When making a career change, choosing the role or industry you’d like to move into can be daunting. With all the different jobs out there, it can be difficult to know which ones will be a good fit.
However, focusing inward and reflecting on what kind of personality you have can go a long way in narrowing down your options.
Knowing whether you’re introverted, extroverted, or somewhere in the middle (ambiverted) can provide valuable clues about what type of environments you learn, work, and communicate in best. And this knowledge can make a huge difference in finding a role you’ll thrive in.
Here, we’ll explore what it means to be introverted, and offer eight jobs that could be well-suited to this personality type.
What is an introvert?
Many people think that introverted people are simply quiet, shy, and even unsociable. But, this is a misconception that the psychological community is eager to change.
While introverts are typically quieter and more reserved than their louder and more gregarious counterparts, the reality is more complex and nuanced.
One of the clearest markers of an introverted individual is that they expend energy during social interactions. This is opposed to an extrovert, who typically gains energy by socialising with others.
This doesn’t mean that introverts are unsociable. In fact, many experts suggest that while their friend circles are usually smaller, introverts tend to forge deeper, more profound bonds with others. However, they typically prefer the company of smaller groups and generally require more time between social interactions to recharge – as it’s through alone time that introverts gain energy.
Introverts tend to prefer spending their time alone doing quiet, contemplative activities like reading, writing, going for long walks in nature, or watching TV. Below, we’ve listed some other common traits of introverts…
- Empathetic
- Introspective (self-aware)
- Thoughtful
- Observant
- Easily distracted (especially in busy environments)
- Good listeners
- Analytical
- Works well alone
- Learns best by watching
- Dislikes small talk
To learn more about introverts, ambiverts, and extroverts, and to find out which personality type you identify with most, check out our article on the topic.
8 of the best jobs for introverts
1. Video editor
Experts suggest that one of the key traits of introverted individuals is a desire for independence and autonomy. In a work environment this may mean that introverts thrive when engaged in solo tasks, as opposed to group ones.
There are plenty of jobs that offer people the opportunity to work largely by yourself (or with a small group of individuals). However, one that’s become particularly popular in recent years is video editing.
Video editors work in what’s known as the ‘post-production’ stage of making a video. Meaning once the footage, audio, images, etc, have been gathered, they use creative skills and technical know-how to bring it all together into a slick and coherent whole.
Projects you could be working on as a video editor include anything from TV adverts and corporate training videos for businesses, to feature films and television programmes. Plus, as many video editors work in a freelance capacity, you may have the opportunity to pick and choose the jobs you feel are a good fit for you.
While they can be helpful and informative, you don’t need a degree in film production to become a video editor. Instead, there are plenty of online courses you can take to hone your skills.
Once you’re confident in your abilities, you can start building a portfolio (on websites like Wix and Squarespace) from footage you’ve shot yourself, to showcase your work to prospective employers and win projects.
Interested in learning more?
Or, if you’re ready to get started…
2. Social worker
Social workers work with individuals or families to help them find solutions to their problems. This often involves supporting vulnerable children and adults, protecting people from harm and abuse, and helping them live successful, independent lives.
As a social worker, you might work with a range of different people – from young offenders and teenagers with mental health issues to the elderly and those struggling with substance abuse problems.
What makes this role ideal for introverts looking to make a difference in people’s lives is that it involves forging strong relationships with the individuals being helped.
While introverts tend not to be suited to large group environments, experts believe that they work well in small groups or one-to-one settings, as they’re usually good listeners with increased emotional intelligence and empathy – qualities which are particularly valuable in this profession.
To become a social worker, you’ll need relevant qualifications, which you can obtain either through a university course, an apprenticeship, or a graduate training scheme. When applying for these, previous experience caring for a loved one may be looked upon favourably as many of the soft skills that make a good carer (such as empathy and communication) are transferable.
If you’re interested in working exclusively with younger people, you might like to read our article; How to become a youth worker.
Want to get started on your journey as a social worker?
Or apply for jobs now...
3. Accountant
According to the psychological community, there’s a subsection of introverts dubbed ‘thinking introverts’. These people particularly enjoy time alone with their own thoughts, pondering complex problems.
Research suggests that thinking introverts tend to be organised, possess detail-oriented behaviours, and have good analytical thinking skills. If this sounds like you, you might thrive in a role that values these traits – such as accounting.
Managing money for people, companies, and organisations, accountants have a wealth of responsibilities, including analysing income, undertaking audits, estimating financial risk, and offering advice on things like budgeting.
In an accountancy role, the opportunity to work alone for extended periods and engage in deep thought and analytical thinking, can leave many introverts feeling energised.
While many accountants have a university degree, it’s not essential for getting started. Instead, you can study for separate accounting qualifications either before or alongside a trainee accountancy role. You might find our guide on becoming an accountant useful to learn how to get started.
Keen to learn more?
Or ready to get started straight away?
4. Freelance writer
Extroverts tend to excel in face-to-face exchanges, where they can use their charm and bravado to win over people like clients and potential employers.
Introverts, on the other hand, are typically much better at communicating via the written word. This is partly because it gives them time to gather their thoughts before responding, and removes the social pressure from the situation.
Because they typically favour written communication skills, introverts may thrive in freelance writing roles. Freelance writing also offers the opportunity to work alone for long periods.
