“Hold up,” you’re thinking. “I don’t actually hate people. I just like them better in small doses.”
You don’t have to be antisocial to be better suited to jobs that require little (if any) social interaction. If you’re an introvert, social interaction drains you of energy more quickly.
And for any full-time job, you need all the energy you can get.
If that got your attention, read on to learn about the 21 best jobs for people who hate people (figuratively speaking).
- Jobs That Don’t Require Human Interaction
- 36 Jobs for People Who Hate People
- 1. Accountant or Auditor
- 2. Animal care worker
- 3. B2B Sales Representative
- 4. Behavioral Therapist or Mental Health Counselor
- 5. Computer Programmer or Web Developer
- 6. Content Manager
- 7. Drafter
- 8. Editor
- 9. Engineer
- 10. Freelancer or Creative Consultant
- 11. Graphic Designer
- 12. IT Manager
- 13. Landscape Designer
- 14. Paralegal or Legal Assistant
- 15. Librarian (or Librarian’s Assistant)
- 16. Marketing Specialist or Market Research Analyst
- 17. Researcher or Research Scientist
- 18. Skilled Tradesperson
- 19. Social Media Marketer (SMM) or Social Media Manager
- 20. Voice Actor
- 21. Writer / Blogger
- Best Jobs That Don't Require Talking or Interacting with People
Jobs That Don’t Require Human Interaction
Where do you find jobs that don’t deal with people?
And by that, I mean jobs that don’t require human interaction every… freaking… minute of your shift.
- Let’s be honest, jobs like that take a toll. It changes the way you see people. It erodes your patience and goodwill toward customers and people in general.
- If you’re an introvert, you know just how exhausting it can be to deal with even one unpleasant person per day. And it’s not about being weak or thin-skinned.
- It’s about where you get your energy. Some of us (extroverts) are actually energized by being around people — while some of us (introverts) restore our energy through solitude.
Neither of us are freaks of nature. The world needs both.
So, it’s no surprise that some jobs lend themselves better to introverts (with their native strengths), while others appeal more to extroverts and their more sociable nature.
That said, we hope our list of jobs for people who hate people leads you to something that will help you hate them a lot less.
36 Jobs for People Who Hate People
Introverts, rejoice (separately, in your own homes)! Turns out, there are plenty of jobs out there with no customer interaction. And if you enjoy helping people but would rather deal with them one at a time, some of the jobs in this list are ideal for that.
1. Accountant or Auditor
If you enjoy working with numbers and keeping your personal finances organized and in good standing, you might enjoy doing the same for an employer or your clients.
And if you take particular delight in solving mysteries with a paper trail, consider work as an auditor to help your employer or clients recover funds or expose fraud or embezzlement.
2. Animal care worker
If you love working with animals (maybe more than with people), consider one of the following animal care or service jobs:
3. B2B Sales Representative
Sales can be much more manageable for introverts when it’s focused on selling to other businesses (B2B) rather than to customers (B2C).
While you might recoil from the idea of hours of face-time with the latter, you might have no trouble making targeted phone calls or emails to businesses likely to be interested in your product or service (or your client’s).
4. Behavioral Therapist or Mental Health Counselor
If mental health is a defining priority for you, and you’re looking for a job where most, if not all, your social contact with clients is one-on-one, consider a career as a behavioral therapist or mental health counselor.
This one takes a college degree, too, but if you’re planning on college anyway, a four-year degree in Psychology can open doors to a variety of interesting and fulfilling jobs.
5. Computer Programmer or Web Developer
If you enjoy tinkering with computer code to create interactive website or time-saving apps, consider a career as a computer programmer or web developer (frontend, backend, or full-stack).
And if you’d rather create mobile apps (for iOS or Android), there are plenty of opportunities for creative and detail-oriented app developers.
6. Content Manager
As a content manager, you would oversee your company’s content creation and strategy development. Among your duties, you’d coordinate the editorial calendar, manage content publishing, and ensure all content aligns with the company’s brand and business goals.
