Are you an introvert who feels like the traditional 9-5 office job isn’t for them? Have no fear – there are plenty of career options out there that may be a better fit!

From becoming a digital nomad to finding remote work, you can find fulfilling, meaningful, and low stress jobs as an introvert. Whether you’re looking to make money on the side, want to transition into a new industry, searching for the ideal jobs for your skills, or just want more autonomy in your next career move – we’ve got you covered.

Read on to discover the best jobs for introverts that provide flexible schedules, financial benefits, and freedom!

What is introversion

Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a preference for quiet and solitary activities, a tendency to focus inwardly, and a need for downtime to recharge after social interactions. While they don’t suffer from intense fear of people, social anxiety, or similar mental health issues, an introvert’s idea of a low stress environment generally involve working in a quiet space where they have minimal interaction with other people.

An introvert tends to be described as a shy person. However, the truth is that they’re introspective, thoughtful, and observant, and they may feel drained or sometimes even experience anxiety symptoms from too much social interaction or external stimulation. Typically, small talk can drain their social skills, and they deem large groups to be high stress situations. They often value deep connections and spending time with a small circle of close friends or family members rather than a large network of acquaintances asking about their personal life. 

Introversion is often contrasted with extroversion, which is a personality trait characterized by a preference for social activities, a tendency to focus outwardly, and a need for external stimulation to recharge. However, it’s worth noting that introversion and extroversion are not absolute categories, and many people exhibit traits of both.

What are introverts good for?

Introverts possess a wide range of skills and abilities that can be valuable in various contexts. Here are a few areas where introverts tend to excel:

Analysis and reflection

Introverts tend to be great at analyzing information, reflecting on it, and coming up with thoughtful, well-reasoned conclusions. This makes them well-suited for jobs that require research, data analysis, or strategic planning.

Creative problem-solving

Introverts often have active inner lives and rich imaginations. They can use this to their advantage when solving problems, and coming up with unique and creative solutions that may not have been considered by others.

Listening and empathy

Introverts tend to be great listeners and are often skilled at empathizing with others. They can be valuable team members in settings where collaboration and communication are essential.

Independence and focus

Introverts tend to work well independently and can concentrate on tasks for extended periods. This can make them well-suited for jobs that require deep focus, attention to detail, or working alone.

Reliability and consistency

Introverts tend to be dependable and consistent in their work, which can make them valuable team members. They are often detail-oriented and follow through on commitments, which can help ensure that projects are completed on time and to a high standard.

Introverts can excel in many areas and can be valuable contributors to any workplace. It’s important to recognize and appreciate the unique strengths that introverts bring to the table and to create an environment that supports and leverages those strengths.

Best Jobs for Introverts | Find the Right Career for You

There are many careers that can be well-suited for introverts, as they provide opportunities for independent work, focused concentration, and minimal social interaction. Here are some examples of jobs that may be a good fit for introverts:

Data Entry Specialist or Data Analyst 

Data entry specialists and data analysts are responsible for collecting, organizing, and analyzing data. This data can be used to help make business decisions or solve problems. Introverts often excel in a data entry specialist or analyst role as they are able to focus intensely on tasks and pay attention to detail.

Accountant 

The finance sector offers one of the best jobs for introverts. Accountants are responsible for keeping financial records, preparing tax returns, and auditing financial statements. This job requires precision and attention to detail, both of which are qualities that introverts possess. Additionally, introverts tend to do well in jobs that require little interaction with others.

Web Developer 

Web developers are responsible for designing, coding, and maintaining websites. This job requires strong technical skills and attention to detail, both of which are qualities that introverts possess. Additionally, a career path as a web developer can allow an introvert to work independently or remotely as long as they are up to date on software programs, computer languages, and other computer programming requirements. Working as a web developer can be ideal for introverts who prefer not to work in traditional office environments.

Librarian 

Librarians are responsible for organizing and maintaining library collections. They also help people find information and answer research questions. This job is perfect for introverts as it requires little interaction with others and allows you to spend time alone reading or working on projects. It’s also an excellent low stress job. Interestingly, with enough training and experience, librarians tend to have high paying jobs in the long run.

Writer

Writers are another great option for introverts. This job allows you to use your imagination and creativity to craft stories or communicate ideas. This role can take on various forms, from creative writing to technical writing. Content writing for various companies or clients is also an excellent remote job for introverts. Writers typically work in offices or at home, where they have the freedom to write whenever inspiration strikes.