One of the most interesting aspects of a career as a freelance writer is the scope and variety of the jobs on offer. You could be writing travel articles or book reviews for websites. Or you might find yourself doing shorter-form copywriting for different products and services – from the backs of shampoo bottles to advertisements on the sides of lorries.
Though freelance writing jobs can be competitive, employers don’t usually care about what formal qualifications you have. Instead, they’ll want to see examples of your work. So, to get started, all you need to do is write pieces to add to a portfolio (which you can create on publishing platforms like Medium).
Once your portfolio is in place, you can start applying for jobs on freelance websites like Upwork. Over time, you’ll start to build up regular clients that offer repeat work.
If you’re ready to apply for jobs…
5. Online tutor
As we’ve already mentioned, introverted people are often empathetic, emotionally intelligent, and gifted at building one-on-one relationships.
These attributes can be valuable in understanding how different people learn – making teaching a good career fit for many introverts. However, if spending all day in a busy classroom with 30 noisy children, teenagers, or even adults, doesn’t sound so great, then you might like to consider becoming a tutor instead.
As an online tutor (who gives people extra education on top of their studies), you can work one-on-one with students. Many people find this setup is less taxing than it would be in person. Plus, hours are also flexible, so you can work out a schedule to suit you!
If this sounds appealing, it’s worth considering which subjects you might like to teach and at what level. Ask yourself, ‘What am I qualified to teach?’. Remember, this doesn’t have to mean holding a degree in a subject. Instead, you can be qualified through professional experience.
Once you’ve decided what you’d like to teach, it’s worth signing up for websites like Superprof and Tutorful. You’ll find all the information you need to get started there.
Are you ready to get started?
6. Archivist
Lots of the roles we’ve suggested – such as a video editor, writer, and online tutor – typically involve work-from-home options. This is intentional because introverts tend to perform well in quiet spaces where they can be alone. By contrast, busy and loud office environments can be quite distracting.
Experts believe this is due to differences in our reticular activating system (RAS) – a network of neurons that’s responsible for regulating our arousal levels.
According to this theory, developed by Hans Eysenck, introverted people have a high baseline of arousal and can become easily overstimulated. Extroverts, on the other hand, have a naturally lower baseline, and therefore seek out stimulating activities like socialising.
However, for introverts who prefer not to work from home, working in a quiet, calming environment can be a good option.
One such role is as an archivist. Archivists are responsible for managing and maintaining historical documents and other culturally important materials. A large part of the job is making sure the information is safe, well-preserved, and properly organised so that people can easily access it – both in-person and digitally.
In this role, you’ll most likely work in places like museums and national archives – performing quiet, contemplative, and detail-oriented work.
Perhaps the most highly-qualified job on this list, to find success as an archiver, you’ll need an undergraduate degree in a relevant field (like history, languages, or law), plus a postgraduate degree accredited by the Archives & Records Association.
If you like the sound of this kind of work but don’t fancy taking a degree course, why not consider a role as a librarian assistant instead, where you can get started straight away?
Interested in starting your journey as an archivist?
7. Software engineer
Software engineers are the brains behind every website you visit on your smartphone or computer. They use problem-solving abilities, logical thinking, and technical skills (like coding) to construct, develop, and maintain computer software.
There are lots of reasons why software engineering is a great career for introverts. For example, while you’ll probably be working as part of a team, long periods are spent alone, using creativity and contemplating complex problems.
Plus, nowadays, many software engineering roles offer work-from-home or hybrid work opportunities.
The learning process of becoming a software engineer is also suited to introverts. While you can move into this profession through a degree in a related field (like computer science), you don’t need any formal qualifications. In fact, there are several talented, self-taught programmers on our team here at Rest Less. So you can teach yourself at your own pace via online classes or even books.
Once you have a confident understanding of the basics of software engineering (including at least one programming language like Java or Python), you can start applying for trainee roles.
Want to learn the basics of software engineering?
Or are you ready to apply for roles?
8. Photographer
If you’re looking for a career that offers adventure, variety, and makes the most of all the gifts that come with introverted personalities, you might like to consider photography.
Whether you’re a keen photographer in your spare time or you’ve only recently picked up a camera for the first time, success in this profession is not out of reach!
Although there are some permanent roles available, nowadays, lots of photographers work on a freelance basis. This means that while you won’t need any formal qualifications (you can boost your skills through online courses), you’ll need to create a portfolio of some of your best work to show clients. And once you’ve done this, you can start applying for freelance work.
While there are undoubtedly many photographers that have a broad focus, lots choose to specialise in a certain area. For example, you could consider becoming an events photographer. Or, if you truly want to limit your social contact during work hours, you might like to look at becoming a product photographer.
Remember, while many photography jobs take place at events like weddings and birthdays, where large groups are present, this shouldn’t necessarily dissuade introverts from following this career pathway. If you were getting married, wouldn’t you want your photographer to be an observant and creative fly-on-the-wall?
Would you like to hone your photography skills?
Or, perhaps you’re ready to start building your portfolio…
Final thoughts…
While some roles favour the skillsets of extroverts (take sales, for example), there are plenty of careers in which introverts can use their particular traits to their advantage, and that can provide an energising and fulfilling work environment.
If you haven’t found a role that takes your fancy on this list, head over to the career advice section of our website. Here you’ll find lots more job inspiration – including this list of social jobs, if you think you may have more of an extroverted personality.
Or, if you know what type of role you’re interested in, you can use the button below to search for vacancies.
Are you an introvert who loves your job? If so, what do you do? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!