Lone Wolves Need a Payday, Too
We get it— the thrill of customer-facing, team-building, open-concept office spaces isn’t for everyone. Many folks prefer the independence and quiet of solo work, and in a world so full of noise, can you blame them? Whatever your area of expertise is, we’ve devised a list of some of the most introvert-friendly careers that exist today.
1. Freelancer
Unsurprisingly, a job that allows you full freedom in content, scheduling, and location is first on this list. Freelancers can be found in any sector, from writing, tech, landscaping, interpreting, and so much more. Just like Mr. Incredible, you work alone.
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2. UX Designer
In a world controlled by apps and websites, the UX designer sits at the epicentre of customer satisfaction. They ensure that whatever product you’re using is efficient, effective, and overall a positive experience for the average Joe.
Firosnv. Photography on Unsplash
3. Graphic Designer
Graphic designers are the makeup artists of marketing. They create visuals for social media, television, advertising, websites, and much more. The best part is you’re usually left to your own devices, as most graphic design work is a solo affair.
4. Systems Administrator
This IT-focused role keeps company systems functioning. You’re the guardian of network security, and the first person people go to when they’re having technical issues. This can be an isolated path, if you so choose, but does offer opportunities for teamwork and collaboration if and when you’re feeling social.
5. Software Developer
If spending hours staring at a line of code is your schtick, software development may be in your future. Software developers design, build, test, and maintain software applications. As this work requires intense attention to detail and a lot of patience, you can be sure that you can complete your work in peace.
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6. Data Analyst
Data analysts can be found across all industries. They collect, analyze, and interpret data to gain a better understanding of trends or patterns. This work tends to lean solo, as most of your interactions come at the end of whatever project you’re working on.
7. Health Care Professional
Yes, health care tends to be a people-oriented job— but if your dream is to help people, there is plenty of one-on-one work that can be done. Physical therapy, massage therapy, midwifery, sonography, and speech pathology are just some of the careers that provide a more intimate setting for the less socially inclined.
8. Research Scientist
Research scientists do it all. Conducting experiments, data collection and analysis, report writing, and grant proposals are all a part of your day-to-day work. You may be working with a team, but you have the freedom to work how you want, on a topic of your choosing.
9. Solar Installer
Passionate about solar energy but don’t want to sit in board meetings? No problem. You can have a hands-on career while caring about the environment, and Zoom meetings aren’t included. This job is exactly what it sounds like: you assemble, install, and maintain solar panels for homes, businesses, and other structures.
10. Copywriter
If you live for marketing, the copywriting career is for you. Copywriters work on websites, advertisements, commercials, emails, and pretty much anywhere else with words. Whether you’re working remotely or in an office, a large portion of this job is done solo.
11. Virtual Assistant
Okay, maybe this one is a little bit more people-oriented, but working from the comfort of your own home can soften the blow of incoming emails. Assistants may be tasked with calendar management, data entry, bookkeeping, and technical support, making it a great option for those who live to organize.
12. Archivist
Archival work, the much more mysterious and dark academia-focused sister to librarians, works to preserve and manage historical records, while also making them accessible for public use— but this doesn’t mean public-facing! You can find most archivists tucked away in museums, libraries, and government organizations, making it a great career for the bookworms out there.
13. Museum Technician
History lovers unite! If you have a passion for artifacts, organization, and exhibit preparation, this career is for you. While you do have to work with other people from time to time, your work is situated in the calm and quiet of academia.
14. Accountant
While still client-facing, accounting is still a great option for the introvert. An accountant’s main tasks deal with financial records and reports for businesses or individual clients, meaning some small team meetings are in order. That said, if you’re looking for a quiet office job, this one is one of the best.
15. Delivery Driver
Whether it’s mail, merchandise, or food, a delivery job can be a great way to work alone, but not feel lonely. Spending your days on the road, your favorite music blasting through the speakers, and a few people to interact with here and there makes this a fantastic job option for those who get cabin fever.
16. Land Surveyor
This is an ideal job for those who love a little bit of everything. Land surveyors do plenty of work outside, preparing maps or plots and determining property boundaries. Then it's back to the office to analyze your data, make reports, and draft all the exciting legal work. For those who prefer to work alone, but aren’t necessarily anti-social, this job is the Hannah Montana of careers.
17. Arborist
Being a tree hugger can be a fulfilling and rewarding career! Arborists spend their days assessing tree health, planting and transplanting saplings, and pest management for our oxygen-giving friends. The best part: you can work independently if you so choose.
18. Horticulturalist
An integral part of the world’s food systems, horticulturalists are all about the life cycle of plants. You’ll work predominantly in fields, greenhouses, gardens, and nurseries to research the development and growth of plant life.
19. Geologist
If you love rocks, soil, groundwater systems, and minerals, this solo job may be for you. Geologists often conduct fieldwork that can put you out in a remote location for weeks or months at a time, making it ideal for the lone earthworm.
20. Fire Lookout
You could argue that this is the most prioritized solitary job. Typically situated in a remote tower, with your sole communication method being radio or phone, you’re doing a good deed and spending 99% of your day by yourself. You’re kind of like an introverted Superman!
