Careers for people who "don't like people"

Hello all,

What are some good career paths for someone who is not a "people person". I am not one of those smiley, happy, outgoing people. I like to sit at my desk and work and be left alone. I don't like dealing with the public. I absolutely HATE phones, answering calls or making calls. Please don't say data entry because 1) it only pays $9 or $10 an hour and 2)it's boring. I want something with some variety, where there is always plenty of work to do and I don't have to do busywork like filing or making copies. I want to go back to school and get a degree but I don't know what path to take. Thanks.

Hi There !!

You can try some office administrator jobs and it will not have to talk with the people.
But you have to change this mentality, beacuse definitely you will get depressed in work, if you are taking any job like said.

Hope it helps :)

Regards,
George Buffet

Sometimes people CAN'T "change tis mentality".

Floridamom... a couple of suggestions:

#1 Take the Myeres Briggs/MBTI
#2 Take the Aspie Quiz (www.rdos.net/eng/Aspie-quiz.php) &/or the AQ Test.(www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aqtest.html)

The first will set a baseline for your work STYLE/Preference, and the other two will help you determine if the MBTI rankings have underlying causes that are more or less un-changable. Asperger's Syndrome in Adults, while not debilitating in any "traditional" sense, is a MAJOR cause for Underemployment &/or extreme difficulty in Job Hunting.

Knowing those 2 things can lead you to some different resources, the first more "self help" related and the second more Medical/VocRehab Resource related.

Below are some available online resources and assessments to explore different career options. Please note that none of these resources are scientifically proven to decide what career you should have – only you can decide that! These resources are simply tools to assist you in the self-discovery process.

www.bls.gov – The Bureau of Labor Statistics official website is a complete encyclopedia of career information! You can use the search box to search for different job titles, and have instant access to job descriptions, education needed, career paths available, job market outlook, and more.

mbcd.intocareers.org – Making Better Career Decisions. An interesting assessment tool which narrows down potential career matches by your like and dislikes. You may view your matches throughout the assessment for free.

www.projectcareer.com – Although this test has many “opt-in” advertising offers that you must navigate through, its results are worth the extra aggravation. After your assessment is completed, Project Career will list 4 suggested industries with associated jobs, job descriptions, and future employment outlooks based upon your interests. It will also summarize your potential match to 19 different industry types.

www.queendom.com – This website has a variety of career assessments including tests on career style, career advancement, goal setting, time management, work style, leadership skills, and various job fit tests for different occupations.

www.mymajors.com – While this tool is great for those in high school to assist in choosing majors for continuing their education, adults considering returning to school may also use this tool when keeping in mind all of their recent experience not just their high school experiences.

www.salary.com – Website hosting job descriptions and salary ranges for a vast list of occupations. Find out what salary you should expect from a certain position!

--
Megan Pittsley
Career Advisor
Web: http:/

Just another number in Chicagoland, Indiana said: Sometimes people CAN'T "change tis mentality".

Floridamom... a couple of suggestions:

#1 Take the Myeres Briggs/MBTI
#2 Take the Aspie Quiz ( www.rdos.net/eng/Aspie-quiz.php ) &/or the AQ Test.( www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aqtest.html )

The first will set a baseline for your work STYLE/Preference, and the other two will help you determine if the MBTI rankings have underlying causes that are more or less un-changable. Asperger's Syndrome in Adults, while not debilitating in any "traditional" sense, is a MAJOR cause for Underemployment &/or extreme difficulty in Job Hunting.

Knowing those 2 things can lead you to some different resources, the first more "self help" related and the second more Medical/VocRehab Resource related.

I don't have Aspergers. I am neurotypical. Thanks

If you're not a people person, you could think of court reporting. If you're really good, you can do captioning (you sit in a room, headphone, and do your shorthand). As a regular court reporter, you do have to read back. You could learn steno and do scoping for court reporters.

Just another number in Chicagoland, Indiana said: Sometimes people CAN'T "change tis mentality".

Floridamom... a couple of suggestions:

#1 Take the Myeres Briggs/MBTI
#2 Take the Aspie Quiz ( www.rdos.net/eng/Aspie-quiz.php ) &/or the AQ Test.( www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aqtest.html )

The first will set a baseline for your work STYLE/Preference, and the other two will help you determine if the MBTI rankings have underlying causes that are more or less un-changable. Asperger's Syndrome in Adults, while not debilitating in any "traditional" sense, is a MAJOR cause for Underemployment &/or extreme difficulty in Job Hunting.

