7 lower-stress jobs for people with anxiety

Dealing with the effects of anxiety, a common mental health condition, can be challenging. Your moods and feelings might be unpredictable, making it difficult to know what jobs will offer fulfillment and growth. But you’re not alone, as the National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that over 40 million adults in the United States struggle with the effects of anxiety. If you feel like there aren’t any good opportunities for you, remind yourself that this isn’t the case. Many people with anxiety have fulfilling and enjoyable careers in line with their mental health needs. Check out some of the best jobs for people with anxiety as you consider what you want to do.

Consider your strengths

Although people with anxiety may have some similarities or symptoms in common, each individual is unique and has strengths, weaknesses, and abilities. Identifying your strengths is the first step in determining what jobs might be a good fit for you. Think about what activities you excel in and what motivates you. If you’re passionate about something, you might want to look into potential careers that align with your passions. For example, if you’ve always loved being around animals, veterinary medicine or an animal welfare career 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.”

Identify your triggers

Anxiety symptoms can pop up at any time, sometimes without much warning. But learning to identify your triggers and difficulties can help you avoid some situations in which you feel particularly anxious. Managing your stressors is easier when you understand what causes added stress, so think about what tends to trigger symptoms.

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. Many organizations offer flexible work arrangements and scheduling to accommodate employees and support their needs and desires. As you consider what might cause extra stress in the workplace, identify what solutions help you manage these stressors. It’s easier for a manager to say yes to a specific request than to devise a solution that may not be helpful on your behalf.

7 jobs for people with anxiety

As you determine what strengths you have that might help you thrive in a job, take a closer look at some of the best job opportunities for people with anxiety:

Accountant

If you enjoy working with numbers (but don’t necessarily enjoy working with other people), a job in accounting could be appealing. Accountants don’t typically interact with their co-workers, as they spend much time working independently. The significant duties of this role include researching and compiling financial transactions, reviewing records, and performing calculations. Although accountants might present their findings to a client, interaction with others is generally relatively low.

If deadlines overwhelm you, accounting may not be the field for you. During certain times of the year, accountants are often under more pressure to complete tasks quickly to keep up with demand. For example, tax accountants are extremely busy between January and April. To pursue this career path, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting. You may also take the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Exam (CPA exam) to become a certified public accountant (CPA). An accountant earns an average of $84,000 per year.

Dietitian

A dietitian helps clients learn and maintain healthy eating habits. Since mental health is often closely connected with physical health, understanding nutrition’s importance may help manage anxiety and other conditions. Working as a dietitian may offer you the opportunity to help other people overcome ailments and live healthier lives.

Primary duties include creating nutritional plans based on each client’s needs by providing support and dietary advice. The hourly rate for this position comes between $20.45 and $45.02, while the average annual salary is $65,500.

Graphic designer

Creative people can thrive in graphic design, which involves using software programs to create visual elements for companies. You might develop logos, websites, promotional materials, graphics, and other marketing materials as a graphic designer. Some graphic designers work full time for a single client, while others handle requests from multiple clients. This job might require a college degree, although experience and knowledge of the most common software programs might be enough to get your foot in the door. The average hourly rate for a graphic designer is $29.70.

Librarian

Working in a library may be one of the most appealing jobs for someone with anxiety. The atmosphere is typically quiet and relaxed, bringing very little stress to those working there.

A librarian’s duties include the following

• Helping patrons find and check out books and other materials
• Cataloging and organizing the materials within the library
• Handling patron requests for books and library material

Some librarians also help with events in the library, such as reading events or activities for local children. The average annual salary for a librarian is $81,000 per year. This job requires a degree in library science.

Maintenance worker

If you struggle with social anxiety, a job that doesn’t require you to interact with many other people might be appealing. Maintenance and groundskeeping positions often involve solo work; even if people are around, you don’t necessarily have to interact with them. Working as a groundskeeper requires caring for a particular location’s outdoor space or garden. The primary duties include cultivating plants and trees, keeping pathways clean, and trimming greenery. This job pays an average of $16.95 per hour.

Maintenance workers may have similar duties, or they might perform repairs when needed. Maintenance workers can work in residential communities, health care facilities, and other locations where maintenance work is necessary. The average hourly rate for a maintenance worker is $25.75.

Software developer

Software development is a rapidly growing field with room for advancement. Working as a software developer may also require minimal interaction with co-workers. You may even be able to work remotely, depending on the company you work for and your position. The primary duties of this role include creating, designing, and building computer programs. Some focus on functional software, while others make engaging and appealing games. A career in software development usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field and offers an average annual salary of $121,000, or $58.20 per hour.

Writer

Working as a writer may appeal to you if you like to work independently without much supervision or interaction with others. Many writers work remotely, providing a solitary atmosphere that may help with social anxiety. The two main paths for writers are producing content for other clients, such as blog posts and marketing materials, or creating your content by writing novels or different types of books.

In most cases, a job as a writer is relatively low stress, although you may face tight deadlines, depending on the type of work you choose to do. A writer earns an average of $39 per hour.

Anxiety doesn’t have to ruin your life or make it so you can’t support yourself. Explore some of these career opportunities to determine what might align with your symptoms and help keep your stress under control. Then prepare your resume and start applying for jobs that interest you.

The application process can feel overwhelming, so make time for breaks. Step away from your computer or phone and take deep breaths to keep your stress under control. It’s also beneficial to talk to a mental health professional who can help you learn coping strategies for anxious feelings. Meditating is another way to calm your mood and instill positive thoughts into your mind.

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