For a long time, introverts have been considered undesirable specs of people in the work environment. Some people hold the opinion that introverts are not productive in the work environment. But on the other flip side, this is never the case universally as introverts are just as useful as extroverts. Fortunately, this has been changing over time, and more and more employers have no otherwise but to accept the introverts’ way of life in the office.
In the office environment today, it is challenging to differentiate between an introvert and an extrovert. Part of this is because most employers are not judging their employees based on their social life. Yet, that does not eliminate the fact that introverts face some problems during work.
For one, in the modern-day office where teamwork is necessary, it is only right to say introverts cannot cope with this demand. Although some can produce as required without the teamwork requirements, their relationships with their colleagues are never that impressive. That is not the only issue, but an introvert will find it hard to communicate with fellow workers or present ideas as needed.
Another challenge an introvert will encounter is networking and interacting with other people. As it is a universal expectation, networking is a critical aspect of professional advancement. So it cannot be wrong to claim that someone who cannot connect with other people will miss on opportunities. Especially true is when some employees have lost on leadership opportunities, yet they can make good leaders simply because they can’t speak up and so forth.
Challenges Introverts Face in A Job
An introverted person is more of a thoughtful, reserved, and quiet individual. These individuals are unlikely to engage in social events or seek special attention, as these activities might leave them feeling drained and exhausted. Like in social places, families, or schools, introverts also face several challenges in their workplaces. The challenges have affected their performance and productivity.
The personality type of introverts impacts their career performance and how they engage with others within the organization. There are various aspects of offices that have made it difficult for introverts to adapt in the workplace. They include the open office concept, increased team collaboration, office discrimination, among others. So, are you an introverted person? This article gives an overview of the introverted tendencies, the challenges introverts face at work, and how soft skills are challenging for introverts.
What Are Introverted Tendencies?
It is no secret that the world is full of introverted individuals. Identifying introverts isn’t a difficult task as they portray some traits and attributes that are unique to them. However, these characteristics tend to vary from one individual to another. It is worth noting that introversion isn’t a medical condition, as nothing is emotionally or physically wrong with introverts.
Besides, being an introvert doesn’t mean a person acts in an introverted manner all the time. There are times when these individuals behave like extroverts. On the other hand, extroverts might also resort to their solitude. Hence, they cannot be classified as introverts. The following are some of the introverted tendencies that might indicate you or someone is an introvert:
You Enjoy Solitude
As an introvert, you will mostly prefer spending time alone enjoying your interests and hobbies rather than social interaction. For instance, you will spend more hours reading novels or watching your favorite TV shows. These activities make you energized and recharged. However, this doesn’t mean that introverts want to spend all their time alone. Just like others, they love spending time with friends and families. The critical trait to note is the after a long day of social engagements, introverts would most likely retreat to their rooms to recharge or maybe reflect on their lives.
Introverts Have Small Circle of Friends
It is a common misconception that introverts don’t like other people. Even though they don’t enjoy socializing, they undoubtedly enjoy the company of a small circle of close friends. Besides, they prefer sticking to close and long-lasting relationships, other than having a large group of friends. Is your social circle small but close? If true, there is a likelihood that you are an introvert.
Socializing Drains Your Energy
Do you ever get drained after spending time socializing with a large group of people? Do you always feel the urge to retreat to your room or a quiet place to spend some alone time? If this is the case, then you are most likely an introvert. One main characteristic of introverts is that they expend energy after social engagements.
Other introvert tendencies include:
- You prefer jobs that don’t require a great deal of team collaboration.
- You learn by watching.
- You take a lot of time to make decisions.
What Are Some Common Difficulties Introverts Face at Work?
An understanding introvert could be a task due to the numerous personality traits they possess. This makes it challenging for office workers to understand their counterparts. Introverts, especially introverted leaders, face a lot of challenges at work. Here some of the difficulties introverts face in their workplaces:
- Team Building Activities: Team building activities, especially IT jobs, involves a lot of social interactions. These activities are likely to drain introverts who prefer keeping to themselves.
- Negative Impressions: Introverts are in most cases discriminated against due to their quietness. Extroverts never understand that introverts are loners.