Knowing those 2 things can lead you to some different resources, the first more "self help" related and the second more Medical/VocRehab Resource related.

"Give Me..and everyone who reads this who is in the same boat as me.. a F***** Break! I never in my 45 years of life heard of this rediculous pre conceived society made word. It is a form of Autism .. for anyone else who never heard of this.. Not everyone is social.. not everyone likes to work with people.. not everyone is the same period! That doesn't make us.. have a problem as your implying to check into. Granted.. "Our Kind".. is not easily employable.. however there are many.. career options.. that I can suggest... as could you have suggested as well! I and others in the same situation are here and reaching out for constructive sollutions.. not societies classification or some psychological word that classifies us. I happen to be Artistic.. Not Autistic.. "Big Difference" . I live in Wisconsin and have taken through a Job Center A WISC Test.. which is one of the Best Career Assesment Tests in my area. I was classified through and through.. all the way as Artistic.. Yes.. that category exists.. My career paths and job areas are in the Arts.. Acting .. Writing ...Fine Arts and Film Areas. FYI... Most .. artistic types.. prefer to work alone

FloridaMom1026 in Orlando, Florida said: Hello all,

What are some good career paths for someone who is not a "people person". I am not one of those smiley, happy, outgoing people. I like to sit at my desk and work and be left alone. I don't like dealing with the public. I absolutely HATE phones, answering calls or making calls. Please don't say data entry because 1) it only pays $9 or $10 an hour and 2)it's boring. I want something with some variety, where there is always plenty of work to do and I don't have to do busywork like filing or making copies. I want to go back to school and get a degree but I don't know what path to take. Thanks.

Hi,

"I Totally... Understand.. and am not a people person either.. can't stand to work with others to be honest.. Yes .. I can help you and offer you positive.. alternatives. There is nothing wrong with you.. a grown adult would know.. if they had autism.. I am not sure.. what state your in.. I took this WISC test. I am Artistic.. all the way.. as you may also be! Artist people are loners.. Writers.. and Fine Artist are examples of this.. just look back into history. I am in the process of becoming a screen writer.. but.. I too am here... to see what I can do in the meantime.. There are many short term career paths you can take at a Votech or Community College. Game Animation... is Huge.. On the rise and in demand.. You can work or arrange to work on your own and get top dollar .. over 70 grand. Graphic Design or Kitchen/bathroom design/CAD.. is another option. Land Surveying..Real Estate Appraising..Inspectors.. Repair Person.. Electrician.. Plumber.. Not that they are artistic.. lol ..just ideas.. you could work in animal control or a zoo. You can do cartooning.. or archetectural drawing. You could build..homes.. carpentry.. forest ranger..game warden..Wild Life jobs..Animal trainer.. You could become a writer.. a script writer.. you could become an actor. You could be a camera person.. HUGS

Leah in Oregon, Wisconsin said: Hi,

"I Totally... Understand.. and am not a people person either.. can't stand to work with others to be honest.. Yes .. I can help you and offer you positive.. alternatives. There is nothing wrong with you.. a grown adult would know.. if they had autism.. I am not sure.. what state your in.. I took this WISC test. I am Artistic.. all the way.. as you may also be! Artist people are loners.. Writers.. and Fine Artist are examples of this.. just look back into history. I am in the process of becoming a screen writer.. but.. I too am here... to see what I can do in the meantime.. There are many short term career paths you can take at a Votech or Community College. Game Animation... is Huge.. On the rise and in demand.. You can work or arrange to work on your own and get top dollar .. over 70 grand. Graphic Design or Kitchen/bathroom design/CAD.. is another option. Land Surveying..Real Estate Appraising..Inspectors.. Repair Person.. Electrician.. Plumber.. Not that they are artistic.. lol ..just ideas.. you could work in animal control or a zoo. You can do cartooning.. or archetectural drawing. You could build..homes.. carpentry.. forest ranger..game warden..Wild Life jobs..Animal trainer.. You could become a writer.. a script writer.. you could become an actor. You could be a camera person.. HUGS

You can work at home with Medical Terminology or Billing/coding..You can go into cake decoratiing.. food stores will train you.. Wilton has an excellent program.You could sell your cakes and pies to diners nd restraunts.. Hope this has helped.. HUGS