Editor

Editors are similar to writers, but they focus on correcting errors and making sure that written materials meet certain standards. Some editors dabble in working in technical writing as well. Editors typically work in offices, but some may work from home or remotely.

Social Media Manager 

If you’re an introvert, then a job that requires you to constantly interact with others is probably not the best fit for you. However, a job that allows you to interact with others on your own terms might be a better option.

A social media manager is responsible for creating and managing a company’s social media presence. This includes creating and posting content, responding to comments and messages, and monitoring social media analytics. introverts are often good at this type of work as they are able to carefully consider their words before speaking or writing them down.

Transcriptionist

Transcriptionist can be a good job for introverts as it typically involves working independently, focusing on listening and transcribing audio or video files. Transcriptionists can work for a variety of industries, including legal, medical, or entertainment, and can work either in-house or remotely as freelancers. Generally, this is one of the best jobs for introverts as it is low stress and typically allows employees to work on their own schedule.

Archivist 

Archivists often prefer to work independently so that they can concentrate on organizing and preserving historical records without distractions from other people, making this position one of the best jobs for introverts. Being an introvert can help archivists stay focused on their work and pay attention to detail.

Researcher

Research, particularly the job of research scientists, can be an ideal career for introverts, as it often requires deep concentration and independent work. This can be a good fit for introverts who enjoy pursuing knowledge and developing new ideas. At times, a research scientist would make a career change or simply dabble in working as a technical writer. After spending time dealing with academic jargon, the switch tends to be a smooth transition.

Graphic Designer

Graphic design can be a great career choice for introverts, as it often involves working independently and using creative skills to create visuals for various clients and projects. Graphic designers may work in-house for a company or organization or as freelancers, which can provide even greater autonomy and flexibility.

Can introverts excel as digital nomads?

Being a digital nomad can be a great option for introverts, as it allows for flexibility, independence, low stress, and the ability to work remotely. Generally, a digital nomad and an introvert’s dream job or ideal job is a position that allows them to work on their own schedule and own pace with minimal human interaction while still allowing room for professional growth.

Here are a few reasons why being a digital nomad might be a good fit for introverts:

Independence and autonomy

Digital nomads often have a lot of control over their work schedules and environments. This can be particularly appealing for introverts who value independence and autonomy in their work.

Flexibility and adaptability

Digital nomads need to be able to adapt to new environments and workspaces frequently. While this can be challenging, it can also be an exciting opportunity for introverts who enjoy new experiences and the chance to explore new places.

Focus and concentration

Many digital nomads work independently and remotely, which can allow for deep focus and concentration. This can be considered a low stress work environment for introverts who tend to work well alone and can be easily distracted by social interactions in a traditional office setting.

Reduced social pressure

While digital nomads may interact with other travelers or coworkers, there is often less pressure to engage in social activities in large groups than in a traditional office setting. This can be a relief for introverts who may experience high stress and feel drained by too much social interaction.

Overall, being a digital nomad can be a great option for introverts who value independence, autonomy, and the ability to work remotely.

However, it’s important to recognize that not all introverts are the same, and some may prefer a more stable and predictable work environment.

As with any career choice, it’s important to consider individual preferences, strengths, and goals when deciding whether being a digital nomad is the right fit.

Conclusion

While it’s true that introverts may prefer careers that don’t involve excessive social interaction, it’s important to remember that everyone’s preferences and strengths are different, regardless of their personality type. Some introverts’ idea of a perfect job may include working with others in small groups or one-on-one interactions, while others may prefer working alone.

When considering the best jobs, it’s important to take into account not just your personality but also your skills, interests, and values.

For example, an introverted person who enjoys writing and research may be well-suited for a career in journalism or academia, even though those fields may involve some social interaction and might typically cause high stress.

On the other hand, an extroverted person who enjoys helping others may thrive in a career as a social worker or therapist, even though those careers may involve working with people in emotional distress.

Ultimately, the best jobs for introverts or for any individual are those that align with their unique strengths, interests, and values. While personality can be a helpful guide in career exploration or career change, it should not be the sole determining factor.

It’s important to consider a range of factors when deciding on the perfect job, including job responsibilities, lower stress, work-life balance, salary, and opportunities for growth and advancement.

With the right amount of research and consideration, you can find a job that best suits your individual needs. Good luck!

Working from home naturally comes with the benefits of freedom and flexibility. If you are a parent, live in a rural area, want to travel – or just want to work in your PJs, then remote work is the way to go.