In your role as manager, you would also oversee any content writers and content strategists hired or contracted by the organization.
7. Drafter
If you enjoy drawing and have a penchant for precision in design, why not pursue a career in civil, architectural, or mechanical drafting?
Imagine yourself quietly drafting a design for a new community center. Or maybe you’ll be the one drafting the plan for a new overpass in your area — or a new machine for a local business.
8. Editor
Much depends on the approach you want to take as an editor — and on the type of editing work available to you. You might start as a proofreader and then move on to sentence-level and paragraph-level editing as a copy editor and content editor.
You might even hone your skills as a developmental or structural editor for fiction writers and become a well-known and well-paid resource among self-publishing authors.
9. Engineer
Granted, this one takes at least a Bachelor’s degree to get your foot in the door, but once you’ve got that, engineers are very much in demand (always) whether you want to focus on electronics, software, machines, or civil engineering projects.
Job security is typically not a problem, as long as you keep your skills and knowledge up to date. Good thing introverts (as a rule) love to keep their minds busy.
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10. Freelancer or Creative Consultant
If working for yourself as a freelancer or creative consultant appeals to you, there are plenty of books, blogs, videos, and online courses that can help you get started.
Here are some freelancing or consulting options to consider:
11. Graphic Designer
If you love creating beautiful things with your computer, consider graphic design. You’ll get even farther if you’re also interested in marketing and enjoy creating materials that help your clients communicate their brand and attract their target audience.
If you love designing book covers, you can also earn a respectable income as a professional book cover designer — working either as a consultant or with a publishing company.
12. IT Manager
If you enjoy technology and have a particular interest in computer security, as well as learning the ins and outs of every program you use, you might enjoy working as an IT Manager or IT Specialist.
The IT Manager oversees the work of the IT Specialists on staff and manages the security and operation of the company’s information systems. They handle software and hardware upgrades, manage the technology budget and direct junior IT staff.
13. Landscape Designer
If you enjoy beautifying the outdoors with thoughtfully-chosen plants, stones, and other natural elements, why not consider a career as a Landscape Designer?
Whatever your design style — or, to put it better, your brand as a landscape designer — you’ll help property owners ensure their outdoor spaces complement their interiors while meeting local code requirements.
14. Paralegal or Legal Assistant
If you’re looking for a career in the legal field but would rather not be the one presenting the case in the courtroom, paralegals do a lot of the lawyering work but without being in the spotlight.
And because certification programs are voluntary in most states, you can find work as a paralegal or legal assistant without obtaining certification.
15. Librarian (or Librarian’s Assistant)
Most book lovers flirt with the idea of working in a library or bookshop, but if you’re genuinely interested in becoming a librarian, do your homework to learn what the job entails.
Granted, libraries are supposed to be quiet places for study, research, and book browsing. But as a librarian, you’ll be the one in charge, and patrons will call upon you for a variety of reasons.
16. Marketing Specialist or Market Research Analyst
If you enjoy doing market research and finding the best way to market a company’s product or service, you might enjoy working as a Marketing Specialist or Market Research Analyst.
After all, you get paid to do research (something many of us introverts love to do anyway), and if you can also write engaging marketing analysis reports to present your findings, you’ll more than double your value as a marketing expert.
17. Researcher or Research Scientist
If you love research but would rather spend your time in a science lab — preparing, executing, and documenting experiments — consider working as a Research Scientist.
If you love science and enjoy working quietly to explore possibilities and gain valuable knowledge, take a closer look at the options in this field.
18. Skilled Tradesperson
There are a number of skilled trades (plumber, electrician, mechanic, etc.) that would allow you to render valuable services to your customers without having to deal with an overwhelming number of them each day.
If you get paid by the hour, the incentive to leave you alone roughly corresponds to your rate. Most customers will want the work done as soon as possible, anyway.
19. Social Media Marketer (SMM) or Social Media Manager
If you love social media and have a knack for it, consider a career as a Social Media Manager for a business as part of their marketing team.
You could also offer consulting services as a Social Media Marketer, helping your clients make the most of their social media presence.