I am in the process of pursuing on the side.. screen writing.. I too.. do not like working with people.. I prefer working from home or at a desk designing something.. artistic. I was wondering what kind of short term training.. I can take.. in order to do something short term or.. as long as it will take for me to sell my script. I was considering graphic design or gaming design.. which goes along with animation at my Community College. I just am not certain.. with those.. if I would have to work at the place of employment with others.. or.. if I would have the option to work from home. I like to bake and thought of cake decorating.. just very little money in it to survive. I am on my own. Something artistic please. I thought of cartooning or making greeting cards to sell... but that is iffy.. Thanks

FloridaMom: I've got it - you could work in a morgue! Dude, it's perfect :o)

Seriously, I totally understand about not being a "people person" and wanting to work quietly without interruptions, phones etc. And it's not Asperger's, it's called being an introvert and there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with it. I don't want to deal with people most of the time, because most people are generally annoying. Ha ha, Just kidding. Maybe.

My last job started out perfect - almost no phone calls, I could listen to my MP3 all day, it was a lot of data entry but with a good mix of admin processing, my department was nice and quiet, but then towards the end my department was required to provide back up phone support to the call center (ewww!) and I became completely stressed out on a daily basis. Horrible! So, I have come to the conclusion that I thrive in a quiet work environment (no call centers! blech, lol) and hope to go back to school to pursue a new career, possibly for clinical lab tech or similar.

I recently finished reading an excellent book called "The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World" by Marti Laney. You may find it quite helpful.

Good luck to you...

Most of the introverts I know work in some kind of IT and are highly intelligent people. I work with numbers, which are much easier to get along with than people. ;o)

The only problem is that those IT jobs are portable. There is a lot of competition for those jobs already. Those jobs, and other jobs that appeal to introverts , appeal to many non-introverts as much as it does to introverts. It's not good enough to just have the skills right now. You need "business acumen" or be more talented than the people you're competing with. From my own research, I've been told that there's a real demand for IT from small businesses. As you can imagine, the work probably won't pay as well or it'l be on a freelance level meaning you have to network to get work. Forget salaried positions with health insurance. You may constantly be looking for work while keeping your skills sharp.

At the corporate level, the hiring managers are looking for people with master's degrees (and UP) + impressive internship. They aren't looking for just skills they are looking for high-end talent.

And Leah, I feel you. I've gone through that "artistic" phase. The only problem is that art is seen as a commodity. It's subjective. The quality of education out there is questionable. Artists trained in Asia are usually better trained than those in America. Last but not least, there are too many screenwriters.

I'm still trying to figure this all out myself. It's getting harder overall to become self-sufficent. If things go the way the people in power want them to, we're all going to be living in dingy one bedroom apartments with four to six other people.

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Wow! I have been feeling like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole. Great to see other people are like me, a loner and not liking to work with other people. I have been finding that, as a woman, there are limitations to jobs that accommodate my personality. The "home remodeling" path has been one I have found most success with. As long as you don't claim to be a contractor, which requires a license, you can do just about any job within the construction field. I do small home repairs, painting, cleaning all on a one-woman basis and charge a decent hourly wage. I move around the country a lot and find that these jobs, even in this economy, are plentiful. Recently, an electrician has hired me to crawl under homes to check wiring. Just be creative (artist, if you will) in your job search and you may be surprised. Good luck all of you!

FloridaMom1026, I have the same issues with work. In this economy, it is incredibly hard for people like us to find work that does not deal with people non-stop. As far as career ideas, one that is good for you is Medical Laboratory Technician or Technologist. The first option can be accomplished with a two-year degree, while the second option needs a four-year degree. Get an associates degree to be an MLT, and you will work with specimens and microscopes all day. You may occasionally have to draw blood (maybe), but you will be in your own world most of the time. In this economy, the medical field is one of the only fields still hiring.

Also, "Measured Progress" has seasonal work just grading tests for elementary and high schools, but you need about two years of college to do that. You work in the summer and maybe a month or two in the fall sitting at a computer and scoring all day. Some of these tests are really interesting and funny, so it's not too bad. I know MP is in Florida, as well as Kentucky, so check it out if you have some college.

Good luck! If you do find something you like in this crap economy, let me know so I can do it too!!!!!

