10 Best Careers for People With Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety Disorder, or SAD, is not just the occasional spell of shyness or lack of confidence that we all experience from time to time. 

It's an intense fear, bordering on phobia, of facing situations in which interactions with others is expected or even just possible.

Some jobs will naturally be less socially demanding than others, or will provide more control over how much and when socializing is required.

There are a lot of creative options for writers – blogging, ghost writing, technical writing, editing, writing articles or reviews, or even becoming a published author.

Earning a living as a writer can be challenging, but because you can freelance from home, this type of career can involve minimal social demands.

Whether you work as an employee, or provide your accounting or bookkeeping services independently, the social requirements will be fairly low for this.

This can be a great option if you have an artistic talent. Many creative pursuits have a commercial aspect. You'll need a venue to market your creations, or you can enjoy time spent alone working on your art.

This can be a great career, even if you choose to work for a company, your social interactions will likely be limited to communicating with clients and/or your company creative lead.

Prefer not to work in an office? A career as a landscaper, gardener, or market farmer could be just the thing for you, with communications limited to one-on-one with customers.

Many people with SAD find working with animals very relaxing. If you enjoy the company of animals, you might find work as a dog trainer, groomer, zoo worker or pet sitter very satisfying.

This career involves interactions with co-workers and the public, but it also offers a very structured work environment and lots of downtime, which can help alleviate anxiety.

If you enjoy working with computers and code, this field might be right for you. You could choose to be self-employed as a freelancer, but even in an office setting, your social interactions are likely to be minimal.

If you've overcome with your anxiety, you might be the best person to help others. As a self-employed counselor, you'll have a flexible schedule, and can keep extraneous social interactions to a minimum.

Self-employment offers those struggling with SAD a range of options for meaningful work that allows one to manage the symptoms and triggers of SAD.

As an entrepreneur or small-business owner, you have full control over both your work schedule and your degree of social interactions, giving you much flexibility to work around 'bad days'.

Of course you'll want to seek employment that gives you space and flexibility to manage your SAD triggers and symptoms, but remember not to hide out. 

Don't be afraid to pursue work that you love, even if it does involve some social communication and interaction.

Want to know a little more about yourself, and what makes you tick, both in the workplace and out? Take our FREE Self-Awareness Quiz now and find out!