You realize that you have reached adulthood when not having a job is unacceptable. Even if you live with your parents, you’re supposed to contribute financially with the bills, and that means finding a job. People with social anxiety are often accused of being lazy, having no specific goals, and constantly changing jobs. This can happen because we are running away from our own nightmare: social anxiety.
I got used to having a few drinks before doing an interview, it relaxed me and I was able to turn down the voice in my head that would sabotage me. But this, as you can guess did not solve the root problem only postponed it. I would end up being hired, but on a day-to-day basis I had to deal with social anxiety. When I felt like I couldn’t take it anymore, I would leave claiming that “I didn’t like it”.
That is why in today’s post I would like to explore what it is like to find a job for a person with social anxiety, what types of jobs are recommended and most importantly how to establish an action plan to find your ideal job.
Should you look for a job if you have social anxiety?
It’s a fair question. Some would recommend going to therapy first, overcoming social anxiety, and then looking for a job. But that would be very unreal, living is not free and therapy is expensive.
I would suggest that you look for a job despite your social anxiety, but being realistic. In the short term you are going to look for a job that may not coincide with your passion but that allows you to take small steps regarding your anxiety. Next we are going to see what are the steps to take to find your ideal job progressively.
- Related content: >>How to study a degree with social anxiety
Action plan to find your ideal job

It is important that you do not see social anxiety as something permanent. That is why I suggest you think about your ideal job: what would you do if you did not have social anxiety? Perhaps your passion is being a teacher but the idea of standing in front of a group of people terrifies you. Still, make a list of jobs you’re passionate about and would be willing to try in a world without social anxiety.
Ok, back to reality. We are terrified of speaking in public so initially we are not going to try to find a job where you have to expose yourself too much. The key is to have small victories, to gradually get out of our comfort zone and for this we need a plan.
We already know what our ideal job is. Now think about what skills you need to get that job. For example, if I want to be a math teacher I need a degree, and then to pass an interview. A possible action plan would be:
- Get a degree in mathematics. You need to be honest with yourself and recognize how socially anxious this is causing you. I have social anxiety but only in certain situations, so taking a degree in person does not terrify me too much. If you do, look for alternatives, such as studying online.
- Social anxiety is one more subject. We don’t have social skills, we may have trauma around relationships, and that’s our unfinished business. I think that people with social anxiety often postpone facing the root of our problem and that is why we jump from one job to another, or from one career to another. Continuing with the example of a person whose passion is to be a mathematics teacher, in those 4 years of career we are going to commit ourselves. For example, to go to therapy, to look for a short-term job where you have to interact slightly with other people (such as be a cashier in a supermarket).
I can’t design your own action plan since I don’t know you personally, but you can. You need to know yourself and don’t allow yourself to always be in your comfort zone.
Factors for a good action plan
- Have a notebook dedicated to this area of your life.
- Write your ideal job and skills you will need to acquire to have it. For example, being a math teacher.
- Set a realistic date to develop these skills
- Now break the skills down into small efforts that you will do weekly.
- Create an evaluation sheet where each week you can mark which objectives you have met and which you have not.
Best jobs if you have social anxiety

Here are some job suggestions you can explore if you have social anxiety. If they are not your passion, consider them only for a short term, and always keeping in mind your final goal once you overcome social anxiety and you are able to carry out your dream job. I have not included jobs where education is required because I understand that you will use these jobs in the short term, unless you realize that they are your passion:
- Writer
It’s the quintessential job for people who don’t like to interact with people. Also, don’t just think about the typical image of a writer who writes books. With the advent of the Internet, many types of writers are needed, better known as content creators for blogs and online newspapers.
- Remote digital marketing
Digital marketing opens up a range of opportunities for people who prefer to work from home and without the need to see their co-workers every day. From analyzing web pages and doing audits, creating ads for social networks and managing them, etc.
The great thing about digital marketing for someone with social anxiety is that it’s not completely isolated. It is very easy once you are in the world of marketing to look for jobs where you will progressively expose yourself more. Remember that it is not about looking for jobs where you have 0 human contact, but where you do not put yourself out of your comfort zone from the first day, but progressively.
- Librarian
In libraries it is one of the places where not talking is okay. So you won’t feel like you’re a poor worker for not talking too much.
- Cashier
It is my favorite and most recommended job for a person with social anxiety. Yes, you will be in direct contact with people. But not at all times you are going to be required to start a long conversation, most of the time with a “Hello, how are you?” and a smile the customer is satisfied.
But, in addition, you can apply the micro-goals I was talking about earlier and each week try to get out of your comfort zone a little more.
- Technical and manual jobs
By this I mean jobs like electrician, carpenter, mechanic, cook, gardener etc. These are jobs where having great social skills is not going to determine your success. People are not looking for a nice carpenter, but one who knows how to do his job well.
- Related content: >>How to make friends with social anxiety
Tips for a job interview
Some time ago I wrote a post about the best jobs for introverts (introverts are quiet by nature but aren’t terrified of socializing). I think some of the advice can also be applied to people with social anxiety:
- Research information about the company you are going to work for. It seems like obvious advice, but I’ve been to many job interviews where I just looked at the company’s home page. It is important that you know the mission, values and objectives of the company. I’m not saying that you learn them by heart, but at least if they ask you something related to it, don’t let your mind go blank. There are also hundreds of sample interviews on Google, many written by people who have worked in human resources. Take advantage of them.
- Rehearse in front of a mirror. I know it sounds typical of what you see in the movies, but it really works. Standing in front of a mirror will help you notice the expressions you make, what your body language is like, and help you be more confident when you speak in front of people. If you feel too silly doing the above, rehearse in front of your mobile camera, Record yourself as many times as necessary.
- Gather your brother, your mother, your friends, or anyone you trust enough to make a fool of yourself for a while. The good thing is that you will have a good time, but again practicing speaking out loud will make you more aware of your voice, the expressions you use, and your lack of vocabulary. In addition, the people around you will be able to tell you what things you can improve or things you have said that do not make much sense.
Let me know in the comments what your biggest fear is when you think about the job you would like to have. What is your plan of action? ✅💡
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