Leah in Oregon, Wisconsin said: "Give Me..and everyone who reads this who is in the same boat as me.. a F***** Break! I never in my 45 years of life heard of this rediculous pre conceived society made word. It is a form of Autism .. for anyone else who never heard of this.. Not everyone is social.. not everyone likes to work with people.. not everyone is the same period! That doesn't make us.. have a problem as your implying to check into. Granted.. "Our Kind".. is not easily employable.. however there are many.. career options.. that I can suggest... as could you have suggested as well! I and others in the same situation are here and reaching out for constructive sollutions.. not societies classification or some psychological word that classifies us. I happen to be Artistic.. Not Autistic.. "Big Difference" . I live in Wisconsin and have taken through a Job Center A WISC Test.. which is one of the Best Career Assesment Tests in my area. I was classified through and through.. all the way as Artistic.. Yes.. that category exists.. My career paths and job areas are in the Arts.. Acting .. Writing ...Fine Arts and Film Areas. FYI... Most .. artistic types.. prefer to work alone

Read The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. It will change your life.

FloridaMom1026 in Orlando, Florida said: Hello all,

What are some good career paths for someone who is not a "people person". I am not one of those smiley, happy, outgoing people. I like to sit at my desk and work and be left alone. I don't like dealing with the public. I absolutely HATE phones, answering calls or making calls. Please don't say data entry because 1) it only pays $9 or $10 an hour and 2)it's boring. I want something with some variety, where there is always plenty of work to do and I don't have to do busywork like filing or making copies. I want to go back to school and get a degree but I don't know what path to take. Thanks.

Thanks for being honest and asking a very genuine question. Are you finding it difficult to narrow down the paths that are of interest to you? Because you seem to like interacting with the work itself, rather than the people, I think it's helpful to consider what type of experience you enjoy having. For example, some people enjoy writing because it gives them the freedom to think through ideas, to communicate in a controlled setting, to outline what's most important to them, etc. Other people enjoy solving problems because they get to review lots of data, consider various options, analyze results. Some people really enjoy doing recurring tasks and getting very good at them, i.e. folding clothes or assembling small crafts. I ask you what you enjoy primarily because I find that people work much more effectively when they enjoy what they're doing. So, if you can determine what you enjoy doing, then I suspect you'll be able to find good work and earn a decent living at it.

I was beginning to think I was the only one...

I'm an introvert myself and I hate this service driven economy where the majority of available jobs consist of talking to/waiting on clients/customers or dealing with customer service issues. If I see one more customer service/call center opening I'm going to scream. Temp agencies are just as bad as all they have are admin assistants/secertarial and customer service/data entry positions where you take customer orders over the phone. If I wanted a job where I had to listen to other people's problems all day, I would have majored in psychology/social work.

I am the type of individual who works better behind the scene/in the back of the house with the same groups of people/same tasks every day, but it seems as if the only jobs available like that are housekeeping/janitoral type positions that pay min wage and hire people with a ged level education and attitude(I have a bachelors). I also have poor motor/hand eye coordination skills so data entry positions are off limits to me. I am also bad with numbers so banking/financial type positions are not for me either.

I was in a voc rehab program and took testing to determine my strengths and weaknesses. I now apply the KSA/I(Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Interests) when looking for jobs but rarely find any positions that match my KSA/I aptitudes.

Like many of you, I wish employers would realize that not everybody is an outgoing people person and some of us can't work retail/customer service type positions. Where are the jobs for creative, task minded types who want to work on projects, not with people?

Ever see that movie Office Space? Well, the main character hated his job and all I could think about while watching it was how much I wish I had that job!! I'd love to sit at a desk in a cubicle and do data entry type busy work. Having a non customer service oriented job would be a dream come true for me! Where are those types of jobs??

So far, I've only ever excelled at being a student. I didn't have to talk to anyone and I could go to class, listen to lectures, be surrounded by people, but never have to worry about interacting with them. I sometimes wish I were more social but I've found my social outlet online. I just wish I could find a job to fit me.

Does anyone know of any data entry jobs that you can do from home that isn't a scam? I wonder if there's a job listing site for introverts... Now, that's an idea... Someone run with it!

I loathe my introversion, and I can't wait for a pill to fix it. I think accountants can be introverts. I always wanted to make the money of a successful salesman, but I just can't. Extraverts just don't get me, either. I get ignored, or told a story about an event in which i participated. I'm a thinker, but it just doesn't seem to be valued in the job marketplace.

Hey, there is a group on the networking site LinkedIn just for introverts. It has seven members.

try being an Introvert that was born with a stutter! people who can not verbally communicate successfully have it very hard in life. hell...if i could speak fluently i would talk everybody's hear off.

