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What is a good first job for somebody who struggles with social anxiety and has trouble interacting with strangers??
I'm the person described and I don't know what my first job should be or where to find it. A lot of the typical first time jobs my peers have taken revolve around customer service and involve working with a lot of people; a skill that I'm still developing. I don't know what kind of job I could apply for without feeling like I'm diving head first into an area that causes me immense distress, but at the same time I need this experience to grow.
Ideally I'm looking for something that isn't too stressful or demanding. Light interaction with strangers is fine, like an occasional question from them, but nothing where I need to work with a lot of people at a time like a cashier, waiter, etc.
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7 answers
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Maggie’s Answer
HI Bea, you might like working for small stores (Family Dollar, Dollar General, Target) as a stocker, warehouse associate, data entry, or you could work for Wal-Mart pulling online orders for customers. Think about applying for jobs that allow you to work independently, maybe even some remote, work from home jobs might be good for you.
Thank you! I totally forgot that places like Wal-Mart have positions that work more behind the scenes than directly with people, I will definitely remember to look deeper into positions provided by entry-level providers! Ty!
Bea
Hey Bea, you're welcome! Yes, I currently work remote and I love it!
Maggie Dandridge-Smith
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Michel’s Answer
Truly a great answer. I think a very good place to work when you are first starting and trying to get over a social anxiety is stocking in grocery stores. It can be nice to have customers ask you questions once in a while to develop skills of talking with people, but most of the time you will be behind the scenes. Another good one is working in warehouses. You will talk with team mates in the huddles before work, but for the most part you will be on the floor not interacting with others which can give you time to work on opening up a bit more. Things like anxiety can be difficult, but you are taking a great step by not shying away from it. You are doing great by knowing you need to expand where you are comfortable in doing things. Other jobs that can be good are working in family owned stores so you are only dealing with a few people. Outdoor work where you are planting flowers or doing lawn maintenance you will spend time on your own, and only interact with a few people throughout the day.
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Bea,
Have you thought about applying for jobs at places like a library or bookstores? I suggest these places as they still have a customer facing aspect, but are much quieter.
Another idea is to work at a local park, as certain parks can also be a much quieter environment.
I wish you the best!
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Dexter
Have you thought about applying for jobs at places like a library or bookstores? I suggest these places as they still have a customer facing aspect, but are much quieter.
Another idea is to work at a local park, as certain parks can also be a much quieter environment.
I wish you the best!
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Dexter
I've considered working for a library or a bookstore, but never a park! Thank you so much, I feel a park is perfect for someone like me who enjoys the outdoors!
Bea
Oh awesome! Glad I could be helpful :)
Dexter Arver
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elliott’s Answer
Computer programming/coding is quite solitary.
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Bea,
I understand your concern, as I also had difficulties when I was your age in dealing with others. Jobs that would fit your request would be those that are outside direct contact with others, such as stockroom support, file clerk, loading dock laborer, construction laborer, security guard, and similar roles that have little human contact. However, as you stated, becoming comfortable in talking with people is something you need to address, and your preference for a job will not accomplish that. What this would do is postpone achieving a comfort zone with others and even reinforce your current feelings of avoiding such contact. So, I encourage you to rethink your resistance. Generally, jobs with human interaction include working with other employees doing the same, and there is much support within such a group. This is because all of you are doing this, and that collaboration with equals can do wonders in increasing your confidence in such work. I will also add that most good careers require comfort in dealing with others. I respect this is a tough decision and can be a bit scary, but please consider doing it. I wish you the best.
I understand your concern, as I also had difficulties when I was your age in dealing with others. Jobs that would fit your request would be those that are outside direct contact with others, such as stockroom support, file clerk, loading dock laborer, construction laborer, security guard, and similar roles that have little human contact. However, as you stated, becoming comfortable in talking with people is something you need to address, and your preference for a job will not accomplish that. What this would do is postpone achieving a comfort zone with others and even reinforce your current feelings of avoiding such contact. So, I encourage you to rethink your resistance. Generally, jobs with human interaction include working with other employees doing the same, and there is much support within such a group. This is because all of you are doing this, and that collaboration with equals can do wonders in increasing your confidence in such work. I will also add that most good careers require comfort in dealing with others. I respect this is a tough decision and can be a bit scary, but please consider doing it. I wish you the best.
Updated
Sadi’s Answer
A couple jobs that I think you would do well at would be looking at indeed and seeing if there are any remote jobs available. I know Amazon has a few jobs where you can go in and package things or help with filing that would allow to be away from people. I also would maybe search for jobs that need someone who files for them. For example, my roommate applied for a job at a popular gym called Summit, where they needed someone to just sit in a secluded room and file papers. You could also search for a remote social media manager job if you have a creative mind. I know here in Utah, there are several soda shops where they hire people to just manage their Instagram which I have had experience in for a plastic surgery office and it’s pretty fun. I also think that’s a growing occupation which could be a great first job because you can actually go to school for social media managing and eventually have a remote job. If you have a lot of time to spare and like technology, you should look into being a UX-UI designer. You can have no experience and go get a certification online or at a school which will turn into a remote job. The only downside is if you watch YouTube videos about it, you do have to work in meetings and get peer reviewed. I also highly suggest on getting a job where it pushes you to be a little more social because when you get into a career you are going to have to communicate with other people and if you can develop that characteristic, it will set you up for success.
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Here's something that you may not have thought of...how about working on developing your skills in a high paying trade job vs the typical menial jobs that you get in retail or in low end knowledge work (or even doing this while you work in these other jobs).
There are some trades especially that are and will be in great demand for the near future and are unlikely to be automated or done away with by Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the near future
Consider these examples...
Plumbing
Welding
HVAC (Air Conditioning repair)
Electrician
Most of these jobs require less customer interaction and high degree of creativity and knowledge and pay very well. A lot of job security here now and in the future...and it can be a life long learning as well ..as technologies change over time in these trades. Also, later in your trade career.. you can try to own a small business in these trades if that interests you
Consider trying to get into an apprentice program or going to a trade school...below is one in Texas that is pretty reasonable cost for Welding but most community colleges have trade school programs in these areas.
https://griffinweldingschool.com/
If you enjoy working with your hands and building or fixing things ...find that satisfying....these may be good jobs for you and don't require college education
Good Luck.
There are some trades especially that are and will be in great demand for the near future and are unlikely to be automated or done away with by Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the near future
Consider these examples...
Plumbing
Welding
HVAC (Air Conditioning repair)
Electrician
Most of these jobs require less customer interaction and high degree of creativity and knowledge and pay very well. A lot of job security here now and in the future...and it can be a life long learning as well ..as technologies change over time in these trades. Also, later in your trade career.. you can try to own a small business in these trades if that interests you
Consider trying to get into an apprentice program or going to a trade school...below is one in Texas that is pretty reasonable cost for Welding but most community colleges have trade school programs in these areas.
https://griffinweldingschool.com/
If you enjoy working with your hands and building or fixing things ...find that satisfying....these may be good jobs for you and don't require college education
Good Luck.