Eight Job Ideas For People With Anxiety To Consider

Work can be stressful and challenging on its own, and for individuals with anxiety, this can sometimes be even more complicated, as they’re navigating existing anxiety along with the added stress of work. While those with anxiety can be perfectly capable of doing any job they choose, it can sometimes be helpful to find a job that may be a good fit for their skills and interests, especially if it’s in a positive, low-pressure environment.

Every person is unique, so the right job fit will depend on the individual. But, if you have anxiety and are looking for jobs that may be a good fit, you may consider some of the ideas here.

Jobs to consider when living with anxiety

If you have anxiety and are looking for a few more job ideas to consider in your search, here are eight jobs that may be worth looking into. 

Keep in mind that this is not career advice, but it may help you find new options to consider when trying to find the best fit for you. 

1. Writer

Writing can often be a good fit for people with anxiety. It lends itself very well to both freelance and remote job opportunities, possibly giving you the freedom to be your own boss and have limited interactions with people in person, which you likely wouldn’t find in positions like customer service representative. Writing can often be a very independent endeavor, which some people with anxiety may prefer, as they can work on their work and manage their own time. There are many different types of writing jobs available on a variety of topics, ranging from technical writing to copywriting, and more. 

2. Fitness trainer

Depending on the type of anxiety you experience, being a fitness trainer could be another great choice. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can be useful ways for managing anxiety, so as a trainer, you can build these into your daily life through your job. And, you can spend your time helping others to incorporate these healthier habits into their lives too, which may help you gain a sense of purpose and confidence. 

3. Truck driver

Being a truck driver could be another good option for people with anxiety. As a truck driver, you may have minimal social interactions and instead spend much of your time on your own, on the road. If you enjoy driving and can handle maneuvering a large truck, this may be a great fit for you. You can listen to what you want as far as music, or even audiobooks to help you continue with your personal growth as you work independently. 

4. Commercial cleaner

If you prefer to work a job that doesn't involve much interaction with other people, being a commercial cleaner may be a good option. Oftentimes, offices may prefer to have cleaners come in after work hours, as it can be easier for the cleaner to get the job done when the office is not full of staff. If you don't mind working in the evening or overnight hours and you want to work alone or with a small number of people, then this may be a good option. 

5. Landscaper

If you enjoy spending time outside, you may enjoy working as a landscaper. Typically, you may not have to deal with a lot of other people, depending on the size of the crew that you work with, which can help if you have social anxiety. As mentioned previously, time outside can also be beneficial for mental health, which can make this a strong option. If you run your own landscaping business, you can also have freedom in the type of work that you are doing and create your own schedule to some degree. 

6. Computer programmer

Computer programming can be another good option for people with anxiety. The daily tasks of a computer programmer typically involve a minimum of human interaction, especially since the job is often remote work friendly. This is also a high-demand field, so there are often a lot of opportunities and high-paying positions, especially as a computer software developer or web developer. That said, the workload in computer programming can be high at times and there is a steep learning curve, due to the technical knowledge required. But if you have strong technical skills and want something with a minimum of social interaction, this could be a great fit for you.

7. Data entry specialist

Data entry jobs can be a good choice for some since the job often involves little human interaction and can often be done both remotely and as a freelancer. In addition, the work often tends to be fairly predictable, making it fairly low-stress. If you find working with spreadsheets enjoyable, you may want to give data entry a try.

Other job options to consider for people with anxiety 

There are plenty of jobs that can be an excellent fit for individuals with anxiety, and the list above captures only a handful of them. Here are some other potentially low-stress jobs to consider in your job hunt:

1. Massage therapist 
2. Pharmacy technician
3. Plant nursery attendant
4. Virtual assistant
5. Graphic designer
6. Veterinary technician
7. Accounting job
8. School bus driver

Again, while this is not career advice, perhaps these options may give you some ideas as you try to find the best fit for you. 

How online therapy can help with mental health

If you find that anxiety or another mental illness is interfering with your daily life and work, you can connect with a therapist for additional support. 

For individuals with anxiety, sometimes the idea of seeking help in person can feel intimidating, given the new environments, different people, and hassles of transportation. With online therapy through BetterHelp, you can match with and meet with a therapist entirely online, so you can do it all from the comfort of your home, which may feel less intimidating for some people. A therapist may be able to help you prepare for interviews as you identify job openings that suit you. 

There is significant research demonstrating the effectiveness of online therapy for anxiety. For instance, one such study explored the effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy in comparison to face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety disorders. The researchers found that for five different anxiety disorders, internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and in-person CBT were “equally effective.”