If you don't mind my asking, do you currently work ErgophobicChic?

no i am currently unemployed.

Same here. I found a semi perfect job posting for a part time secretary at a funeral home and it seemed perfect. Small office of about 3 people. I went in for two interviews and they never called me back. *sad face*

I am kind of intoverted.... people can sense someting in me thats bad when they talk to me or even if i am not in the same state as them. just called for a job and the guy said the job was taken when he told me to call today... and then hung up. i dont know what i could do. im an undergrad still, kind of extroverted and intoverted.... but just got shot down by some guy on a telephone sales job..... why.

Mike in East Haven, Connecticut said: I am kind of intoverted.... people can sense someting in me thats bad when they talk to me or even if i am not in the same state as them. just called for a job and the guy said the job was taken when he told me to call today... and then hung up. i dont know what i could do. im an undergrad still, kind of extroverted and intoverted.... but just got shot down by some guy on a telephone sales job..... why.

You are either EXTROverted (the correct spelling) or introverted, not both. You are one or the other, but most people can adapt with practice. But as a true introvert you will need to find time to back off of a social task and recharge. Phone selling is a social task. Extroverts feed off of the social interaction of a phone call or sales/social event. They are powered by social interaction, which is why they make great salesmen as long as they are practiced, polished, and say the right things. As an introvert I think that I could go a week without any social interaction. It has been said that extroverts speak before they think (some foot-in-mouth disease here), and introverts think before they speak (thus more quiet). If you are indeed both, there is medication for that....
The Myers-Briggs test is the gold standard. They swear that there are no right or wrong answers. It's a lie when it determines your fate in the job market, or forbid, your current job to see if you are right for it (happened to me). Extroverted Salesmen = $100K per year. Introverted data entry person = $10 per hour. Pigeonholing at its best!

shellster in Pawtucket, Rhode Island said: FloridaMom: I've got it - you could work in a morgue! Dude, it's perfect :o)

Seriously, I totally understand about not being a "people person" and wanting to work quietly without interruptions, phones etc. And it's not Asperger's, it's called being an introvert and there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with it. I don't want to deal with people most of the time, because most people are generally annoying. Ha ha, Just kidding. Maybe.

My last job started out perfect - almost no phone calls, I could listen to my MP3 all day, it was a lot of data entry but with a good mix of admin processing, my department was nice and quiet, but then towards the end my department was required to provide back up phone support to the call center (ewww!) and I became completely stressed out on a daily basis. Horrible! So, I have come to the conclusion that I thrive in a quiet work environment (no call centers! blech, lol) and hope to go back to school to pursue a new career, possibly for clinical lab tech or similar.

I recently finished reading an excellent book called "The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World" by Marti Laney. You may find it quite helpful.

Good luck to you...

haha, love the morgue comment, can't get any more perfect than that!

I understand where you are coming from. Here are some jobs that you may enjoy: Librarian/ library assistant, insurance underwriter/ underwriting assistant, computer science/ IT- specifically software tester, vet tech, medical lab tech, radiology tech, medical transcriptionist, technical writer, business analyst....The list goes on. Hope some of these ideas helped or sparked an interest in a particular field. Best of luck!

Oh my goodness! OTHERS JUST LIKE ME! I hate my job! I could have written so many of these post. Its like your all in my head. I agree there is nothing wrong with out personality type. It is just not the majority in this world. Anything that isn't the majority you know the world gives it a label and says its a problem. Bull crap! I often envy the guy from the Twilight Zone ep who wished away all the people. LOL Don't let anyone tell you there something wrong with you because there isn't, God made all personality types and last time I read the bible it said that he looked at all that he created and it was GOOD!

Think about some of the things you are interested in and see if you can find a way to turn it into a business. Aside from being sick of working WITH people I'm also sick of working FOR people!

Similar to many of the replies, I'm one of the types who enjoys being alone. Not that I don't like people (I do)...I just set my own standards and achieve internal satisfaction through achievement, without having to be visible.

I work in IT, specifically application development. A large part of the work is problem solving which is done in my own headspace. I have several higher level degree's but that isn't really necessary to pursue a career in this area. The main thing to avoid is entry into IT via any type of helpdesk or support, this is certainly not the area for you. Perhaps engage with the very active gaming community where application developers are highly sought (particularly artistic developers)

It is society's loss, too, that introverted types don't get hired. Introverted people like us are kind, thoughtful, nonjudgmental, creative, hard working, mind-our-own-business, sit-and-shut up-and-work types. We should not be punished because we don't chit chat and gossip and spread untrue, hurtful rumors, with phony Joker-smiles plastered on our faces. Jobs would be done better if we were hired.