- Open Space Office: A quiet personal space is always a haven for introverts. Unfortunately, open spaces don’t provide the much needed peaceful personal working space.
- Introverts are Ignored: Your colleagues might forget that you also have a voice. Hence, you might likely not be involved in company decision making.
What Are Soft Skills and How Can They Be Challenging for Introverts?
Soft skills are the personal skills that help an individual fit in at work. These skills are quite essential as they might lead to your promotion or dismissal from an organization. The most common soft skills and their challenge for introverts include:
- Effective Communication: Introverts are loner’s and prefer being quiet. This might hinder effective communication in the workplace.
- Teamwork: Introverts do not enjoy teamwork. They prefer to accomplish tasks independently.
- Problem-Solving: Introverts are unlikely to possess this skill as they take lots of time to make decisions. This might affect their overall performance.
Other soft skills include:
- Integrity
- Dependability
- Critical thinking
- Empathy
As an introvert, you are likely to face several challenges within your workplace. These challenges might negatively impact your productivity. Therefore, you must learn the effective ways of dealing with the challenges. Try to share some of your experiences with your superiors, which will help them understand you better.
Benefits of Finding a Job Suited for Being an Introvert
Introverted persons are characterized by being quiet, shy, or even timid. Besides, they prefer spending most of their time in quiet places, either enjoying their hobbies and interests or reflecting on their lives. These personality traits have made it difficult for most introverts to adapt to working environments with many people. Additionally, workplaces might have different organizational cultures such as team collaboration, which might not be introverts’ cup of tea.
Finding a suitable job could prove difficult for introverted persons despite having the right qualifications to land the jobs. This is mainly due to the number of pitfalls associated with today’s working places. Most workplaces are full of extroverts who, in several instances, overlook the contribution of introverts. Are you an introverted person? Do you find it challenging to adapt to your workplace? You are in the right place. This article will turn you into a happy introvert by exploring some of the benefits of landing a job that suits your social needs and how social anxiety impacts your work performance.
Why Should Introverts Consider Searching for Jobs Suited to Their Social Needs?
Landing a job that suits one’s social needs could be the most satisfying thing on their career path. In most cases, professionals are forced to work in places that override some of their social needs, which lowers their overall productivity. Besides, unsuitable workplaces might be an obstacle to an individual’s career. Hence, introverts should ensure that they search for jobs that will suit the social needs and personality type. Some of the reasons include:
- It helps introverted persons identify organizations with favorable job interview policies.
- Jobs that suit the social needs of introverts positively impacts the performance.
- It helps them find value in their roles once they land the jobs.
- It helps them identify the jobs with a working environment that is likely to increase their productivity.
- It helps introverts identify jobs with fewer social engagements to avoid burnout.
How Can Social Anxiety Interfere with Your Performance at Work?
Going to work can be quite challenging for people suffering from social anxiety. Since social anxiety causes extreme discomfort to the affected persons, workplace activities are likely to trigger some of the condition’s symptoms, including panic attacks and dizziness. So, what is social anxiety? Social anxiety is a mental condition that leads people to experience irrational fears.
The condition affects an individual’s ability to accomplish daily responsibilities. For instance, a graphic designer might avoid presentations as it involves social interaction. According to medics, the common triggers of the condition happen in workplaces. The increased number of cases of social anxiety has become a worrying trend for most employers. Some of the common triggers include:
- Staff meetings
- Job Interviews
- Public Speaking
- Networking sessions
- Maintaining Contact
- Interacting with company management
Social anxiety conditions might have several effects on employees. The expected impacts include:
- It leads to low performance of the affected person.
- It leads to a lack of concentration
- It inhibits the person from performing their work responsibilities.
- It leads to increased absenteeism as a way of avoiding some workplace activities.
Social anxiety can have devastating effects on the organization’s overall productivity, especially in organizations with an introverted leader. Therefore, the company managers and human resource personnel’s sole responsibility is to provide help to employees who experience social anxiety more so at work.
What Are the Benefits of a Job That Does Not Require a Lot of Socializing?
Most career paths require a lot of socializing, as they involve a lot of networking of people from different professions. Even though a larger percentage of professionals prefer such jobs, some of them prefer pursuing careers with less human interactions. One such group is the introverted individuals. This group of people prefer working independently and in places with less human traffic as social interactions drain them, leading to poor performance.
