Introversion is simply the process of regaining energy through solitude. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not so much about being shy or reserved, although introverted people can also be those two things. If you are someone who prefers having alone time, if you find that social interactions drain you pretty easily, and if you prefer working alone instead of working in a team, some jobs are more suitable for you than others. While we should never place people in binaries or boxes, it would help to understand yourself and your personality to help you find ways to thrive. If you identify as an introvert, here are some potentially lucrative careers you can explore.

Carpenter or handyman

If you are good with your hands and have basic handyman knowledge, consider getting a trade certification for carpentry. Carpenters are simply those who assist contractors in following blueprints, constructing frameworks, installing fixtures, inspects and fixes home problems, and many other tasks. While being a carpenter does require aligning with other people, for the most part, you will be working with your hands alone—especially if you choose to work as a handyman and not necessarily with small businesses or contractors. 

Craftsman or artist

Aside from being good with your hands, if you have an eye for what makes good art, consider becoming a sculptor, craftsman, or fine artist. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that consumers are tired of the same items and products manufactured by big corporations who don’t really care about the environment or ethical procurement. The back-to-back environmental and health crises the world is experiencing teach us that consumers are starting to care more about their own consumption and how their purchasing choices affect the world and other people.

This is why if you have a knack for handmade products, from knitting to glassware and everything in between, consider honing your skills and building a business centered around it. There is certainly a demand for it as homeowners are investing more in their homes, and with the proper marketing and with genuinely good products, there’s no reason why you can’t sell your handmade and personalized items.

Photographer

Photography is another potentially good job for introverts. This is because introverts tend to be more imaginative and view the world through a different lens. They can have a unique perspective that other people may not have. Introverts tend to see things from multiple angles, which is a key part of being a good and effective photographer.

Paralegal

Another potentially suitable job for introverts is paralegal work. Paralegals or legal assistants are those who work in a company’s legal department or big law firms. They assist lawyers in organizing and maintaining important legal documents, help conduct valuable research, and assist lawyers in drafting files. While being a paralegal requires working with others, legal assistants tend to do most of their work in solitude. This type of job is good for introverts who have a knack for being organized and keeping things systematic, and at the same time have a passion for the law and justice.

Computer programmer

A general rule of thumb is that any job that requires you to stare at a computer for hours on end is already introvert-friendly. If you are someone who enjoys spending days writing code behind a screen, computer programming or software engineering might be for you. As a computer programmer, you will be in charge of developing readable instructions for computers based on programs created by software developers. For this type of career, you might need a degree in computer science or any related field, or if not, you need to have advanced knowledge of various programming languages.

Translator

If you are a bilingual or a multilingual person, consider lending your language skills to companies that require translators. There are plenty of corporations across the United States and worldwide who are always on the lookout for people who can convert written documents from one specific language to another. And since the business world continues to globalize and international ties between nations continue to strengthen, there will always be a demand for translators. And the best part is that this is a job that does not require you to spend time with people for long periods.

Finding a career that accommodates your introversion is not about being a hermit; it’s acknowledging the type of work that helps you thrive and choosing it. Acknowledge all the ways you work best and let it help you choose the path you want for your future.