Holding down a job when you have anxiety can sometimes feel impossible. Rude coworkers, unreasonable deadlines, and constant stress and pressure may very well lead you to the end of your tether, and make you think, “What’s the point?” But luckily, there are many different jobs you can do if you suffer from anxiety. Here are some of the best options, and why they’re good picks.
What is the Best Job for Anxiety Sufferers?
If you suffer from anxiety, you might struggle to find a job that fits. You might have even tried a few options, from teaching to customer service, and ended up quitting in the end. Or, you may want to get back into work, but you’re wary of trying something new because of your mental health.
We’re here to say we get it. We understand. If you’re anxious, shy, or introverted, it might sometimes feel like the world isn’t meant for you, let alone the world of work, where extroverts seem to thrive. But don’t worry — it’s possible to find a good job that gives your life meaning without flaring up your anxiety.
1. Graphic Designer
If you’re passionate about art and design, then a graphic designer might be the best choice for you. From logo design to full websites, this is a job that never gets dull. You can choose whether to join a team and work in an office, or take on freelance jobs if you prefer to work solo. This freedom is what makes graphic design so great for people with anxiety.
2. Librarian
Librarians manage a library’s resources, from books to ebooks, audiobooks, and files. They’re also in charge of library databases; they keep track of new books and order new equipment or resources.
Overall, a librarian is a generally quiet and stress-free job without any looming deadlines. It’s great if you love research and you’re in need of a slow-paced environment to be happy.
3. Pet Groomer
Love animals? Then, why not consider grooming pets for a living? It’s not always quiet, but if you can handle some barking, then this might just be the perfect option for you.
Not to mention, animals actively help with symptoms of anxiety. According to the Mental Health Foundation, animals are great for overall mental health. It’s also a fantastic job if you have social anxiety, as your clients aren’t people — they’re animals.
4. Gardener
If you’re a nature lover and wouldn’t mind spending your days outside, a gardener is a fantastic consideration. This job often involves managing front and back gardens and comes with responsibilities such as mowing the lawn, planting flowers, trimming bushes, and more. Gardeners are usually left to their own devices; you only have to worry about clients when it comes to payments.
5. Writer
If you have a serious passion for writing and you’re able to work to deadlines, then this job is right up your street. Being a writer is great if you suffer from anxiety, because you’re often working solo most of the time, especially if you’re freelance and have the freedom to set your own hours.
There are also many different areas you can go into when it comes to writing, such as product copywriting or writing for blogs. (Like this!)
6. Photographer
This is another fantastic job for people with creative talent. Like writing or graphic design, when it comes to photography, you’re able to set your own hours and choose your own clients. This means you can choose how much work you take on, which is great for someone who struggles with anxiety when they’re given a heavy workload.
You can also specialize in different areas, such as pet photography, wedding photography, baby photography, or nature. The choice is yours.
7. Personal / Fitness Trainer
A fitness trainer or a personal trainer helps people learn how to get fit. They may help others use gym equipment or recommend and supervise specific workouts. The point is to help clients reach their fitness goals.
This is a client-heavy job, which means working with lots of different people. However, unlike typical office jobs where you work as part of a team, as a fitness trainer, you work with individuals one-on-one.
This is also a fantastic job for people who like to use exercise and living well to manage their anxiety.
8. Lab Technician
Laboratory technicians carry out samples for scientific research, medical diagnosis, and even product development. This is a fantastic job for anxiety-prone people who love to get lost in research. It also involves a lot of concentration.
9. Massage Therapist
If you’re looking for a low-key job without any stress or deadlines, a massage therapist is one of the best jobs for anxiety. It involves one-to-one client work, but in a very laid-back way. And what better way to slow down than by helping others relax? Listen to some music, breathe in the soothing scents of the oils and incense, and let your mind be carried away.
10. Online Tutor
Teaching can be a stressful job, but if you like the idea of helping others learn or have a fascination with a particular subject, then an online tutor is a fantastic alternative. Online tutoring often means you work from home, so you can be comfortable in your own environment. Furthermore, you take on what you feel you can manage, whether that’s two students a week or twelve. It’s a fantastic job if you’re someone with high anxiety who needs a job that gives you flexibility and a proper work-life balance.
What Jobs Should You Avoid if You Have Anxiety?
If you’re reading this article, you’ll likely know that not all jobs are created equal, and some just aren’t a good fit for people with anxiety. Here are some to avoid:
- A job in the medical field — From nurses to surgeons, medical professionals work long hours and often find themselves faced with high-pressure situations.
- Customer service — Those in customer service often work long hours and deal with all manner of people, which can be stressful for someone with social anxiety.
- Teaching — With marking and lesson planning, teachers often work over their assigned hours, so if you’re someone who likes to leave work at work, this might not be the role for you.
- First responders — This refers to policemen, firefighters, and paramedics, all highly stressful and potentially dangerous roles.
However, that’s not to say you can’t do any of these jobs if you have anxiety. They may be highly stressful, but with the right support system, determination, and passion, you can successfully manage your anxiety and do the job of your dreams.
Wondering if your anxiety will ever go away? Check out this article for helpful tips.
Is Your Anxiety Coming From a Toxic Workplace?
It’s also important to note that it’s not always the job itself that gives you anxiety. Sometimes, it could be a toxic workplace that causes you stress. Rude management, too many deadlines, and long work hours can all have an impact on our mental health, creating anxiety spirals. Here are some signs that your anxiety might be coming from the place of work and not the role itself:
- You used to love your job — This suggests that, perhaps, something has changed to make you not enjoy your job anymore, whether that’s longer work hours or a new manager.
- You still have a passion for your area — If the spark is still there, just buried deep under your anxiety, this is another indicator that the role itself might not be the problem.
- You’re often confused by tasks — This is likely down to poor communication and not your own talent or ability. We all learn differently, and if your job doesn’t accommodate that, then finding a new company might be your best bet.
- You’re scared to speak up — If you find yourself frightened to ask questions or push back on feedback, then your job has likely done something to make you feel that way. That’s a big sign that you might be living in a toxic workplace.
Conclusion
Living with anxiety can have huge impacts on our working lives. It can make us dread going into work every day, worry about deadlines, and make us question if we’re really in the right role.
If stressful, high-pressure jobs are giving you anxiety, you’re not alone. Finding the right fit might feel impossible sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be. Think about what you enjoy and what you need in a role to feel happy. The rest will follow.