I'm an introvert too, and also struggling greatly with this problem. I've been trying to find something full time for 1 1/2 years now. The two (part time) jobs I've gotten were perfect for introverts, overnight person at a teenage shelter (where I just did laundry, paperwork, and meal prep for the next day) and housekeeper at a Bed & Breakfast (where I clean rooms after guests check out). Both jobs require very little interaction with others and I love it! Oh, to the person who said housekeeping is only minimum wage...try doing it at a Bed & Breakfast, I'm making $10 an hour to start!

Leah: Have you ever thought about becoming a freelance writer? You can even work from home. You'll have to deal with a lot of rejection, but yet, you might get your worked published.

I took up freelance writing five years ago. Since December, I've been taking a home study course through the Long Ridge Writers Group up in Connecticut, and I just recently signed up to take their Childrens' Literature course. I want to write for teenagers as well as adults.

Good luck to you.

Leah: you can also start your own home-based business. If you have a hobby, you can turn it into a successful career. You might want to take a business management course as well.

If you do, you'll be joining the millions of other people in this country who are sick and tired of the BS and the false hope and promises of Corporate America.

Shelly in Hastings, Minnesota said: I'm an introvert too, and also struggling greatly with this problem. I've been trying to find something full time for 1 1/2 years now. The two (part time) jobs I've gotten were perfect for introverts, overnight person at a teenage shelter (where I just did laundry, paperwork, and meal prep for the next day) and housekeeper at a Bed & Breakfast (where I clean rooms after guests check out). Both jobs require very little interaction with others and I love it! Oh, to the person who said housekeeping is only minimum wage...try doing it at a Bed & Breakfast, I'm making $10 an hour to start!

Shelly: Good luck to you. I hope everything works out.

susan in Franklin, Tennessee said: It is society's loss, too, that introverted types don't get hired. Introverted people like us are kind, thoughtful, nonjudgmental, creative, hard working, mind-our-own-business, sit-and-shut up-and-work types. We should not be punished because we don't chit chat and gossip and spread untrue, hurtful rumors, with phony Joker-smiles plastered on our faces. Jobs would be done better if we were hired.

You just described my job to a tee! You would think employers would appreciate us but no all they care about is your not singing Good morning to everyone when you walk in and smiling like chesire cat.

Some type of science field, like biology or working for the fish and game department, like a forest ranger. There's just one thing, any type of job, at least in the real world, will require some kind of human interaction.

FloridaMom1026 in Orlando, Florida said: Hello all,

What are some good career paths for someone who is not a "people person". I am not one of those smiley, happy, outgoing people. I like to sit at my desk and work and be left alone. I don't like dealing with the public. I absolutely HATE phones, answering calls or making calls. Please don't say data entry because 1) it only pays $9 or $10 an hour and 2)it's boring. I want something with some variety, where there is always plenty of work to do and I don't have to do busywork like filing or making copies. I want to go back to school and get a degree but I don't know what path to take. Thanks.

Dvorah79 in South Bend, Indiana said: I understand where you are coming from. Here are some jobs that you may enjoy: Librarian/ library assistant, insurance underwriter/ underwriting assistant, computer science/ IT- specifically software tester, vet tech, medical lab tech, radiology tech, medical transcriptionist, technical writer, business analyst....The list goes on. Hope some of these ideas helped or sparked an interest in a particular field. Best of luck!

I don't know why people keep telling introverts to work in a library! In public libraries, you deal with the public ALL DAY LONG! It's not some nice little world where you work with books; you have to work with people, and that sucks for introverts.

KB in Williston, Florida said: I don't know why people keep telling introverts to work in a library! In public libraries, you deal with the public ALL DAY LONG! It's not some nice little world where you work with books; you have to work with people, and that sucks for introverts.

Well at least it's quiet, and you don't have to be loud, boisterous and outgoing. And you're usually only dealing with one person at a time, not working with a large group or speaking to an audience.

It depends on what you do in the library. I worked in the back office and didn't have to deal with people at all. It was cool.