So how do you start your remote job search that would lead to your dream remote job?

There are several freelancer sites where you can quickly create a profile, showcase your skills, and start applying to promising remote job listings in minutes.

However, remote employees would be the first to tell you that finding the perfect remote job isn’t easy.

If anything, remote candidates and remote job seekers find it more challenging at times to land a remote job interview compared to facing hiring managers handling traditional job boards in a typical office environment.

All’s not lost though. There are ways to conquer the challenges you might encounter in your remote job application process, such as how to understand a remote job board and how to find a remote job that’s open to aspiring remote employees without any previous experience.

The key is to learn how to seize remote opportunities and find remote job postings offering full time positions or even just part-time remote work.

Today, one of the most popular job boards for remote workers is Upwork. In this post, I’ll be sharing some strategies on how to get noticed on one of the world’s largest freelance sites that offer remote positions.

Your first remote position

If you’re new to freelancing or working from anywhere / working remotely, you don’t always know the best way to get started with remote work.

First, you need to determine what kind of remote job or remote role will work for you. Even if this will be your first remote job as you have no experience working online, I believe anyone can transfer the offline real-world skills and experience from your regular job into a remote job.

It’s also good to know more about who you are and what type of remote work will be rewarding and geared specifically for your skill set and remote job personality. That way, you can find ways to thrive working remotely.

Once you’ve identified your ideal remote career path, including the type of remote work culture you’re looking for in remote companies and a remote team, whether you prefer flexible jobs or you’re the type of remote employee who wants a fully remote role, and all the companies hiring in your field or, at least the best remote jobs that fit the remote roles you think you can handle, the next step is to create your freelancer profile on Upwork — arguably the most daunting task for most job seekers when finding remote jobs, especially the perfect remote job.

What is Upwork?

Upwork, formerly Elance-oDesk, is a freelancing platform headquartered in California. The company was formed after a merger of two top freelancing platforms, Elance and oDesk, and rebranded to Upwork in 2015.

Upwork is a marketplace for remote talent from all over the globe. Employers and remote companies seeking to build a remote team or create in house roles, such as project management, virtual assistants, customer success agents, and tech jobs, can post on the job board and freelancers looking for remote positions can create a profile, essentially a resume, online and apply to the remote job postings.

Employers can also search for remote job applicants with your skills based on the job description and invite you to apply for the role.

Upwork has millions of freelancers enjoying the benefits of remote jobs. Finding a remote job on very crowded remote job boards can feel like a needle in the haystack.

But there are ways to find your way to the top remote job that doesn’t involve winging it. With thousands (or even millions) of remote job applications sent out to seize the same remote job opportunities, it can be easy to simply give up the dream of working remotely.

Applying to several remote jobs without a strategy, hoping to get noticed, will only lead to frustration. Worse, your job search would lead to wasted efforts and no remote job landed at all.

So, how do you land that work from anywhere remote job on Upwork?

Setting up your profile on Upwork: A step-by-step guide to getting noticed

First, let’s start with creating a profile. Then, we’ll dive into the strategy behind getting the first job.

To prepare, you’ll want to have a good headshot photo for your profile. The headshot photo should have good lighting and look professional. In other words, copying over a picture from Facebook with friends at a party is not likely going to appear professional.

You’ll want to have a photo of your face with nothing distracting in the background and no torn or too-casual attire.

Step 1: Go to Upwork.com and click the Sign Up button on the top right. Or, go to https://www.upwork.com/signup/

Step 2: Select the option “I am a freelancer looking for work” and Apply as a Freelancer.

Step 3: Follow the steps in the signup form to get started. Enter your full name and email address, select a password and click Create my Account.

Step 4: Enter your country of residence and fill out the fields to get started creating your profile. You will need to agree to terms of service, create a user name and verify your email.

Step 5: Select your main field of work. Click the drop-down menu under the “What are the main services you offer to clients?” heading, and select your area of expertise.

Note: You can select up to 4 different sub-fields after selecting your main field.

Step 6: Enter your professional skills. Click the text field under the “What skills do you offer clients?” heading, and enter your skills related to the type of work you want to do. A drop-down list will show matching skills as you type. You can click a skill to add it.

Step 7: Select your level of experience. Select Entry Level if you’re just starting out with the skills you selected; Intermediate if you have some experience already with those skills; Expert if you have substantial work experience in your field.

Step 8: Did you get your headshot photo ready? Next you’ll want to upload your professional profile photo. Be sure to smile!

