Anxiety: What is it?
It can be helpful to first grasp what anxiety is and how it might be related to introversion before we discuss career considerations.
A state of worry or uneasiness about what might happen in the future is called anxiety. Anxiety might have broad roots, like worries about one’s health or job, or it can have more focused roots, like finishing tasks on time or missing deadlines.
Anxiety sufferers may discover that specific situations (such crowded places, speaking in front of an audience, or major life changes) exacerbate their symptoms. These signs could consist of, but are not restricted to:
An uneasy or restless sensation
A fast heartbeat or quick breathing
shaking or perspiring
emesis or stomach problems
Tension in the muscles
Brutality
difficulty focusing
Having trouble falling asleep
It could be helpful to keep in mind that sporadic worry might not be a reason for alarm. On the other hand, prolonged anxiety that compromises quality of life could be a sign of an anxiety disorder such panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder. It could be wise to speak with a healthcare professional if anxiety is significantly interfering with your day-to-day activities.
What does the term “introvert” mean?
Two basic personality types—”introvert” and “extravert”—have been postulated to describe how various people react in social circumstances. “A person whose interest is generally directed inward toward his own feelings and thoughts, in contrast to an extravert, whose attention is directed toward other people and the outside world,” is how the Encyclopedia Britannica defines an introvert.
While social circumstances can revitalize and invigorate persons with more extraverted dispositions, sociability can be difficult or exhausting for introverts. In addition to preferring more solitary hobbies and pastimes, introverts may prefer to be by themselves or in small groups rather than in big crowds of people.
Neither being an extravert nor an introvert is regarded as a mental disease. On the other hand, introverted people could discover that social situations make them anxious, or that social engagement exacerbates their anxiety symptoms already present. Because of this, it could be crucial to take anxiety and introversion into consideration while choosing a career.
Jobs for anxious introverts: Things to think about and examples
A job’s atmosphere, schedule, and work-life balance may be especially important to introverts who struggle with anxiety, in addition to standard compensation and prerequisites. First of all, it could be crucial to keep in mind that each introvert and anxious person may experience anxiety and its symptoms differently. One introvert’s trigger for anxiety symptoms may not be another’s, and various people may have varied preferences for an environment at work where they feel most comfortable.
How can I prevent my triggers with a low-stress job?
It could be crucial for introverts to begin by learning what triggers worsening anxiety symptoms. For instance, if you discover that being around a lot of people makes you feel anxious, you might want to think about working in a field that doesn’t include crowds, like science, accounting, or library. Similarly, if you discover that social situations with a lot of pressure make you anxious, you can decide to look for a position that doesn’t include working with customers rather than going into sales or customer service. As a truck driver, for example, you might transport goods, distribute items as a mail carrier, or run tests as a lab technician.
What kind of setting makes me feel most at ease?
Since they have higher chances of spending time alone, introverts can prefer to work early in the morning or late at night. Being self-employed can allow introverts the freedom to set their own hours and spend time alone. For instance, if you’re more of an introvert, working as a freelancer, which typically requires doing a task in a self-directed manner, can be a good fit. You will probably have far more control over your schedule when working as a freelance writer, web developer, graphic designer, etc. than when working as an employee.
How can I keep a healthy work-life balance?
In their professional lives, many introverts find it difficult to set limits, especially those who suffer from social anxiety. This may cause people to agree to work progressively longer hours or take on an excessive number of tasks. An introvert’s dream job could be one where duties are well-defined and do not conflict with personal obligations. One such profession is data analysis, which may offer introverts with a college degree and strong numerical skills stable, fulfilling employment. On the other hand, introverted personality types might prefer to work in positions where they can discuss their worries with managers without feeling awkward. Anxious people may benefit from working for an organization that values communication and criticism since it will help them set and enforce boundaries and preserve a healthy work-life balance.
How frequently do I require alone time to refuel?
Social interactions can feel exhausting or induce anxiety in introverts. While completely cutting oneself off from society can occasionally exacerbate symptoms, it could also be crucial to find employment that permits you to recover from social encounters. Jobs that can be completed from home, such content editing or medical transcription (which entails turning audio recordings of medical practitioners into written reports), could serve as examples. It might also be helpful to keep in mind that avoiding stimuli and withdrawing from social interactions can exacerbate anxiety. Therefore, having anxiety and being introverted shouldn’t stop you from looking for a job; rather, it might be beneficial to see these characteristics as one of many elements to take into account when searching for a position that suits you.
Start by taking action to control your anxiety symptoms.
Find a licensed therapist to work with.Being an introvert and managing anxiety If you are an introverted or anxious person, regardless of your line of work, it could be critical to give rest and healthy symptom management top priority. We’ll go over a few techniques in this section that might be beneficial for taking care of your mental health. If you’re an introvert, you might find it helpful to recover and rejuvenate following social situations. Among the methods for achieving this are: Taking up enjoyable solo pastimes Including alone time in your routine, especially if your job involves social interaction Engaging in mindfulness or meditation time spent with a select few close friends or family members putting hygiene, fun exercise, and a balanced diet into practice as self-care Moreover, whether you are extraverted or introverted, there are a variety of techniques that might help lessen the feelings of anxiety. These could consist of: Engaging in regular exercise
Making sleep a priority
Making use of deep breathing techniques Acknowledging and identifying your triggers Writing in a journal about your feelings and ideas Therapy might also be a useful tool for people who identify as introverted or anxious and who want more assistance. A certified therapist could be able to offer guidance on self-maintenance, handling triggers, or putting mental health first when looking for work. Going to a therapist’s office in person might be difficult or exhausting for people who struggle with anxiety or introversion. With platforms like BetterHelp, online therapy can be a helpful substitute in these situations. It allows for in-app messaging, voice calls, and video calls from the comfort of one’s home. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of internet therapy as a means of treating anxiety. For example, a 2015 study discovered that an online therapy program significantly reduced symptoms for patients with generalized anxiety disorder.