I’m not a hermit, but, sometimes, I’d like to be. People are annoying. Every day that I have to step outside of my home is a genuine challenge, albeit not at the level of, say, trying to end poverty.
It’s not that I hate humanity. And I’m not anti-social; I do enjoy the company of some people. What I am is an introvert, and for people like me, the world beyond our inner selves can be a somewhat hostile and exhausting place. That’s because modern society has been constructed for extroverts, who account for between 60 to 75 percent of the population.
To know me is to wonder why I’m always so quiet, seemingly calm, and sometimes appear aloof. I prefer to listen and observe rather than speak. I have a phobia of telephones.
I despise interruptions. I need large chunks of time, undisturbed, to do work that I can feel proud of. Multitasking and short deadlines make me sweat like a diced onion in a hot frying pan.
I enjoy a slower pace; my brain tries to check out when things get really hectic. I don’t relate well to people who enjoy being busy for the sake of being busy. In fact, it is sometimes difficult for me to see such people as human.
Social gatherings make me anxious and tired. I prefer small celebrations with a few close friends or family to big parties with lots of acquaintances I hardly know. Being around people I don’t connect with drains my energy.
I get cranky when I feel that I haven’t had enough time alone. I like to think about how to solve real problems, to reflect upon my feelings and those of others, and to contemplate the state of the universe and my place within it. Because I think so big, small talk is extremely difficult for me.
Whereas extroverts tend to be energized by activity, sensory stimulation, and other people, I need plenty of solitude and down time to recharge and feel happy.
And yet, I cope. Many days, I even thrive. In a world of extroverts, I’ve had to learn how to play their game well enough to get by. (“Introvert” is not something you list on a resume or use as a pick-up line.)
My kind is not easily understood by most people. Introverts are often treated as if they have a serious disorder, disability, or medical pathology. Doctors are quick to suggest psychotropic drugs. And employers frequently don’t recognize the rare value and abilities that introverts often have to offer. It doesn’t help, of course, that humans have a tendency to think in stereotypes.
Life as an introvert, however, doesn’t have to be overwhelming or miserable. There is nothing inherently wrong with being born this way; it is simply a biological trait that happens to be in the minority, no different than red hair or green eyes.
That said, if you are an introvert, then having a career that utilizes your natural strengths and minimizes your contact with other people can be of tremendous help. It won’t mean you’ll avoid having to venture out into the irritating masses, but it could mean you’ll be able to really accomplish something worthwhile, which is itself a source of energy, confidence, and happiness—even for an introvert.
Like any other general personality type, introverts can display a wide variety of attributes, including surprising ones that contradict their overall temperament. For example, I have found it oddly satisfying in the past to perform or speak in front of large groups of people even though I detest having to mingle within them.
Plenty of careers offer introverts the chance to use their inherent abilities—deep concentration, unconventional thinking, commitment, powerful observation, good listening, and many others—in their work.
Finding a career you can be happy with is difficult no matter who you are. But having an introspective personality makes it even harder. I know; I’ve been there. The fact is, just about any career will require you to interact with people in some way. There isn’t much you can do about it other than learn how to be a little outgoing when it counts. Still, some occupations tend to be better for people like us than others.
Here are a few career ideas for introverts that might just get you moving in the right direction:
Media, design, and the arts
This is where I hang out. As a right-brained introvert, I enjoy anything that allows me to make use of my imagination. Many of the careers in this category offer the chance to think big and unleash your creativity. As a bonus, some of them even allow you to work from home on your own terms, which, for me, once meant designing logos and websites while naked (or, at least, that’s what my family was convinced I was doing—I’ll never tell).
Fine art, graphic design, computer animation, and interior design are all great options if you want to make the world a little more visually appealing. (Sometimes, though, the visual pollution in our world is so ugly that the only thing you can do is draw the shades and take solace in knowing that you’re doing your part to correct that situation.)
