If you suffer with social anxiety disorder (SAD) you might have trouble finding a job in which you feel comfortable. Although it is good to challenge yourself, it is also true that for some people, a job in the public eye is not the right answer. If you make an effort to overcome your social anxiety and improve your social skills, there isn’t any reason why you can’t spend your work days at a solitary pursuit, if that is what makes you happy.
The jobs that are hardest for those with SAD are the ones that involve dealing with people, handling conflict, and managing difficult situations. Atlhough you might be capable of rising to the occasion, on a daily basis these jobs could potentially lead to mental overload for those who suffer with social anxiety. Below are some of the jobs that might be difficult for those with SAD.
1. Server/Waitstaff
Although many teenagers and college students take on part-time serving jobs to earn extra cash, there are many aspects of this job that might be difficult for those with SAD. Servers are expected to be very social and friendly with their customers; doing so helps to ensure that they make larger tips. Other potentially difficult aspects of this job including pouring drinks, serving food, and dealing with unhappy diners.
2. Cashier
A position as a cashier involves dealing with the public, handling money, making change, and sometimes working under pressure. Although on a quiet day this job might not present too many social challenges, on a busy day it could be the worst nightmare for someone with SAD. If you aren’t interested in talking to strangers all day, this is probably a job to avoid.
3. Salesperson
Salespeople not only have to deal with the public, but they have to be persuasive, confident and good at developing rapport. Many salespeople work on commission, meaning that their income is tied to how well they perform at work. In addition, most positions in sales involve pressure to meet sales targets. This can sometimes create a competitive atmosphere amongst coworkers, rather than a feeling of camaraderie.
4. Police Officer
There are many aspects of a police officer’s job that could be challenging for those with SAD. Police officers must be able to think on their feet, take action, and make quick decisions. They have to be skilled at dealing with difficult people and potentially dangerous situations. Police officers are also sometimes called upon to give presentations to community groups.
5. Teacher
Teachers do some of the most important work; they prepare our young people for life and a career. In addition to the public speaking demands of a teaching position, teachers are also called upon to meet with parents, help with extra-curricular activities, and communicate with other teachers, principals and school support staff.
6. Stay-at-home Parent
Although the job of stay-at-home parent might seem like a dream job for those with social anxiety, there are also aspects of this work that can be challenging if you fear people. Parents don’t operate in a vaccuum. They must arrange playdates for their children, organize daycare, plan birthday parties, and coordinate sports and music activities. When this job is done right, it involves a great deal of social interaction with a variety of people.
7. Politician
Politicians are generally speakers by nature. They are usually charismatic, influential and capable of uniting people. In addition to public speaking requirements, politicians must deal with public scrutiny, relations with other leaders, and potential rejection by voters.
8. Manager
Managers can be found in every type of work. Typically, employees with the right credentials are promoted within a company until they reach management levels. Managers are also sometimes newly hired to bring fresh perspectives to existing employees. There are many aspects of managerial jobs that might be challenging for those with SAD, including having to deal with many different people and problems at once and constant interruptions during the work day. Managers also must report to those in superior positions.
9. Performer
The job of performer might include any position that involves being in front of an audience: musician, talk-show host, news anchor or radio personality are just some examples. These types of jobs are particularly difficult for those who suffer from stage fright; Donny Osmond and Barbra Streisand are two performers who have had their share of difficulties in this profession.
10. Professional Athlete
Professional athletes are a type of performer, however many do not realize until they are in front of large crowds that their job is just as much about performance in front of others as it is about having a skill set. It does not matter if you are a scratch golfer when you play by yourself; you need to be able to perform as well in front of a world audience as you do when you are alone. Athletes such as Zack Greinke and Ricky Williams understand what it is like to deal with SAD as a professional athlete.
Although anyone is capable of doing any job, and those with SAD should not be discouraged from pursuing careers that they believe would be fulfilling, it is also important to assess your strengths and find work that showcases what you are best doing. When you find a job that allows you to shine, that you enjoy waking up to each day, and that offers enough challenges (both socially and professionally), then you will know you have found the right fit.