This is where we start getting into strategy… but first, let’s define the steps and then we can go back.

Step 9: Enter a professional title for your profile that describes the work you do. Then, write a summary of your skills, experience, and interests.

Step 10: Enter your education and employment history. 

Step 11: Select your proficiency level in English. If you don’t know your English level, there are free tests online.

Step 12: Enter your hourly rate and your availability or the hours per week that you can work. See below for setting your rate.

Step 13: Enter your address and click submit. Upwork has a verification process to make sure you are who you say you are, but now you’re ready to get rolling!

Strategies for landing your first work from anywhere job on Upwork

Now that your profile has been created, as promised, we will get into the strategies landing that first job on Upwork.

First it’s important to know how it works from the employer’s perspective.

When an employer posts a job, they get dozens of applications within 1-2 days. Typically, the employer wants to find someone for short-term work, and quickly.

They need help with graphic design, market research, data entry, and so on. There are also cases in which they may be looking for an admin part or full time and long term.

Employers can search for talent based on: location, English level, time on platform, number of jobs completed successfully, hourly rate, reviews, and rankings.

This can feel like a disadvantage when you’re just starting out. The trick is to build out your profile and your work experience history with good reviews on Upwork.

There are a few key strategies that will help you get started and to stick out from the rest of the pack.

Be quick to apply

Upwork is a platform with millions of freelancers all competing for the same jobs. So, timing can be a factor.

Strike when the iron is hot. Employers will review candidate submissions typically in the first couple of days and make a decision to interview or hire. Try to be one of the first in their inbox.

Don’t apply to all jobs

Decide what you want to focus on. If you choose accounting, for example, but you apply to marketing jobs (because you have marketing on your resume), your chances of getting hired are lowered.

Also, don’t aim for the big salary jobs first if you’re looking to build your profile. You can also start out with short term projects to build your profile, then apply for longer term higher paying jobs.

Freelancing can lead you to a long term career, but think of yourself as a business owner marketing yourself.

Setting the right rate

You should get paid what you’re worth. However, remember that this is a platform with millions of freelancers.

If you go up against someone with the same rate and years of experience, but they have 10 reviews and you have none, they will likely be chosen over you.

Employers rely on Upwork’s rating system to give good feedback from the community about the performance of the freelancer.

If, however, you set your rate to 20%, for example, below your value, and say on your profile that you are starting out to build your ratings, you increase your chances.

As an employer 1) you can spend less money upfront for a short project or to test someone out 2) this person could potentially grow with your company.

If you’re willing to do the work for less to get your foot in the door, you can grow your reviews and increase your rate over time.

That being said, if you lower your rate, don’t let that affect your motivation. Work extra hard to get those first 5 star reviews. It will pay off.

Always work hard, of course, and be a rockstar and serve your clients and give your fullest to these jobs. But, in the first few gigs, this is crucial.

Unique cover letter

Some employers ask for a cover letter. This is to weed out people who have human bots applying to every job, spraying and praying to see what lands.

Even so, many people have just created cover letter templates to copy/paste.

Here’s one example:

Dear sir/madam, I’ve studied your requirements and I’m confident I can do the job.

I see this a lot and just ignore them. What this means is that the applicant didn’t take any time at all to review your job. It shows they are not serious about working with my company and tells me about how they would perform on the job. Don’t do this!

Again, don’t apply for all jobs. Take a minute to review the job requirements and whether a letter is required or not, send a quick cover letter. In this cover letter, really let the person know that you read their job description and why you are qualified. Not just qualified, but you can completely wow them.

For example:

Hi Mike, I see you want to create an ad on facebook and that you’re in healthcare. I’ve been in marketing for 4 years and i have created 50 successful ads, 20 of those were focused on healthcare. i know your industry well and I know facebook ads marketing. I’d love to talk about how I can help you guys out. I’m new to Upwork and creating my profile so I’m happy to do a lower rate to prove myself. I have between 2-5 pm EST this week for a call. does that fit your availability?

This shows that you not only took the time to know the industry they are in, but also what they are aiming to accomplish, specifically why YOU can do it, and, you called the hiring manager by name.

Notice you aren’t begging for work here either. You’re positioning yourself like a busy professional by telling him your schedule, while also being flexible to adjust for a call.

In conclusion

Getting your first work from anywhere job / remote job / work from home job etc – working online – takes a bit of work.