Socializing at work occurs in different ways, including meetings, lunchtime gossip, team building activities, among others. Although there are numerous advantages tied to workplace socializing, introverts might also derive several benefits from less socializing jobs. These types of jobs might especially be suitable for individuals suffering from a social anxiety disorder. Some of the benefits include:
- Increased job performance, especially for introverted persons who require quiet workplaces to perform effectively.
- Increased job satisfaction, especially to introverts who are drained by increased social interactions.
- Jobs that require less socializing leads to high independency, to the advantage of introverted individuals.
- It helps build small employee circles, leading to a long-lasting employee working relationships.
Finding suitable jobs, especially for introverts, has always proved challenging despite the benefits of the jobs. Introverts prefer jobs that require less workplace socializing, despite several career paths being suitable to extroverts. Additionally, some employers overlook introverts’ contributions despite being professional, reliable, and good decision-makers. As an introvert, don’t be left out. Find a suitable job that values you and meets your social needs.
Types of Jobs That Work Well for Introverts
Everyone desires to work in a place where they feel most comfortable. Working in an environment that does not match your personality is very draining because you have to be someone else every time you work. Introverts are some of the most affected people when it comes to the working environment. If you are an introvert, one of your biggest desires is to work in an environment where you are least bothered by people and other distractions. Many jobs are suitable for people with an introverted personality. In most of these fields, the work speaks for itself. You don’t have to interact with too many people. However, you need proper documents, such as IT certifications, attached to your works for people to trust you.
Various fields involve minimal interaction with people. For introverted personality types, these jobs provide an environment where you can deliver your best. They include:
- Jobs in The Technology Field- Technology is one of the largest fields you can work in as an introvert. Most of the jobs in this field are technical and require maximum concentration for efficiency. As a result, very few people venture into this field. Although technology companies have different positions, including marketing, being part of the technical experts will serve you best. In this field, you are likely to spend most of your time at your workstation finding solutions to technological problems. Such jobs include computer programming, software engineering, among others.
- Research Jobs- As an introvert, you are confident when working in an environment with minimal people. Some research jobs are known to offer this environment for professionals in this field. In areas like medical research, you are likely to spend many hours in laboratories carrying out tests on samples to come up with relevant information. Without maximum concentration, you might deliver inaccurate results, which could be catastrophic—especially when researching on medicine to be used by humans.
- Data Analysis Jobs- In every study, data analysts play a very important role. As an introvert, being a data analyst will provide you with the best working environment. Data analysis is a technical field that very few people venture into. After part researchers have collected data from the field, they bring it to data analysts who give necessary conclusions after analyzing it. As a data analyst, you could be part of a research team but not interact with many people since you don’t have to go to the field for data collection.
Although personality is essential to one’s identity, you should not let it keep you away from employment opportunities. Many companies pay well but do not provide a conducive environment for introverts to work to their best. If you find yourself in such an employment space, you can try doing the following:
- Ask If You Could Work Remotely- One of the common traits of an introvert is that they desire to work in an environment they can control. Working remotely, especially from home, is one of the best ideas you can employ as an introvert. Although some companies don’t encourage it, you can ask your employer to let you work from home for better performance. The disadvantage of working remotely is that it is not applicable for jobs that require a hands-on approach.
- Pick A Department with The Least Employees- Companies have different departments that suit different personalities. If you get employed in some companies, you can decide to work in a department that requires minimal interactions with people. For instance, you can work in the technical department instead of the marketing department.
- Develop A Strict Work Ethic- Most people are attracted to individuals they can manipulate easily at workplaces. By developing a strict work ethic, you only attract individuals with serious concerns about the job. To achieve this, you need to be disciplined whether you are a junior or a senior staff member.
Assessing your personality before choosing a career path is very important. This helps you avoid choosing a career where you will have to struggle at any job you get. Most career experts will perform a Myers Briggs test on you before concluding on the best career path suited for you. Being an introvert is normal since it is just a personality like any other. However, it should not hinder you from achieving your life goals. Networking is very important for your learning at school and securing employment after school.
