Some of the most satisfying careers for introverts just might be satisfying for anyone. Introverts thrive in quiet or reserved work environments, creative spaces, a place to gather thoughts and focus. Staying out of the limelight is more about preference and less about being shy. Just because someone is less outgoing does not mean they are social outcasts, either. Where extroverts are more outgoing, or even outspoken, they need to be in busy, social environments while they work.
It’s simply not the same for introverts. The type of careers that work for introverts are ones that allow them to express their creativity. Creative spaces for introverts, literally and figuratively, truly require a degree of alone time for the process to commence. Concentration and creativity go hand-in-hand. If you work better on your own, here are 10 careers that may work for you:
Lawyers and Paralegals
Though the practice of law may conjure an image of a courtroom filled with spectators listening to heated debate and cross-examination. In reality, most areas of law are practiced outside of the courtroom. Instead, the profession is more involved with the preparation and submission of legal documents, such as contracts or titles, which entail detailed research and writing. Paralegals do delegated legal work for the lawyers who employ them, compiling and organizing legal documents, affidavits, legal correspondence, doing title searches, electronic filing systems and so forth. Though there is personal interaction with clients, the majority of interactions are via phone or email.
Accountant
If you’re good with numbers and enjoy computation, accounting is another lonely career path that could appeal to introverts. Though it may require interaction with clients, outside of large corporate environments, generally, the contact is minimal and one-on-one, and only occasionally. Accounting requires hours of detailed work in solitude while making good money doing so.
Animal Care
Animal care requires very little interaction with people and a considerable amount of time in the care of animals. The field of animal care encompasses a number of professions—at pet stores, in animal shelters, pet sitting, and dog walking can be rewarding. Careers in veterinary medicine (VMED), in veterinary sciences, as techs and assistants, animal husbandry, and animal research can be financially rewarding.
Engineers
The field of engineering covers a broad selection of disciplines—mechanical, civil, chemical, electrical, and systems, to name a few. The work requires focus, complex problem solving, research, design and planning. Engineers in some firms may work in small teams or do field work independently or work on assigned projects. Those whose work involves designing and planning systems will spend much time working on their own.
Writer
With the proper set of writing skills, the prospect for a writing career is more favorable in today’s market. Writers produce more than literary compositions, articles, reporting, and essays—published works of fiction and non-fiction. The demand for qualified writers has increased over the years. As the web has expanded the need for quality content on websites has increased markedly. The work of producing content, copywriting and blogging, requires many hours of research, focus, and quiet time—in front of a computer. It can be done in office environments, home offices or coffee shops, but to be effective, it requires virtually no interaction with others. Writers also perform such related tasks as editing and proofreading.
Social Media
Managing social media accounts consist of hours of time behind a computer, networking and building virtual relationships. The work requires attention to detail, following and discovering media trends, and listening to and knowing their audience. Work can be done either on a freelance basis or in-house at a firm, but requires working alone.
Financial Administrator
Financial administrators maintain financial records and perform clerical work for financial-related companies—credit and billing services, insurance agencies, and like financial institutions. The primary tool of financial administrators is the computer. It requires paying meticulous record keeping and attention to details. Though a great deal of work is done alone, at times, job requirements include customer interactions, either in person, via email or over the phone.
Web Developer
Web developers work to design and create websites, such as the one you’re reading now. Developing websites is very much a creative process, time-consuming with much concentration. The process requires hours of coding on a computer, either on the front end or the back end, in solitude. On a freelance basis, the work can be performed virtually from just about anywhere. Even in office environments, the work of developers is generally done in seclusion, in quiet areas or in cubicles.
Mechanic
Though mechanics are often associated with the automotive field, in reality, their work encompasses the repair, rebuilding, and maintenance of any type of engine, machinery, or mechanical and electrical system. They can be found in automotive shops, factories, manufacturing plants, warehouses, office buildings, hospitals, and much more. Anywhere that advanced electronic and complex mechanical systems are in play, mechanics are necessary. Because a mechanic’s primary focus is on problem-solving mechanical issues or performing computer diagnostics of systems for repair and maintenance, interactions can vary. For introverts, it is limited to troubleshooting and analyzing problems related to the devices they are fixing or maintaining.
Designer
Designers work in a variety of fields—art, graphic, multimedia, video, architecture, products and more. Like web developers, designing is a creative process and requires artistic talent. Design work means many hours behind a computer, concentration, and attention to detail. It can be done within an agency or on a freelance basis. In either case, social interaction is limited.
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