However, millions are doing it and it’s very possible – and the ultimate rewarding lifestyle. From 2014 to 15, I worked with Upwork (Elance then Elance-oDesk) to help startups and other companies inside of WeWork to hire remote talent to grow their businesses.

Employers want to get straight to the best talent, and quickly (which is why fullstackremote was created).

Knowing how the employer thinks and being willing to put yourself out there and work your way up, while this takes time, it is well worth it to start your career freelancing or just generally working from anywhere. If you are just starting out, or want to increase your skills in a particular area, check out Courses for remote jobs.

I believe that anyone who wants to work remotely should be able to do so, and you can!

Everyone Has a Story … It’s your story, you write it. These words echo often in my thoughts.

Similar words were once said by internet entrepreneur Chris Michel when talking to a Harvard Business School class about entrepreneurship. It’s a story that continues to inspire me.

As it was told to me, there was a student, from Brazil who said he planned to copy a business idea from the US and bring it to Brazil. Chris’s response was this: “Well, you can make a lot of money doing that, but at the end of the day when it’s no longer about money. And you have enough, you will have to have a story to tell. Everyone has a story”. This is paraphrased but the lesson was strong.

There are three famous brothers, Germans who created Rocket Internet, an incubator company built to clone popular startup ideas. These included Groupon, EBay, Facebook, VeriSign.

The Samwer brothers weren’t embraced for their strategy. They have been called unethical parasites. A startup exists to make money, yes. Bbut that’s not the basis upon which it was created.

Startups are temporary companies that solve a larger problem.” -Steven Blank

Startups are created by innovative problem solvers who see something they don’t like, something they wish to change, or something they could improve. They then come up with a solution. Entrepreneurs work nearly 24/7 (even in their sleep!) and take great risks and sacrifices to solve these problems effectively. They are artists, scientists, creators, persistent optimists, and childishly naive. They are dreamers and world changers.

Copying someone’s idea has nothing to do with innovation. It’s just a cheap way to get rich.

Look at your life from the end to present. What do you want people to say about you, alive or dead? Is your life filled with happiness or emptiness? Write a book about your life that you would want to read. About YOUR life, not someone else’s life. It’s not that hard to think about it, because you really do know what you can live with. I would think it’d be hard to live with yourself for blatantly stealing from someone else and calling it your very own. Harder than it would be to try something and fail.

Giving credit where credit is due and true innovation is what inspires more innovation, more entrepreneurship, and progression. Better to write a book that ends in originality. Even if it doesn’t get you rich per se, it will be a much better story to tell.

What chapter are you on in your book and how does it end?

One of my favorite articles is by Paul Graham, entrepreneur, investor, founder of Y Combinator. I quote it often and I wanted to give it a shout out. It’s called You Weren’t Meant to Have a Boss.
Paul likens an entrepreneur to a lion in the wild. He says:

“I was in Africa last year and saw a lot of animals in the wild that I’d only seen in zoos before. It was remarkable how different they seemed. Particularly lions. Lions in the wild seem about ten times more alive.

They’re like different animals. I suspect that working for oneself feels better to humans in much the same way that living in the wild must feel better to a wide-ranging predator like a lion. Life in a zoo is easier, but it isn’t the life they were designed for.”

Here’s my interpretation of what he’s saying: It’s much tougher to be out in the world of the unknown, whether in work or in life. It’s wild. It’s scary. And on any given day it can eat you alive. That’s the daily existence for people who work as entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is like walking into a jungle and trust that you packed the right stuff beforehand.

But… the process engrosses you. Your mistakes are your own, and you can do whatever you want. You love it, because you are free. Or as Paul Graham says “Ten times more alive”!

Humans weren’t designed to be corporate machines, slaving away (voluntarily!) to build someone else’s dreams. To feed someone else’s family. Entrepreneurship means that you may not know if you’re going to eat the next day or not. But it’s your choice whether or not that happens, not someone else’s. You don’t live off someone else’s rationing.

Being wild, free, undaunted and passionate amidst daily challenges are characteristics of both the lion and the entrepreneur. No one would ever argue that entrepreneurship is easy.

But human beings were meant to experience life by being alive. Ten times more alive than they are when captive. We’ve been taught that we’re supposed to take charge of our own destinies. How are we supposed to do that if we can’t even control the amount of dollars in our wallets?

Kudos to the entrepreneurs among us! And lets hope the numbers continue to grow. It’s way more fun to run together.

If you’re an entrepreneur, do you feel more free because of it? If you’re not an entrepreneur, do you think becoming one would make you feel more free?