for a job, specifically choose professions for introverts in order to be realized in them with the greatest effect.

Key characteristics of "insiders" and the way they work

Introverts are now called people who are primarily focused on their inner world (therefore, after the publication of Laney's book "The Invincible Introvert", the term "inners" is often used in relation to them). By their nature, they are reluctant to quickly approach strangers, seek to penetrate deeper than extroverts into the essence of phenomena, prefer a narrow but exhaustive analysis to a broad but superficial perception. Such a reaction results in concentration and scrupulousness, which is usually demonstrated by "insiders" at their workplace, if they are not distracted and not overwhelmed with tasks.

Multitasking is "contraindicated" for all people, regardless of temperament, but introverts suffer from it especially. Therefore, in their activities, they need to plan the sequence of events and their structural-hierarchical distribution.

Another characteristic feature of the "internal" (confirmed by the experiment mentioned above) is its specific reaction to the need to show resourcefulness in oral dialogue, especially under stressful conditions. In a conversation, introverted men and women pass everything through long-term memory and therefore select words more slowly than extroverts, formulate new (previously unrehearsed) thoughts worse.

As a result, "insiders" very rarely become effective negotiators in the face of numerous quick contacts with a variety of strangers (as required, for example, working at exhibitions, presentations or in crowded retail outlets). But introverts compensate for this by being able to negotiate with greater ease and accuracy in writing, to express their thoughts more clearly after deliberation.

If an introvert manages to create conditions in the profession that correspond to his temperament, he can effectively manifest himself in various work formats.

1. Entrepreneurial activity or hired labor?

At first glance, entrepreneurship looks preferable: it seems that on your own initiative you can refuse unpleasant contacts and build a work schedule individually, for yourself. In fact, the constant need to solve many production issues will require the manifestation, perhaps even greater sociability than in employment.

Plus is that the implementation of unpleasant, but necessary functions can be delegated to your employees. At the same time, in employment for hire in companies of various profiles, even at the start of a career, you can find a place where contacts with random people will be minimized (for example, a window cleaner in a cleaning company, a peddler of correspondence, an IT specialist, a merchandiser, etc.) .

2. Working in a team or on your own?

It is difficult for an introvert to concentrate, existing in a “humming hive”, where he is subjected to a massive information attack from all sides and because of this, he seeks to withdraw into himself for a respite. In addition, frequent and direct contact with others can be a problem not only for the introvert himself. Closeness and lack of involvement in the overall process is often interpreted by colleagues as an unwillingness to work together with everyone for a result. Even the concentrated expression on the face of the "inners" (characteristic of introverts immersed in their thoughts) is often perceived by others as a manifestation of criticism, irritation, or even malice.

However, this does not mean that teamwork is definitely not suitable. If an introvert enters a team with already familiar (and even better - with like-minded) people, then with a high probability he will be able to adapt to new conditions and find his place away from the hustle and bustle.

3. Remote work or personal presence?

In this opposition, an introvert will almost always choose remote work, since in this option several factors that are significant for him are realized at once. But, despite the fact that the development of Internet employment in the modern world significantly expands the list of professions for introverts, some activities do not allow this format. For example, a laboratory assistant, truck driver, forester, courier or archivist cannot perform their functions remotely, although all these professions are suitable for "internals" in a number of other ways.

Despite the common features of temperament, introverts still differ from each other. Modern psychologists introduce an additional division of introversion into many subspecies (logical-sensory, ethical-intuitive, logical-intuitive, etc.). Therefore, "insiders" choose professions for themselves from very diverse spheres of human activity.

The best professions for introverts

Professions for introverts can be divided into several groups. At the same time, in each of them, the "internal" can implement several of its specific features at once.

Humanitarian and creative professions

Writer. Perhaps the most introverted profession in which the author, alone with a piece of paper or a computer, can immerse himself in his own inner world, explore various topics in detail in writing, and delve into details measuredly. As a rule, it is worse for "internals" to popularize their works, to participate in their promotion and sale. However, there are also striking examples of the commercial success of introverted writers. So, Joanne Rowling, having come up with a story about a wizard boy, managed to become a multimillionaire in a few years.
Copywriter (rewriter). In this profession, almost all the parameters of writing activity are preserved. But there is less creativity as freedom of expression here. The creator of sales texts is largely associated with the direct customer and is highly dependent on the requirements for the final product. Nevertheless, the author of advertising and informational articles can easily immerse himself in the topic, remaining alone with his thoughts, as introverts like it.
Editor and proofreader. It will not be possible to completely eliminate contacts with random people, even if you have to work exclusively with text. But in this activity, such interaction can really be reduced to a minimum.
Critic. Here the introvert is given the opportunity not only to “reflect” the information received from the outside world, but also to speak out in response, to give feedback, moreover, after deliberation and in a convenient written form.
Archivist. This is also a good job for introverts, since the specialist "communicates" with old documents, analyzing them, searching for data and organizing them.

