10 Rewarding And Comfortable Jobs For Students Suffering From Social Anxiety

Students with a social anxiety disorder (SAD) or social phobia have trouble meeting new people, talking to people, and visiting social meetings and gatherings. The fear of being scrutinised or judged by others can make it really challenging for those living with SAD to find a job they feel comfortable doing, particularly when going straight from school to the workplace. While the pool of jobs available to students is limited, there are still plenty of options for part-time employment, which might be a good fit for those with SAD.

1. Writer

Many students view writing as a dream job because all you need to do is write about the things you find interesting and engaging, be it a novel, technical manual, or advice column. Unfortunately, entering this profession can be challenging and it may take a while before you become established. Writing is a great option for socially anxious students because it allows them to work alone. Still, it would be best if you could challenge yourself by socialising and networking with other writers through conferences and professional associations to polish your social skills and gain knowledge from experienced writers.

2. Artist

Becoming an artist is another job that students with SAD might consider. Similarly to writers, artists often enjoy time spent alone on their work. Unfortunately, young artists often struggle to earn a living wage through their work. Therefore, if you are highly interested in this type of work, you should probably think about related jobs to support yourself while making art on the side.

3. Landscaper

Many students living with social anxiety enjoy the exposure to sunshine, fresh air, and time spent with nature as opposed to awkward interactions with their peers and professors in the university. That is why becoming a landscaper or gardener can be a good idea if you are willing to find a relaxing and fulfilling job. Landscaping offers flexibility, freedom, and a sense of accomplishment while making your work results visible every day.

4. Stocker

If you are willing to get a job in the retail sector but would like to minimise your interaction with customers, becoming a stocker is probably one of the best starting points for a student with SAD. Many department and grocery stores are in constant need of workers to arrange products, help display new items, and get merchandise ready for sale. While holding a stocking position will not bring you a fortune, it still provides the chance to confront your fears of criticism, rejection, and humiliation.

5. Tutor

Tutoring is often viewed as another perfect starter job for people living with SAD because it allows for practising social interaction with a small number of people (e.g., one or two persons) at a time. While being a straight-A student is not required to become a tutor, having excellent grades would benefit you. Putting your skills and knowledge to work as a tutor can help you build stronger social confidence while earning some money to support yourself.

6. Library page

Students living with SAD could also be interested in working as a library page because this job provides a high level of autonomy. Most of the time, librarians work independently in the library stacks cataloguing books, restocking shelves, and keeping things in order. This activity might be a good fit if you are looking for a quiet job with little interaction with other people. Still, sometimes a library page answers a visitor’s questions and guides them on where to find a book.

7. Software tester

Many students with SAD kick-start their careers by becoming software testers. People living with social anxiety tend to work as software testers independently and remotely from their homes. While this job requires sound knowledge of writing and correcting codes, many employers provide on-the-job training for newcomers. Testing video games sounds like a dream come true job for many students with SAD. However, it is more likely that you will make notes about bugs and faults in highly technical software applications.

8. SAD counsellor

If you want to share your experience of coping with SAD with others, becoming a SAD specialist or counsellor in an NGO or support group might be your way to go forward. By becoming an SAD counsellor, you will help other people cope with their social anxiety. It will also allow you to get a better understanding of your own fears, making it easier for you to overcome them.

9. Blogger

In the era of social media dominance, becoming a blogger can help you not only deal with your social anxiety and avoid communicating with other people but also earn a good living wage. Blogs can generate millions of pounds in income, making them a highly lucrative and attractive source of income. While blogging can be seen as a perfect job for students living with SAD, this activity requires a ton of hard work and focus to build, grow, and manage. If you are ready to commit much of your spare time to this activity, write engaging, entertaining, and intelligent articles on a variety of topics, and update your blog regularly, you should go for it.

10. Computer programmer

Just like software testers, computer developers are provided with a high level of autonomy and independence when it comes to communicating with other people. Many software development companies provide their employees with the opportunity to work from their homes. This significantly limits social interaction, making the job of computer developers highly comfortable for those living with SAD. Although this job pays very well, it also requires highly developed skills and competencies.

Dealing with social anxiety in a crowded workplace where you must closely and directly interact with customers, clients, superiors, and colleagues is a challenging task for most students living with SAD. Luckily, there are many jobs out there that require less social interaction, making them more comfortable for SAD people. However, you should remember that your anxiety will not improve if you isolate yourself, so challenging your fears and struggles could boost your confidence in social environments.

Author Bio

Ellie Richards is an Online Marketing Manager for Original PhD, specialising in PhD thesis writing. She is passionate about researching and writing on various topics, including Education, Marketing, and Technology