
Highlights
-
Social anxiety, a condition in which individuals feel severe symptoms of anxiety in social situations, can hinder the ability to find a job.
-
Integrating methods into the workplace for managing social anxiety is key. These include having a flexible work schedule, being able to work from home, and limiting interactions with coworkers, if possible.
-
Working in nature, with animals, or in the comfort of your own home can help with productivity if you have social anxiety.
Social anxiety is a common condition in which people feel a constant fear of being judged by others in work, school, or social settings. Approximately 12% of the U.S. population shows characteristics of social anxiety.
People with social anxiety feel heightened symptoms of anxiety in situations where they fear they may be scrutinized by others, such as during public speaking, interviewing, answering a question in class, or starting a new job.
Common symptoms of social anxiety include rapid heartbeat, trembling, difficulty making eye contact, and more.
One of the most challenging parts of life for people with social anxiety can be finding and beginning a new job. That being said, there are several jobs that are naturally more comfortable for people with social anxiety, whether because of the amount of social interaction, the physical environment, or the work schedule.
Working With Animals
It is no surprise that animals are proven stress-relievers, specifically common household pets such as dogs and cats. Therefore, working in the presence of animals can be a useful tool for somebody with social anxiety to feel comfortable in the workplace.
These jobs include:
- Veterinarian
- Veterinary technician
- Dog walker
- Groomer
With each of these jobs, human interaction is very limited, again easing the feelings of stress for the socially anxious worker.

Working Outdoors
Another known treatment for relieving symptoms of stress is spending time outdoors. Therefore, jobs that involve being outdoors with limited interactions with other people can be really great for socially anxious individuals.
Some of these jobs are:
- Gardner
- Landscaper
- Contractor
Tutor or Librarian
Working in education in a less interactive role, such as a tutor or librarian, can be very beneficial. In these roles, you are interacting with one or two people at a time, in controlled and comfortable environments.
As a tutor, you work flexible hours in the setting best suited for you — such as your home, the client’s home, or online.
Working as a librarian allows you to be in a quiet space, typically completing tasks completely alone or with a couple of coworkers.
Depending on the amount of social interaction you feel comfortable facing day-to-day, one of these two education-related jobs could be right for you.

Accounting, Bookkeeping
Working as an accountant or bookkeeper, while tedious in their own ways, can be a good option for those dealing with social anxiety. Both positions involve working long hours, largely solo. There may be a need to interact with a few people a day, but overall, the position is quite independent.
Data Entry and Research
Today, many companies who hire employees for data entry and research positions allow them to work from home. This can be great for individuals with social anxiety, as the positions are equally as structured as in-person jobs, with strict deadlines and instructions but from the comfort of home.
Freelance Writer or Graphic Designer
Working freelance as a writer or graphic designer allows for flexibility and independence. Most communication and social interaction for freelance content creators is conducted via email or phone calls, making this category of jobs perfect for people with social anxiety.
It can be a comfort to be in charge of your own schedule and decide what jobs you take. You can adjust your amount of social interaction to your preference.

Start Your Own Business
Being your own boss can sometimes be the best option if you are especially anxious in social settings. Starting a business can be challenging, but the process can typically be done as independently as you want it to be.
As a business owner, you will be in charge of your own schedule and success. While you will have to interact with suppliers or employees at times, you will not have to deal with the stress of being under a supervisor or reporting to somebody higher up.