Jobs for People With Anxiety: Advice From a Therapist

Working With Anxiety

Career building can be challenging for individuals with anxiety due to several factors. Anxiety can lead to self-doubt, fear of failure, and difficulty making decisions, hindering career advancement and leading to missed opportunities. Additionally, anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and rapid heartbeat, which can be challenging to manage in high-pressure work situations.

Anxiety disorders are prevalent in the United States, affecting approximately 18% of the population.¹ This high prevalence highlights the importance of addressing anxiety-related challenges in the workplace and providing support for individuals with anxiety disorders.

Best Jobs for People With Anxiety

When looking for a job, individuals with anxiety should consider several attributes and dynamics that can help manage their symptoms. Firstly, a job with a flexible schedule and low-pressure environment can provide a sense of control and reduce anxiety symptoms. Secondly, a job that aligns with personal interests and values can increase job satisfaction and motivation, leading to better mental health outcomes.

Here are the fifteen best jobs for people with anxiety:

1. Writer: Writing can be a solitary and flexible profession that allows individuals with anxiety to work independently and on their own schedule.
2. Web Developer: Web development can be a structured and detail-oriented job that allows individuals with anxiety to focus on specific tasks and work in a quiet environment.
3. Graphic Designer: Graphic design can be a creative and visually stimulating job that allows individuals with anxiety to express themselves through their work.
4. Accountant: Accounting can be a structured and detail-oriented job that involves minimal social interaction and allows individuals with anxiety to work independently and define information very literally which can benefit people who experience obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
5. Librarian: Working as a librarian can be a quiet and structured job that involves minimal social interaction and allows individuals with anxiety to work in a peaceful environment.
6. Archivist: Archiving can be a structured and detail-oriented job that involves minimal social interaction and allows individuals with anxiety to work independently.
7. Data Analyst: Data analysis can be a structured and detail-oriented job that involves working with numbers and allows individuals with anxiety to work independently.
8. Medical Transcriptionist: Medical transcription can be a solitary and detail-oriented job that involves listening to recordings and typing, allowing individuals with anxiety to work independently.
9. Researcher: Research can be a structured and detail-oriented job that involves minimal social interaction and allows individuals with anxiety to work independently.
10. Landscaper: Landscaping can be a physically active and outdoorsy job that involves minimal social interaction and allows individuals with anxiety to work independently.
11. Photographer: Photography can be a creative and visually stimulating job that allows individuals with anxiety to express themselves through their work. Schedule flexibility and decision-making can be a positive option for people who experience agoraphobia in having the ability only to take work in environments the person is comfortable and feels safe in.
12. Dog Walker: Dog walking can be a physically active job that involves spending time outdoors and minimal social interaction. Animals can also be very therapeutic for people experiencing PTSD.
13. Housekeeper: Housekeeping can be a structured and detail-oriented job that involves minimal social interaction and allows individuals with anxiety to work independently.
14. Baker: Baking can be a structured and detail-oriented job that involves working with your hands and allows individuals with anxiety to work independently.
15. Tutor: Tutoring can be a structured and detail-oriented job that involves working one-on-one with students and allows individuals with anxiety to work independently.

Jobs to Avoid for People with Anxiety

Depending on the type of anxiety someone has, they may want to avoid jobs with a high-stress environment, require a lot of public speaking or social interaction, have unpredictable schedules, or work in dangerous or triggering situations.³ These attributes can exacerbate anxiety symptoms and make work a source of distress instead of stability.

The type of anxiety disorder an individual has should inform their decision about which jobs they should avoid. For example, individuals with social anxiety disorder may want to avoid jobs that require a lot of public speaking or interaction with strangers. In contrast, individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may want to avoid jobs that involve working in triggering situations.⁴ It is important for individuals with anxiety to consider their specific symptoms when deciding on a career.