How To Find A Job As An Introvert
After completing your education, finding a job is the next hardest task you might have to encounter. Many companies offer employment opportunities for people depending on their skills and level of education. While opportunities might seem available, securing one is hard if you don’t have the right network. Introverts are usually the most affected in securing jobs that require social skills. You cannot get such jobs unless you go out and interact with potential employers. However, there are jobs in different industries that favor introverts. Such jobs require minimal interaction with many people. Some jobs, such as medical billing, require certification from relevant professional bodies.
Many jobs provide a conducive working environment for introverts. If you are one, securing such a job will make your career life enjoyable. These jobs include:
- Information Technology Experts- With technological advancements, many firms are looking to transfer operations to online platforms. These platforms are designed, created, and maintained by Information Technology Experts. Since it is a technical field, very few people are attracted to it. As an IT expert, you spend most of your time working to find solutions and improvements for systems that keep the company running. The roles of an IT expert include digital information security, computer programming, and software engineering.
- Architecture- Architects play a very important role in the construction and planning industry. Before a structure is built, an architect is consulted for plans and designs. As an architect, most of your time is spent putting ideas into drawings. While drawing plans, most architects don’t need to work in groups unless it’s a massive project.
- Freelancing- A freelancer is a professional in a certain field, but he/she is not attached to a permanent employer. Freelancers have the option of working for two clients at the same time without being supervised. If you are a thinking introvert, freelancing gives you the right to choose who should be your boss.
Although there are many job opportunities for introverts in the job market, securing one has proven to be a challenge to many. Here are some ways in which you can secure a job as an introvert.
- Make Online Applications- Thanks to the internet, you no longer have to go knocking on doors to submit job applications. Many companies accept applications made through their online platforms. When submitting an online application, ensure you attach all the relevant documents according to the instructions given. Since online applications attract too many submissions, slight mistakes could lead to the elimination of your application. Additionally, honesty is one of the most important virtues to observe while making online job applications. Your qualifications and referees should be valid and consistent throughout the application document.
- Ask to Be Recommended- One of the best ways to secure employment is by recommendation by trusted people in the job market. Asking for recommendations is one of the best ways to secure jobs as a freelancer. To win the trust of your clients, you need to deliver excellent work whenever you are required. Since you won’t always remind a client to recommend you, the work you do should speak for itself.
- Perform to Your Best in Your Current Job- Most potential employers in the job market are peers. In their meetings, either casual or official, they talk about employees that made the company perform better. If you are the employee being talked about, you stand a higher chance of getting promoted or taken by a new employer that pays higher salaries. While at work, you should develop a strong work ethic to deliver the best results.
- Perform Highly in Your Academics- If you have no previous work experience, high grades in college or university will help you out as an introvert when looking for employment. Most companies observe student performance and gauge their production if absorbed into the company. By scoring high grades. You are put in a position where you can easily land a scholarship or a job opportunity.
After application, it requires patience before you receive a response. If you have been selected, you will be called in for a job interview depending on what you studied at school as well as the new developments. Although some pass, many people fail to get jobs at the interview stage. During an interview, a potential employer knows what you are capable of, as stated in the submitted document. As an introvert, you should work on your networking skill to avoid being left out while others get employed.
In Summary
If you are an introvert, it is highly advisable that you only get a job that suits your social needs. Since there are different levels and types of introverts, for example, one can be shy, but social and vice versa is true, it is important to get a job that will match your ideal needs. This way, you will be productive in whatever you are doing and improve your personality in the long end.
Plus, you will want to be as comfortable as possible. And going for a job that gives you comfort, especially when you choose to work at home will be an excellent idea. For instance, remote jobs, which can be handled at home, are the perfect alternatives for you as an introvert. Computer programming and freelance writing jobs are just the perfect opportunities for people in this class.
Of course, remote jobs will give you control over your physical space and peace of mind. Furthermore, they also give you the chance to maintain the working environment’s pace for that ultimate suitability. Otherwise, for an introvert looking for a job accommodating their needs, they have a few ways to ensure they get the best.
Researching about the hiring company will be an excellent idea. You will want to know the company’s overall culture in terms of teamwork and having an open office layout. Besides, networking online with potential employers will come a long way to bring a significant difference. You can use this opportunity to ask the networks about their feelings about the company and their perception of introverts.
