Making a living is a very difficult thing for people with social anxiety to do. The pressure of a job interview makes it difficult for anxiety sufferers to get a job. Anxiety conditions also make it difficult for him to work, especially jobs that require a lot of interaction or multitasking. Fortunately, people with social anxiety have very productive careers, let's call it J. K. Rowling, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, or Albert Einstein. To make the most of your career, you'll need to overcome anxiety, choose the right job, and learn how to present yourself in a way that impresses your potential employer.
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Method 1 of 3: Taking on Social Anxiety Friendly Jobs
Step 1. Know what to look for in a job
For people with social anxiety, a solitary type of work is not a good idea because it will isolate and exacerbate your fears. Instead, look for jobs that require you to interact with very few people on a day-to-day basis. Find a job by:
- Low stress level. Avoid tense and high-pressure situations that create anxiety.
- Low noise level. Many sufferers whose anxiety is triggered by loud noises.
- Little interruption. Excessive multitasking can also trigger anxiety. Look for jobs that focus you on one task at a time.
- Limited interaction with other people. While you can't work in a field where you're constantly interacting (such as a cash register operator or customer service), that doesn't mean you have to get a job that's isolating. Look for jobs that emphasize one-on-one interaction.
- Few group projects. Group projects not only require you to interact but also increase uncertainty, which in turn can lead to anxiety.
Step 2. Find a job that offers a lot of freedom
Writing or programming a computer is great for people with anxiety, but don't forget to keep in touch with other people on a daily basis. Otherwise, the job may exacerbate your fears. Some jobs with low interaction include:
- Analyst in the lab
- Actuary/accountant
- Financial analyst
- Construction supervisor
- Graphic designer
- Site builder
- Janitor
Step 3. Look for jobs where the interaction is one-on-one
Most people with social anxiety find it easier to interact with just one person at a time, without any time constraints. Some of the jobs that support this kind of interaction include:
- Study Guidance
- Counseling
- Financial advisor
- Electricians, plumbers, masons, etc..
- Babysitter/babysitter
Step 4. Find work that focuses on children, animals, or nature
Parenting may seem difficult, but there are many people with social anxiety who find it much easier to be around children. Working with animals (veterinarians or animal caretakers), or with nature (gardens, nurseries, environmental scientists, forest rangers) can also be relaxing for anxiety sufferers.
Method 2 of 3: Getting a Job
Step 1. Focus on your abilities, not your worries
The recipe for getting a job is to focus on what you give the company. Remember that applying for a job is not a one-way communication. You have to convince the company that you are a suitable applicant for the job, and the company must also believe that the job is a good fit for you.
Step 2. Don't reveal that you are social anxiety sufferer
Your cover letter, CV and interview are to showcase your abilities. You don't need to mention or apologize for your anxiety disorder. People who are shy and calm are generally considered more trustworthy, so keeping quiet can help you get through the interview well. You only need to tell us about your anxiety if:
- You apply for a job at a company that is known for accepting people with disabilities and wants a diverse workforce. Being open to the company can make your relationship with the company much easier.
- You feel the company can read your concerns and ask about them. If so, admit it and turn your anxiety into a positive thing. For example: "I feel a little nervous, but I keep trying to do my best even though I'm nervous. I think this is a good way for me to grow and develop."
- You feel you need accommodation, for example a less crowded office environment. The company will not reduce your salary if your request for accommodation is reasonable. If you live in the US, disclose the disability and accommodation you need to the company to benefit from the Disabilities Act. 😍
Step 3. Prepare for the interview
What you can do to be less anxious during the interview is to make sure that you are prepared. When negative thoughts arise, such as "Oh my god… you're going to fail," stop those thoughts and remind yourself that you're ready.
- Prepare excuses when asked about gaps on your CV, such as "Yes, I worked part time a few times until I realized I needed to improve my skills. That's why I took additional training." You can also describe the educational steps you followed between your past jobs.
- Prepare answers to common questions, such as "What is your biggest weakness? What will you be like in the next 5 years? What interests you about this job? Why did you leave your last job?"