Here are jobs that people with anxiety may want to avoid:

• Event Planner: Event planning can be a high-stress job that involves managing multiple deadlines and interacting with clients and vendors, which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
• Salesperson: Sales can be a high-pressure job that involves meeting sales goals and interacting with customers, which can be triggering for individuals with social anxiety disorder.
• Emergency medical technician (EMT): EMTs work in high-stress and unpredictable situations, which can be triggering for individuals with anxiety disorders, particularly PTSD.
• Public relations manager: Public relations can be a high-pressure job involving managing crises and interacting with the public, which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
• Chef: Chefs work in high-stress environments with tight deadlines, which can be triggering for individuals with anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorder and specific phobias such as a fear of knives or heat.
• Customer service representative: This job involves constant interaction with customers, which can be overwhelming for individuals with social anxiety.
• Public speaker: This job requires frequent public speaking, which can be a major source of anxiety for individuals with social anxiety.
• Teacher: Teaching involves constant interaction with students and public speaking, which can be challenging for individuals with social anxiety.
• Healthcare worker – Healthcare workers, such as nurses and doctors, are often exposed to high-stress and traumatic situations, which can trigger symptoms of anxiety.
• Performer: Performing, whether as an actor, musician, or comedian, requires frequent public speaking and performing in front of large crowds, which can be anxiety-provoking.
• Journalist: Journalism involves tight deadlines, high-pressure situations, and the need to ask tough questions, all of which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

It is important to note that an individual with anxiety is capable of achieving anything they wish to, and if one of the jobs listed is your dream job, you can learn coping skills that will reduce your anxiety and allow you to achieve you dreams.

How to Cope With Anxiety While Applying for Jobs

Applying for jobs can be incredibly anxiety-inducing, as it often involves putting oneself out there and facing rejection. However, there are strategies that can help alleviate this anxiety. By taking proactive steps to manage their anxiety, individuals can increase their chances of finding a job that is a good fit for them.²

Here are some tips on how to cope with anxiety while applying for jobs:

• Break it down into manageable steps: Instead of tackling the entire job search at once, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks, such as updating your resume or researching job openings. This helps make the process less overwhelming.
• Practice self-care and relaxation techniques: Engage in activities that help you relax and reduce stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature. Taking care of your mental and physical health can help you better manage anxiety during the job search process.
• Seek support from loved ones or a mental health professional: Talking to someone you trust about your job search can help you feel less alone and provide emotional support. A mental health professional can also help you develop coping strategies for managing anxiety during the job search process.
• Challenge negative thoughts: Anxiety can often lead to negative self-talk and self-doubt. Challenge these thoughts by focusing on your strengths and accomplishments. It is also helpful to remind yourself of times when you have successfully navigated similar situations.
• Prepare for interviews: Practice common interview questions with a friend or family member, and research the company and position beforehand. Being prepared can help reduce anxiety during the interview process.
• Take breaks when needed: Taking breaks from the job search process can be helpful when you feel overwhelmed. Engage in an activity that brings you joy or relaxation, such as reading a book or taking a walk.
• Stay organized: Keep track of job applications and deadlines in a spreadsheet or planner. This can help you stay on top of the job search process and reduce anxiety around missing important deadlines.

When to Seek Professional Support

Individuals with anxiety should seek professional help if their symptoms interfere with their daily life, relationships, or work. Therapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety, and individuals should look for therapists who specialize in evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy.

Online therapist directories or platforms for anxiety can be a good choice for finding a therapist specializing in anxiety. If anxiety symptoms are severe or medication is needed, individuals may consider seeing a psychiatrist for medication management. Online psychiatrist options can also be a good choice for finding anxiety medication management.

In My Experience

Job searching and careers can be a stressful experience, especially for individuals with anxiety disorders, but there are effective strategies that can help manage anxiety. Seeking support from mental health professionals, breaking down the job search process into manageable steps, and practicing self-care and relaxation techniques are all effective strategies for reducing anxiety during the job search. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy are evidence-based treatments that can be effective for individuals with anxiety disorders. Careers are challenging, and we spend most of our time on our careers, so it’s important to find one you enjoy and that is not triggering for you.