This list is mainly represented by jobs that require solitude, allowing you to fully realize your potential outside the team, therefore, for example, the profession of a screenwriter, who in the modern industry often writes in a group and constantly interacts with producers, can be included here with certain reservations.

Public creative activities, such as acting, rarely make the list of jobs for introverts. But this does not mean that among the artists there are no representatives of "internals". Audrey Hepburn, Keanu Reeves, Lady Gaga, Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep are known not only for their roles and stage images, but also for the fact that they defend their right to remain introverts in public implementation.

"Computer"

IT specialist. This is a universal generic name for all programmers, web developers, system administrators and other representatives of the IT industry. What unites them is that they mainly work with programs, codes, databases, and not with people.
Video editor, photo editor. In recent years, these professions have finally moved into the category of "computer". In addition, it became possible to remotely, via the Internet, obtain the knowledge necessary for work, which only benefited introverts. 3D visualizers are also involved in processing and creating images in a similar mode.
Sound engineer. Although the workplace of this specialist is often located in the studio, interaction with a group of co-authors is carried out indirectly - through the control panel.

Artistic

Artist. This workshop includes both freelance painters or sculptors who are not bound by any external restrictions, as well as, for example, illustrators who base their work on the content of the text. As a special direction in painting, one can name the activity of an icon painter, who, although he realizes his talent within the framework of certain given canons, inevitably reflects the author's vision in the results of labor.
Restorer. This work requires a special "creative modesty", since one of the main tasks of the restorer is to restore someone else's project, "disguising" his intervention in the original intention of the author as much as possible.
Jeweler. The activity is at the intersection of art and craft, but if we are talking about the developer and creator of jewelry, then we cannot do without a creative component.

Technical professions

Trucker. Most of the time the driver is in the cab alone or with a familiar partner. In this format of interaction in a mini-team, an introvert feels quite comfortable.
Auto mechanic. Like any other professions in the category "man - technology", this job is suitable for an "inner" who is passionate about the construction of cars and motorcycles.
Watchmaker. Since the restoration of the mechanism requires precision and structured actions, introverts cope with it well.

Crafts

Joiner and carpenter. One differs from the other in the complexity of the products produced, but in terms of the psychological comfort of people with an introverted temperament, these professions are similar.
Blacksmith. When these craftsmen were very popular and in demand, contact with customers was an integral part of their activities. In today's world, where there is a tendency to separate functions, the role of communicator is usually assumed by the order department.
Seamstress. Even in a large workshop, each seamstress has a separate, "own" place where you can retire. It is even better for a specialist with an introverted temperament to work at home. And the profession also allows such a format of self-realization.

The proposed gradation is conditional, because, for example, the work of a blacksmith often includes an element of creativity, and the activity of an artist, on the contrary, sometimes turns into a craft. Nevertheless, the above list gives a general idea of what kind of work is suitable for introverts, and shows that the “inner man” can easily find a comfortable place in society without changing his style of communication with the outside world through force.

The best jobs for those who don't like people

Nick Clayton
BBC Capital

4 October 2016

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Image caption,

Introvert and extrovert: Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer in 1998

To succeed in the world of extroverts, an introvert often has to compromise with himself. But this is not always necessary.

It's still dark outside, but Josh Mannheimer is already at work. He is deep in thought. Today he needs to come up with the perfect sentence that will make a person open the letter as soon as it falls into his hands.

Mannheimer lives on a remote farm in Vermont (USA) and makes a living from what he shamelessly calls "postal waste paper". He is one of the world's best professionals in this field.

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$150,000 a year servant

If you search Google for "direct mail copywriter", his name will be one of the first to appear in the search results.

According to him, this is an ideal job for an introvert (in fact, we did not talk to him personally, but only corresponded by e-mail).

He never sees his clients, preferring to walk the dog or feed the horses.

"I'm not a misanthrope," he says. "But in an organization where everything is subject to certain laws, I get lost and feel like a hunted animal, timid and helpless."

His difficulties are familiar to all introverts, who make up half the population of our planet. They are not shy, but prefer to be in a peaceful, calm and conducive environment.

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Image caption

Many introverts show more attention to detail and make better decisions

This doesn't mean that an introvert can't build a very successful career. Career coaches say the key is to find an occupation that suits your personality.

Most of us have some degree of introversion. A person cannot constantly feel the desire to communicate.

Sometimes we get lost in thought and don't want to be distracted. It also happens that we do not want to publicly express our feelings or want to spend some time alone.

However, true introverts, for example, do not look for praise, show more attention to detail and make more informed decisions. These traits are important in any field of activity.

The essence of the issue

It happens that a person finds an ideal profession for himself quite by accident.

Michael Motylinski was a California lawyer and hated his job. "I had to go to meetings all the time and talk to a lot of people," he says.