Writing is also a classic option for introspective people that want to work alone. It can enable you to articulate your thoughts and express yourself in a way that might be impossible for you through verbal communication. Writing can help you sort through all of the tangled feelings and scattered information in your head so that you can see yourself and the world around you more clearly. Plus, writing well is a skill that is always in high demand.
Other possible careers in this category include architecture, video game development, and even the performing arts. Yes, as strange as it sounds, something like acting can be a good fit for some introverts because it’s about getting deep into character and being somebody else while on stage or in front of the camera.
Of course, all of these careers open you up to subjective criticism. Writers, artists, designers, and other creative professionals have to learn how to handle negative feedback without letting it consume them, which is doubly challenging for introverts. It can be done, though; it just takes practice.
Computers and information technology
There is something about computer technology that pulls many introverts in like a magnet. I’m convinced the world’s shiny CPUs and logic boards are laced with an invisible substance that causes otherwise rational human beings to drool at the thought of a minor speed boost or a few more gigabytes of memory.
Yet, it is a good thing that there are people with more than a passing interest in this stuff. (I have to admit; even I go gaga over a new Mac.) Computers run our world.
If you like to solve problems, then software development, electronics engineering, and computer programming could be suitable options for your introverted personality.
Health care
You might be looking at this category and thinking I’m nuts, and, frankly, you could be right. Many careers in health care do require a lot of contact with people, especially vulnerable, emotional people. There are a number of options in the field, however, that don’t involve so much personal contact.
For instance, medical transcription is a good bet if you’d like to work from home. Or, if you’d prefer something a little more hands-on yet still behind-the-scenes, then you might consider a career as a medical laboratory technician or technologist.
Then again, many of us would rather skip people and take care of animals instead. There are many great options here, but some of the best include occupations like veterinary medicine and veterinary assistance.
Science and research
It strikes me that probing the mysteries of life and the universe professionally would be highly satisfying as an introvert. After all, it worked for Albert Einstein. If you’re not too fond of being around other people, then careers in science or research and development can provide a highly rewarding way to make a living.
There’s probably never been a better time to pursue a career in this category. We’re likely to witness an astonishing array of scientific breakthroughs in areas like medicine, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. And with climate change pushing us to develop clean energy sources, there will continue to be a lot of opportunity for bright minds that can imagine a greener future and conduct the research to help bring it about.
Law
I know, I know. What about courtrooms? Don’t they have a lot of people? Grouchy people especially? Yes, they do.
Not all legal professionals, however, have to set foot in a courtroom to do their jobs. And if they do, they don’t necessarily have to be the one standing up to make arguments before a judge or jury.
There is no reason that an introvert can’t thrive as a paralegal, legal assistant, or even as an attorney. Most legal cases never make it to trial, and there is always more than enough in-depth research that needs to be conducted. Plus, many specialties within law involve stuff that’s a little more routine such as will and estate planning, contracts, and bankruptcy.
Skilled Trades
While it’s true that most trades require working away from home, many skilled tradespeople will tell you that there is a special kind of Zen that happens when you are using your hands and really focused on building, installing, or fixing something tangible.
The many career options in this category run the gamut, from automotive repair to aviation maintenance to HVAC to welding. And while becoming something like a plumber or electrician may not sound like a worthy option if you happen to be “academically gifted,” you might be surprised.
Hey, cut me some slack will ya?
The term “introvert” encompasses a broad range of personalities that share a few similar traits. It is foolish to think that anyone can be so easily categorized. While I tend to exhibit most of the characteristics of an introvert, I can also be a walking contradiction of myself. Humans are complicated that way.
Therefore, take all career suggestions with a grain of salt. There are probably introverts that have found happiness and success in careers that one would never expect a person who dislikes being around other people to thrive in.
Now, go smile and talk to someone you never engage in conversation with. It might freak them out, which is good fun. Plus, it’ll give you something interesting to reflect upon back in your private cave.
Don’t worry—I won’t see you there. Promise.