Quote --Sometimes it helps to be involved in a job or project that you are truly interested in. It just makes it easier to communicate something with people that you actually want to talk about. --Quote

This is very true! Find something you enjoy and don't mind talking about! I hate people but I am studying to be a wedding planner and have my own business. I'm sick of working for someone else. I will still work with people but on a one on one basis and it won't be everyday! My business, my rules, and best of all 8hr shifts of constant people not part of the job. I truly enjoy weddings and I'm actually pretty good at planning them. Done it for years for friends and family.

Has anyone considered being a court reporter you can work for courts or be freelance. You can also do closed captioning reporting which is very limited for people interaction. Its two or three years for that feild. If your a biology major you could go into research. Stay away from jobs that involve customer service (people will drive you to drink!).

Had a friend call me the other day about a Customer Service Rep job the other day and she was going on and on about how easy a job it would be,and that it was close to where I live and all the while I was thinking in my head you have got to be kidding me. For an introvert, call centers are the bane of our existence (she on the other hand is an extrovert).

I searched Indeed to see if I could find out more info about the job and found that it was a CSR/data entry position I wouldn't qualify anyway since I wouldn't meet the typing requirements-why apply and set myself up for failure /rejectionBD,DT (Been There, Done That) with the staffing agencies.

FloridaMom1026 in Orlando, Florida said: Hello all,

What are some good career paths for someone who is not a "people person". I am not one of those smiley, happy, outgoing people. I like to sit at my desk and work and be left alone. I don't like dealing with the public. I absolutely HATE phones, answering calls or making calls. Please don't say data entry because 1) it only pays $9 or $10 an hour and 2)it's boring. I want something with some variety, where there is always plenty of work to do and I don't have to do busywork like filing or making copies. I want to go back to school and get a degree but I don't know what path to take. Thanks.

just because someone is smiley & happy does not mean that they are outgoing and like people. I am one of those people who is constantly so upbeat at work and always smiling. People are always asking me if I ever stop smiling. People always think I am extroverted. Guess what? I am an introvert and I hate people! I want a career where I can be by myself most of the time too and not have to deal with personal conversations at work. Personal conversations at work drain me to the point where when I get home I dont even want to talk to my husband. I am not an extrovert in any way at all, I just like to be friendly and smile. So, the next time you see that extremely happy person with a smile on his/her face all the time.....dont be fooled. He or she is probably not outgoing like you think. People think I am outgoing all the freaking time and I am tired of it. To answer your question...try any computer careers.
Computer careers are great for introverts. You still have to talk to people of course, but its not like other careers where there is pressure to talk all day like sales or teaching etc. & computer jobs pay very well.

The advice to become a librarian if you don't like people is inaccurate. Unless you work strictly in tech services (cataloging), you actually have to interact with people quite a bit.

If you're working at a reference desk, especially in a public library, you'll deal with people who are drunk, high, mentally ill, or otherwise impaired, as well as people who are just plain belligerent or uncooperative (and also some perfectly nice, ordinary folks). You will have to exercise your customer service skills (this is VERY heavily emphasized by library administration and will be a key point for getting hired) with patrons who stretch your tolerance to the breaking point. This is definitely NOT the field for someone who doesn't want to deal with other people on a daily basis.

Nanlisa in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania said: Leah: you can also start your own home-based business . If you have a hobby, you can turn it into a successful career. You might want to take a business management course as well.

If you do, you'll be joining the millions of other people in this country who are sick and tired of the BS and the false hope and promises of Corporate America.

As someone who was sick and tired of politics at my former job, I started my own home-based business ... and now I'm sick of all people all the time. "People" are just morons. When you own your own business, you'll see the absolute worse in almost everyone you talk to. Trust me, owning your own business is NOT the way to go when you are trying to find a job that doesn't deal with people. All you do is "deal with people" when you are the "head cheese."
I would suggest a job that entails working with your hands: construction, working with animals ... physical labor. Some of the happiest people I know work with their hands all day!

I'm not really a "people person" either, hence I've mostly done field work in my jobs. You may have to deal w/the boss in the office in the morning &/or end of the day, but for the most part you're on your own w/maybe the occasional client coming up to you to ask questions, etc. but it's not bad. I would imagine it's hard to find office work where you're not dealing w/people -- either upfront or over the phone, etc.

I have a couple of books about introversion that may be helpful. The first is "The Introvert Advantage" and it tells you alot about introversion. It's especially helpful if you don't know what is going on with yourself. Some parts of it are a little condescending, but overall it answers some questions.
Another is "Why should Extroverts Make all the Money?" and it can help point you in the right career direction.