A sudden turn in his career came when Michael's brother asked him to perform the wedding ceremony. To do this, he had to take online courses for priests, which did not require too much effort.

He later moved to the US Virgin Islands to practice law.

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Photo caption,

Michael Motylinski moved to the US Virgin Islands and has become a mainstay of weddings - he marries 250 couples each year

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"I've been asked several times if I know a wedding registrar," he says. "I said I was licensed to conduct weddings myself. That's how it all started. I started getting calls from wedding planners, cruise lines and resorts."

Despite having to stand in front of a crowd of people during the ceremony, Michael performs about 250 weddings a year. According to him, this is the perfect activity for an introvert.

"On the day of the wedding, people are usually absorbed in their own affairs, they are nervous about the smallest thing and do not notice me," he explains. "Usually I stand at the altar or in the gazebo, and when the ceremony begins, I just read my speech."

"After the ceremony, I try to remain unnoticed, and then quietly sneak out the back door."

Michael says that in his life there is a place not only for work. He bought a house by the sea, married a local girl, he has two children, and a third child is coming soon.

Alter ego

There are completely different stories. A person who considers himself an introvert can dramatically change his field of activity.

Dan Nainen now makes a living by making jokes in front of an audience of several thousand people, although he began his career as an engineer at one of the Silicon Valley enterprises.

In his last job, he had to present Intel products at various conferences. He liked to travel, but every time he thought with a shudder that he would have to perform in front of the public.

To overcome his fear of public speaking, he took drastic measures. He decided to enroll in a course with the author of The Humor Bible, Judy Carter.

At the end of the course, each student had to perform on a real comedian show.

"The audience was very enthusiastic about my presentation," recalls Neinen.

The next time he took the stage, the audience already numbered 2,500 people. It happened at a conference organized by his company for sales professionals.

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Image caption

Introverted Dan Nainan performed as a stand-up comedian at a conference in front of an audience of 2,500 people

"I showed a parody of Andy Grove [the founder and CEO of Intel]. It was 8:00 am on a Monday, so everyone was definitely sober, but they still enjoyed it. It was my third show."

Now he lives in New York and works as a comedian, earning good money.

According to him, due to the transformation from an engineer to a comedian, he had a second "I". "I can be compared to Clark Kent, turning into Superman from time to time."

"I think people who come up to me after the show are a little disappointed because I can't make them laugh out loud at every word I say. In real life, I'm much more quiet and shy, and people are very surprised."

This case is not isolated. For those who want to cope with social phobia and shyness, exposure therapy is often recommended - classes in acting or public speaking.

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Image caption,

Extroverts also sometimes suffer from shyness and social phobia.

Gregory Pontrelli, head of Lausanne Business Solutions, a human resources consulting agency, emphasizes that these phenomena should not be confused with introversion.

"Extroverts also suffer from shyness and social phobia," he says.

In addition, Pontrelli doubts the existence of an ideal career for introverts. Even in sales, which is considered the domain of extroverts, a variety of skills are needed.

"Some companies make the big mistake of screening applicants based on psychological tests and weeding out candidates they think are unsuitable," he says.

"It's worth hiring both extroverts and introverts - this will give you a variety of points of view. This will help you make the right decisions, create new developments and better understand customers."

Yin and yang

This trend has become quite evident in the creation of the most successful companies in the world. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, known as the typical introvert, joined forces with extrovert Steve Jobs.

The same can be said about the collaboration of Bill Gates with Paul Allen, and later with Steve Ballmer, who had an even more explosive temperament. At Facebook, those roles are filled by Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg.

Deirdre Woollard follows this same strategy. In the face of Audie Chamberlain, she found a completely different business partner.

From the point of view of Chinese philosophy, their relationship can be described as the interaction of two opposite principles - yin and yang.

"I really like extroverts, but I don't think all other introverts would agree with me," she says. "For me, they're like a human shield."

"Sometimes they make me tired, but they are good to go to parties and events to strengthen business ties. But I still try to leave early."

This combination of characters provides many advantages in running a real estate advertising agency.

"He's in charge of business development, loves going to conferences and answering the phone. I take notes at meetings and develop strategic plans. I communicate with clients mostly by email, he does by phone."

Image copyright Josh Manheimer

Photo caption

Josh Manheimer prefers feeding horses to meeting clients

At the same time, Neinen struggles with personal relationships. "It's more difficult for me to talk to a woman than to speak in front of an audience of two thousand people," he admits.

Some introverts still manage to apply skills acquired at work in their personal lives. So, for example, Mannheimer met his wife Rene on the Internet.

She lived in Peru, worked as a model and did not speak English. In turn, he did not know a word of Spanish.

However, his emails, even after machine translation, were so powerful that in just eight days he managed to convince her to move from warm and sunny Lima to his remote farm.

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