If you regularly feel stressed and anxious, it may be helpful to consider some of the top careers for people with anxiety. Dealing with anxiety can be difficult, as symptoms can make it hard to predict how you'll feel from one day to the next. You are not alone in your struggle; according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 40 million persons in the United States suffer with anxiety.
It's important to remember that there are plenty of great opportunities, even if it sometimes does not feel like it. Many people with anxiety disorders have successful and fulfilling careers that work well with their mental health needs. When considering what you want to do, check out some of the best jobs for people with anxiety disorders.
Although people with anxiety disorders share some common symptoms, each person is unique in terms of strengths, weaknesses, and abilities. That's why it's essential to identify your strengths as a first step in determining which job might be a good fit for you. After that, analyze what activities you excel at and what inspires you. If you have a particular interest, check into prospective occupations that are related to that interest. For example, if animals have always been important to you, veterinary medicine or animal welfare jobs might help you feel fulfilled.
If you want to pursue a career with potential challenges, talk to your employer about accommodations they can make to help keep your stress and anxiety under control. Identifying your triggers is an excellent first step in managing your anxiety. Think about what triggers your symptoms and try to avoid those situations.
Pursuing a career can be daunting, and if you voice your concerns to your employer about the challenges you face, they may be more willing to help out. Many organizations offer flexible work arrangements to their employees to support their needs and desires in and out of the workplace. If you're worried about a particular stressor in the workplace, try to identify a solution that will help you manage it before asking your boss - they'll be more likely to say yes to a specific request than to come up with a solution on their own.
7 JOBS FOR PEOPLE WITH ANXIETY
Here are seven jobs to consider if you're looking for a career change and you want to find a job that will work well with your anxiety.
Accountant
If you're the type of person who enjoys working with numbers more than people, a job in accounting might be a good fit for you. Accountants typically don't interact with their co-workers much, as they spend most of their time working independently. The primary duties of this role include researching and compiling financial transactions, reviewing records, and performing calculations. Even though accountants may convey their results to customers, their involvement with others is often minimal.
If you're looking for a career in accounting, know that it's a field where you'll need to be able to handle deadlines and work quickly under pressure, especially during busier times of the year. For example, tax accountants are extremely busy between January and April. You'll need to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting to pursue this career path. You may also take the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Exam to become a certified public accountant (CPA test) (CPA). The average accountant earns an annual salary of $84,000.
Dietitian
As a dietitian, you would be helping people learn how to maintain healthy eating habits. This profession is important because, often, mental health is closely related to physical health. Working as a dietitian and helping people overcome ailments would contribute to healthier lives altogether.
The primary duties of this position include creating nutritional plans and providing support and dietary advice based on each client's needs. The average annual salary for this position is $65,500, and the hourly rate for this position falls between $20.45 and $45.02.
Graphic designer
Graphic design is a field well suited for creative individuals. It entails developing logos, websites, marketing collateral, graphics, and other visuals for businesses. Some graphic designers work with just one client, while others serve multiple clients. Usually, a college degree is required, but in some cases, experience and software skills might be enough to qualify you. A graphic designer's hourly wage is $29.70 on average.
Librarian
Working in a library can be incredibly calming for people who experience anxiety. The atmosphere is typically quiet and relaxed, providing a low-stress environment for those working there. Libraries can be great places to work for people who need a calm and collected setting.
A librarian's duties include the following.
Librarians play an important role in helping people find and check out books and other materials. They are also responsible for cataloguing and organizing the materials within the library. In addition, librarians handle patron requests for books and library material. Some librarians also assist with library events, such as reading programmes or activities for neighbourhood youngsters. The average annual salary for a librarian is $81,000 per year. This job requires a degree in library science.
Maintenance worker
For people who might struggle with social anxiety, a job that keeps them isolated from other people could be appealing. Grounds person or maintenance positions often involve working alone; even if other people are around, there is usually little interaction required. Being a grounds person requires caring for an outdoor area or garden in a particular location. The primary duties include looking after plants and trees, keeping pathways neat, and cutting back greenery. The average hourly wage for this type of job is $16.95.
No two days are the same for a maintenance worker - one minute, they might be called upon to do something as simple as changing a lightbulb, and the next, they might start working on fixing a hole in the wall. Because of the job's unpredictability, maintenance workers must stay calm under pressure and think on their feet. Good problem-solving skills are necessary for anyone in this field. And because they often work in close quarters with other people, maintenance workers must be good team players.
Software Developer
Software development is a rapidly growing field that offers plenty of opportunities for advancement. As a software developer, you may have minimal interaction with co-workers and may even be able to work remotely, depending on the company you work for and your position. Your primary duties will include creating, designing, and building computer programs. Some developers focus on functional software, while others make engaging and appealing games. To pursue a career in software development, you'll usually need at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. The average annual salary for this career is $121,000, or $58.20 per hour.
Writer
If you're the type of person who likes to work independently and doesn't need much interaction with others, a career as a writer might appeal to you. Many writers work remotely, providing a more solitary atmosphere and may be helpful if you struggle with social anxiety. When it comes to writing, there are generally two paths you can take: producing content for other clients, like blog posts or marketing materials, or creating your content by writing novels or different types of books.
A career as a writer is often seen as a low-stress job, but this all depends on the type of work you wish to pursue. For example, if you choose to work as a journalist, you may face tight deadlines. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for a writer is $39.
Having anxiety doesn't have to mean that your life is over. There are plenty of career opportunities out there that could help you keep your symptoms and stress under control. Do some research to find out which path might be the best fit for you, then get your resume ready and start applying for jobs in your field of interest.
The application process can feel very daunting, so scheduling some time for breaks is best. Get up from your desk or step away from your phone, and take a few deep breaths to keep your stress levels in check. It might also be beneficial to speak with a mental health professional who can advise you on some healthy coping strategies for anxious feelings. Another way to calm your mind is through meditation, which can also help you to focus on positive thoughts.