People with introverted and extroverted personalities alike can be drawn to all sorts of jobs that best align with their personal goals and lifestyle. Yet oftentimes introverts are expected only to find successful and rewarding careers that force them to act extroverted. Doing so typically results in tremendous burnout and a loss of job satisfaction through constantly needing to turn their “extrovert switch” on and off.
Luckily, there are plenty of jobs where introverts can thrive in. Let’s discuss exactly what it means to be introverted and list 15 of the best jobs that introverts can look into.
How Do You Know If You’re Introverted?
Contrary to what the general public might think, being introverted doesn’t automatically make you shy, soft-spoken, and socially awkward. Many introverts can be excellent and insightful conversationalists with the ability to form many enriching relationships.
The fact is that most introverted individuals prefer not to focus the bulk of their energy on social interaction and can often find it quite draining. After a night of socializing, for example, many introverts would prefer to spend the next day reveling in some much-needed alone time.
Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung describes introversion as an “attitude-type characterized by orientation in life through subjective psychic contents.” Some of the primary personality traits of introverts include being reserved, sensitive, and contemplative in the face of most social situations.
If you fall under this category, you’ll be happy to know that successful people like Bill Gates, Barack Obama, Albert Einstein, and Hilary Clinton are all known to hold introverted personalities.
15 Careers for Introverted Individuals to Consider
Looking for employment as an introvert can feel like a daunting process, especially with the common misconceptions about them. How many times have you been required to complete a Myers-Briggs personality test in a job application? Were you ever considering how to resign from a job that is too socially draining and picking another that more closely aligns with your needs?
If you’re thinking of quitting a job or wondering how to quit a job and find one that is more satisfying, you’re in luck. The following are some rewarding and lucrative job roles that might be appealing to an introvert.
Editor
Job duties:
Editors often work alone to analyze and examine the written text for accuracy, readability, consistency, and grammar. Editors typically only work with writers to help guide them through their writing.
Experience requirements:
- Degree in English, Communications, or Journalism
- Prior experience as a writer, editorial assistant, or reporter
Salary information: $63,400
Accountant
Job duties:
Accountants manage the day-to-day finances of a business and oversee its accounting department. They generally analyze data and financial reports.
Experience requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
- Become a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Salary information: $73,560
Content Creator
Job duties:
Content creators can do anything from blogging to photography to hosting a YouTube channel.
Experience requirements:
- Degree or background in marketing preferred
- Prior experience creating content for websites or social media
Salary information: $43,348
Architect
Job duties:
Architects typically work independently on the planning and designing of buildings.
Experience requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board
- Strong attention to detail
Salary information: $82,320
Landscape Designer
Job duties:
Creatively develop landscaping plans, and use things like plants, walkways, ponds, or water fountains to create aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces.
Experience requirements:
- Degree in Landscape Architecture preferred
- Prior experience in landscaping
Salary information: $76,030
Graphic Designer
Job duties:
Work independently at home, in a studio, or at an ad agency to create graphics for businesses. Graphic designers are often also self-employed freelancers.
Experience requirements:
- Degree in Graphic Design
- A solid portfolio of recent work
Salary information: $53,380
Executive Chef
Job duties:
Executive chefs oversee kitchen operations in a restaurant, help develop the menu and ensure quality control. Head chefs may lead a team of chefs under them but generally, work independently.
Experience requirements:
- Degree in Culinary Arts
- Prior experience as a sous-chef
Salary information: $53,380
Want more information? Check out our guide on how to become a chef .
Engineer
Job duties:
There are many different types of engineers. Generally, as an engineer, you’ll find solutions to technical problems using mathematical and scientific principles.
Experience requirements:
- Degree in Engineering within a specialized field
Salary information: $108,540
IT Manager
Job duties:
IT managers oversee the security and operations of an organization’s information systems. This role deals with software and hardware maintenance as well as troubleshooting.
Experience requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in IT or other engineering technologies
Salary information: $151,150
Many IT managers start their careers in computer support. Find out how to become a computer support specialist in our exclusive guide.
Library Media Specialists
Job duties:
Librarians and library media specialists help people find information and conduct research for personal, professional, and scholarly use.
Experience requirements:
- Master’s Degree in Library Science
- Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science and Teaching Certificate for school librarians
Salary information: $60,820
Psychologist/Psychotherapist
Job duties:
Psychology and psychotherapy involve empathetic listening to your patients' concerns while providing advice or guidance as well as assessing and treating psychological problems.
Experience requirements:
- Doctoral degree in psychology
Salary information: $82,180
Research Scientist
Job duties:
There are many different types of research scientists. Generally, they conduct research that aims to help improve human health through clinical trials and other investigative methods.
Experience requirements:
- Degree in Biology or Chemistry
- Ph.D. in Biology or Chemistry
Salary information: $91,510
Mechanic
Job duties:
Mechanics perform inspections, repairs, and maintenance on automotive vehicles. Using computerized diagnostic equipment, they can identify problems with cars in order to repair them.
Experience requirements:
- Certificate from a trade program specializing in automotive service technology
- Previous work under a mechanic’s supervision
Salary information: $44,050
Many mechanics choose to specialize, for instance, you can see the requirements on how to become a diesel mechanic over here .
Paralegal or Legal Assistant
Job duties:
Paralegals act as administrative assistants that complete research on legal cases, review depositions, draft and file legal documents, and help attorneys prepare for court hearings and trials. A paralegal is often the first job law school graduates pursue before getting hired as a lawyer at a law firm.
Experience requirements:
- Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies approved by the American Bar Association
Salary information: $52,920
Writer/Author
Job duties:
Writers and authors develop written content for various types of media like blogs, books, and magazines, as well as for movie, play, and television scripts. Copywriters typically write content for advertising and websites.
Experience requirements:
- Degree in English, Communications, or Journalism is preferred
- Prior experience interning for a publication
- A solid portfolio of works to showcase
Salary information: $67,120