Suitable jobs for social phobics.

Social_Monstrosity

Well-known member
I am almost 19 now and I figure that I NEED a source of income. I've never had a job in my life and this will be pure hell for me...

Any tips? My mother suggested that I work as a stocker at the local book store because it wouldn't require me interacting with many people.

I'm keeping my options open..
 
I was a shelver for book at a local library for a while, though I didn't like the job tons due to the work they made me do (had me doing many things that weren't apart of shelving books), it was a low key job in which I didn't have to interact with others much. I am currently a computer tech for the school, and I am in a low key area, I littoral sit in a room for like 2 hours a day doing nothing, I might have 1 person ask for help, but it is easy and fast most of the time.
 

DillJenkins

Well-known member
I am studying to be medical transcriptionist. They mostly work from home and transcribe doctors notes and patient information.

Seems like the perfect job for an agoraphobic social phobe.

Im 23 and have never had a job. If you have to, you could likely go on disability. I might have to do this someday when my pride goes away.
 

this_portrait

Well-known member
I plan on being a photojournalist. Don't let the '-journalist' part fool you, though. There's not much communication and interaction at all.
 

Kanon

Well-known member
I plan on being a photojournalist. Don't let the '-journalist' part fool you, though. There's not much communication and interaction at all.

actually, photojournalism is a lot more interactive than i thought it would be. i went to brooks institute of photography in ventura for photojournalism, and the classes throw you right into real world situations. ALL of the assignments required photographing people (even if it was at a wildlife reserve, etc., photographs of people that were responsible for the wildlife reserve were required) and you couldn't turn in assignments that did not have people's names in them because they were necessary for the caption information (so you had to ask for names... and then explain to these people why you were photographing them, and what you were going to do with the photos... every single time). it takes a lot of sharp social skills to get people to trust you when you have a camera around them. a lady once asked me, "is that one of those x-ray cameras? are you planning on posting pictures of me all of the place?" and bombarded me with other questions before i could even show her my student id and explain that it was just for an assignment. if you go into photojournalism, i wish you luck though. :)
 

Nack

Banned
I think a social job is the way to go, i mean you don't want to be alone for the rest of your life do you? A job that doesn't require socializing is a bit too boring for my taste, and i also found out that i'm more anxious in a learning enviroment than a work enviroment...
 

DownInAHole

Well-known member
I think a social job is the way to go, i mean you don't want to be alone for the rest of your life do you? A job that doesn't require socializing is a bit too boring for my taste, and i also found out that i'm more anxious in a learning enviroment than a work enviroment...

Exactly, right out of high school I got a job in sales. I did that for over 2 years while going to community college. I starting feeling more confident, made some good friends, etc. Then once I switched to a University I had to quit the job, never made a serious attempt at getting a new one, and I think that really put me on a downward spiral the last couple years.

I've been to 4-5 interviews post-graduation, and was just offered a position with an insurance company's new office. I'm hoping I can turn things back around again.
 

danstelter

Well-known member
It's really up to you and what you want to do. Personally, I believe that SA does constrain your job choices, but that it does not mean you cannot work a job with other people. You will have to interact with some people at any job. I have challenged myself to move out and by the grace of God, I have found that I can work with other people in many circumstances, but then again there are other situations where I can't work with others.

All I can say is to continue trying to do different things. If you don't like something, cross it off the list and do something else. If you like stocking at a bookstore, then by all means do that. Keeping your options open is a great idea. Just trust your gut and keep trying until you find what it is that works for you. Good luck!
 

Jake123

Banned
A social job would definitely help a social phobic more than a recluse job. I mean, think about it. If you get a social job you need to interact with people and you're bound to learn things and get more comfortable with it, thus helping improve your social anxiety... A job where you're by yourself and never interact with people will just make you fear people even more. Remember the goal is to get better, not to dig yourself deeper.
 

Miami

Well-known member
A social job would definitely help a social phobic more than a recluse job. I mean, think about it. If you get a social job you need to interact with people and you're bound to learn things and get more comfortable with it, thus helping improve your social anxiety... A job where you're by yourself and never interact with people will just make you fear people even more. Remember the goal is to get better, not to dig yourself deeper.

I agree. I work everyday at a store where I am forced to help and talk to customers. A few years ago I was terrified at the thought of doing what now I do everyday. I still get nervous now and then but I have improved alot just because of my job.
 

SilentType

Banned
I have somewhat of a business working out of my garage. It's just getting underway but we make custom lawn stones (big stones usually carved with a family's name and some kind of design and framed prints (handmade frames). My mom has recruited some friends who are looking to make some extra money who are going to do parties to sell some stuff and get ourselves established. Hopefully it will work out, but if not, at least I made an effort to make something out of nothing (turning rocks and wood into $35-$300 items). I can't see my panic attacks stopping anytime soon, so I've decided I have to work from home, for now at least. I'm only 21, and on medication and in CBTherapy, so I have plenty of time to work out my mental malfunctions. I tried College but I bowed out after 2 years of panicky hell. I just can't stand being around people for some reason... I'd have a nervous breakdown if I was forced to work in a highly social atmosphere. I don't really see it as a bad thing. I just see it as who I am and if other people don't want to accept me for who I am then...well... **** em....


Peace
 

randomguy19

Member
I think a social job is the way to go, i mean you don't want to be alone for the rest of your life do you? A job that doesn't require socializing is a bit too boring for my taste, and i also found out that i'm more anxious in a learning enviroment than a work enviroment...

Well said.
 
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