Do you feel emotionally detached, anxious or burned out at work? If so, you're not alone. If there's one main factor that inhibits work productivity, engagement, or career and job satisfaction, it's anxiety and stress. A Gallup study from 2022 revealed that 34% of Gen Z and younger Millennials are burned out at work, while 68% experience high stress levels in the workplace. This leads to 65% of Millennials rating personal wellbeing and improved work-life balance almost equally as important in their criteria for a new job, as pay and benefits.
Additionally, an estimated 84% of workers in the U.S. experienced at least one mental health challenge in 2021, Corporate Wellness Magazine reported, which makes switching jobs, employers, and even careers, even more imperative if you find yourself anxiety-prone or under negative levels of stress at work.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is defined by the American Psychological Association as "an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure. People with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns," it continues. "They may avoid certain situations out of worry. They may also have physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat."
Does this sound like you?
How To Manage Your Anxiety In The Workplace
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms in your current job, you need to analyze the root cause. Could it be your that you're worried because of the toxic work culture, due to your team members? Do you feel harassed or discriminated against at work? Are you worried about the constant threat of losing your job? Is your boss overbearing or micro-managing you? Do you feel that you lack the support of your employer? Or perhaps you're worried about the future of your career, or how to pay the bills on your low salary.
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All these are valid concerns, and it is critical to seek external, professional support to help you navigate and manage your anxiety.
However, you should also consider a change of environment. Anxiety in the workplace, especially if induced by your work, can prevent you from not only enjoying your job, but subsequently leads to underperformance which prevents you from progressing in your career.
Sometimes, the solution could be as simple as requesting to switch roles while working for the same employer because you feel anxious in people-facing jobs, due to social anxiety. Other times it might be that you decide to change employer to escape the toxic work environment. Or perhaps you might choose to reconsider your entire career.
Careers For People With Anxiety Or Social Anxiety
Whatever the case may be, take a look at this list of careers for people with anxiety or social anxiety, and research them to get more context into the role.
Bear in mind that salaries listed are taken from salary comparison sites Glassdoor and Salary.com, and that specific requirements for each role may vary depending on your specific location. Also "low-stress" is subjective and can be influenced by several factors including choice of employer, location, work environment, niche, etc., so what may be perceived as easy for one may not be for another. Carefully explore and research your options before jumping to conclusions.
1. Groundskeeper/Gardener
Many jobs that involve working in the outdoors are highly suitable for people with social anxiety, because you are less client-facing, and you have more time to enjoy nature, the scenery around you, and get lost in your own thoughts. Taking care of gardens and keeping them presentable can be an enjoyable experience as you nurture plants, see the fruit of your labor, and rest your eyes on peaceful surroundings.
Understanding of plant life, having background experience as a gardener, and any relevant horticultural qualifications, plus a genuine passion for the outdoors are prerequisites for this role.
Average salary range: $34,000 to $60,000 per annum
2. Massage Therapist
Working as massage therapist is a great job if you experience anxiety due to high pressure environments. You will only be seeing one client at a time, and if you work for yourself it will be on your own schedule. Additionally, the role itself promotes a quiet, peaceful environment. You will need to undertake massage therapy training and pass the relevant state license exam to start a career in this field.
Average salary range: $57,000 to $104,000 per annum
3. Librarian
Librarians serve the community through hosting a range of books for public access. From day to day, you would be storing and stocking books and shelves, maintaining records, keeping books in the back office, and occasionally putting on educational or employment-focused events. This is a slow-paced role that is naturally in a quiet environment, due to the reading and study activities that take place in libraries. To be a librarian, you would usually need a degree and/or certification accredited by the American Library Association.
Average salary range: $43,000 to $67,000 per annum
4. Graphic Designer
Graphic designers develop promotional material for their clients, in the form of photos, adverts, banners, flyers, and even business cards and website designs.
Careers within the arts are usually quite relaxing and comforting for those who suffer anxiety, because you're able to express your emotions and find therapy through your creative work. Additionally, it does not require high levels of client-facing activity most of the time.
Having prior experience in graphic design is helpful if you desire to strike out on your own as a freelancer, and holding a degree within marketing or design-related field is a bonus.
Average salary range: $47,000 to $68,000 per annum
5. Photographer
There are a variety of specialties you can choose within the photography industry; for example you could be a wildlife or nature photographer, food photographer, wedding photographer, or specialize in corporate shoots. Catching priceless moments can be an exciting experience and one that is typically not as demanding as other high-stress jobs.
While it is not necessary to obtain formal education or qualifications to be a photographer, a degree in fine arts is helpful, in addition to practical hands-on experience. Undertake short courses or hands-on training to start a career in this profession, and build up your portfolio.
Average salary range: $63,000 to $83,000 per annum
6. Pet Groomer/Pet Sitter
Pets are world of their own, and spending time with animals and taking care of them while their busy owners are on vacation or at work can be a therapeutic and enjoyable experience. No formal education is necessary, however you will need prior experience working with animals, understanding of animal behavior, and pet grooming training before you start this role.
Average salary range: $37,000 to $47,000 per annum
7. Fitness Instructor
As a fitness instructor, you would be designing and delivering engaging classes, usually at a gym or bootcamp, and you might even decide to host classes or record training videos online. Some fitness instructors are also personal trainers, which means they work one-to-one with clients to help them achieve their fitness goals.
Exercise releases positive hormones into the body, so this role is well suited to stressed and anxious people. Additionally, seeing others achieve their health goals is very motivating. You will need a recognized qualification and/or degree within sports and/or personal training, and an enthusiasm for health and fitness.
Average salary range: $33,000 to $82,000 per annum
8. Interior Designer
Interior designers use their experience and knowledge of design principles, client needs, and research to make informed decisions to create and coordinate a range of spaces for commercial, domestic, and public use. They ensure these spaces achieve a balance of being creative and having beautiful aesthetics, while also being functional. Working in interior design can help you express your creativity through your work, which can reduce stress levels.
However, there are some aspects of the role that may be considered stressful, such as project deadlines for example. So it's important to find ways to manage these demands so that you can enjoy your work. Prerequisites for this career include a degree in interior design or a related field, a strong portfolio, and a high level of technical skills, model-making and creativity.
Average salary range: $41,000 to $56,000 per annum
Other Low-Stress Jobs To Consider
Below is a list of other roles that might help you reduce anxiety and social anxiety:
- Baker
- Archivist
- Accountant
- Remote IT specialist
- Software developer
- Pet trainer
- Park ranger
- Computer programmer
- Chef
- Researcher
- Landscaper
- Construction worker
- Veterinarian
- Lab technician
- Course creator
- Online tutor
- Museum curator/archivist
There you have it! Explore each of the above roles to assess what would be the best fit for you, your health and wellbeing needs, and personal circ*mstances. Whether you choose to express yourself through creative outlets, analytical tasks, or roles that emphasize well-being, these options will help you to find a purpose and a career that aligns with your passion, interests, and preferences.