- Present the answer as a short story. Try telling an interesting story about your career path, or about a particular skill you've learned. Include examples of real work situations from your experience with your statements.
Step 4. Create the connection
Research shows that in applying for a job, having a referral is 5-10 times more effective than applying directly. Of course, people with social anxiety are very difficult to build relationships. Therefore, here are some tips for building a network:
- Take advantage of LinkedIn. Get in touch with the people who can help you there, and make sure your profile is kept up to date.
- Manage all contacts. Make a contact list of people you respect and want to work with. Connection quality is more important than quantity. ❤
- Create a schedule to follow up on the list. Mark your calendar as a reminder you need to call your contacts. This shouldn't be a big problem. A short email with a news question and a request to help you will suffice. 😍
- Continue to maintain communication in a creative way. Search all your LinkedIn contacts. If they get promoted or work at a new company, congratulate them. If there's news or a blog that you think will interest them, share it. If you share a hobby with your connection, please submit an article about it.
- Say thank you. Always thank your contacts if their suggestions have helped you. Thank you will be very influential.
Method 3 of 3: Coping With Social Anxiety
Step 1. See a therapist
Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be very effective in reducing social anxiety disorder. A therapist can help you identify your fears, teach you relaxation tips for dealing with the disorder, and help you deal with them later. If your disorder is severe, your therapist may prescribe antidepressants to help lower your anxiety levels so that therapy is more effective. Seeing a therapist is one of the first things you should do as a social anxiety sufferer. 😍
Step 2. Learn techniques for dealing with anxiety
Everyone must feel anxious. Anxiety is the body's natural response to danger or stress. However, some people (both genetics and environmental) over-develop this response. But don't worry, there are powerful strategies you can use to control your anxiety.
Step 3. Come to work early in the morning
Arriving at work early allows you to deal with and prepare for work. Instead of coming when everyone else is there, it will be easier for you to meet the employees who come one by one.
Step 4. Record and evaluate your experience
Excessive fear is a contributing factor to social anxiety, for example thinking "Everyone is looking at me… This is going to be a mess… I'm going to sound like an idiot". Write down those thoughts so you can identify and deal with excessive anxiety. Replace it with realistic expectations.
For example, if you are going to give a presentation, you must be afraid of failure, seem too anxious, no one is listening, etc. Replace these thoughts with more realistic expectations, such as "I'm well prepared and have a convincing presentation. But if I fail later, it's not the end of the world."
Step 5. Think of anxiety as excitement
Symptoms of anxiety such as increased breathing and heart rate, high alertness, easy sweating, are all synonymous with things that make you happy. This may sound mundane, but what you think about how you feel is important. Therefore, think of anxiety as joy. As a result, you will be more confident.
Step 6. Practice deep breathing
Deep, regular breathing triggers a calming response and lowers heart rate, muscle tension, and blood pressure. Practice these breathing techniques at home to help you deal with anxiety:
- Slow breathing. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 1-2 seconds, then exhale for four seconds. This breathing will help calm the nervous system.
- Hold your breath. Holding your breath as you exhale has a calming effect. Breathe in through your nose, or purse your lips when you exhale (as if you are blowing air), or make a sound when you exhale (like an "ohm" or "relax") sound.
Step 7. Turn your focus outward
Anxiety arises when you observe your appearance, "I'm not attractive enough; My hands are sweaty; I'm anxious; I'm bound to fail." Shift your focus to the things around you to take the focus off yourself and make you focus on the present instead of focusing on worrying about the future.
- Describe the objects around you. Focus on your surroundings: carpets, walls, furniture. Explain in detail. For example, "This table is made of teak, very solid, and painted dark." Touching objects sometimes helps you to explain.
- Focus on the people around you. Listen carefully to what they have to say. Look at their behavior or clothes.
Step 8. Accept your discomfort
Even though you already know a lot of techniques for dealing with anxiety, the fact is that you are still anxious, and that's okay. Everyone is also feeling anxious. Sometimes you have to accept discomfort in order to do something worthwhile. Focus on why you have to do something. For example, "I'm worried, but it's because of this job." Or, "I'm worried, but it's worth my career."