20. Voice Actor
If you’ve ever lent your voice to an author for their audiobook and found you enjoyed the work, you’d probably working as a voice actor — either offering your services as a freelancer or consultant or joining a publishing company’s creative team.
Aside from audiobooks, you might narrate documentary videos or podcast stories. And if you supplement your skills with video editing and audio editing know-how, you’ll be all the more valuable as a creative team member or consultant.
21. Writer / Blogger
This one should be on every list of jobs for introverts (and it probably is). Whatever writing you particularly enjoy, there are loads of opportunities in this field. Here are just a few you might focus on as an employed or freelance writer:
Best Jobs That Don't Require Talking or Interacting with People
Do you thrive in silence? Love your own company? This one's for you. Here are the top jobs that let you earn a living without the chit-chat or water cooler conversations. Dive in and discover your introvert-friendly dream job.
22. Data Analyst
Put your love for numbers to good use in this quiet job. As a data analyst, you'll dive deep into complex data sets, drawing out meaningful insights to drive business decisions.
While it requires a strong skill set in mathematics and software, it generally lacks in-person interaction. Your screen, numbers, and analysis tools will become your best pals!
23. Archivist
This role is perfect for those who find comfort in the organized chaos of historical documents, photos, and records. Archivists curate, process, and maintain important historical data and assets.
It's a role full of exploration and discovery with minimal human interaction, providing a peaceful work environment.
24. Software Developer
Got a passion for problem-solving and coding? Software developers spend their time designing, creating, and testing software or mobile apps. Interaction is often limited to online collaboration tools.
Plus, with the rise of remote work, you can code in your pajamas if you wish!
25. Park Ranger
For nature-loving introverts, a park ranger's job could be ideal. Responsibilities usually include maintaining parks, guiding visitors, and protecting wildlife.
While some interaction may be necessary, the vast majority of time is spent in the company of nature.
26. Laboratory Technician
If you enjoy science and precision, consider becoming a laboratory technician.
In this role, you'll conduct tests, analyze samples, and maintain laboratory equipment, generally within a quiet lab setting. It's an important job that mostly keeps you away from the spotlight.
27. Night Watchman
Night watchmen ensure the safety of buildings after hours. A generally solitary job, it's perfect for those who appreciate peace and quiet.
Apart from routine security checks and occasional reporting, your time will be yours to enjoy.
28. Professional Gardener
Green thumbs can earn a living tending to plants and landscapes as professional gardeners.
Working mostly outdoors, you can design, plant, and maintain green spaces with very little interaction unless you count talking to your plants.
29. Long-Haul Truck Driver
As a long-haul truck driver, you'll spend most of your workdays alone, driving through different terrains and enjoying varying landscapes.
If you love the open road and solitude, this job will satisfy both while you deliver essential goods across the country.
30. E-commerce Retailer
Running an online store can be a lucrative and interaction-free business. From sourcing or making products to managing listings and shipping items, all operations can be done in solitude.
Plus, you have the freedom to choose an industry you're passionate about.
31. Forensic Scientist
A job in forensic science can provide a quiet and engaging work environment.
Spend your days analyzing crime scene evidence and contributing to criminal investigations. You'll play a critical role in the justice system, all while enjoying relative solitude.
32. Translator
If you're proficient in more than one language, a career in translation can be profitable and solitary.
Translators work on converting written documents from one language to another. It's a job where precision is key, and interruptions are few.
33. Librarian
Libraries: the introvert's haven. As a librarian, you'll manage books, assist with research, and perform administrative duties.
Despite some interactions, libraries maintain a silent, serene environment where books make up the majority of your company.
34. Wildlife Photographer
Imagine a career where your subjects are in the wild, and the sound of nature is your office buzz.
Wildlife photographers spend much of their time capturing the beauty of the natural world, making it a dream job for photography enthusiasts who enjoy solitude.
35. Sound Technician
Ideal for music and audio enthusiasts, a sound technician's role mostly involves managing, operating, and maintaining audio equipment.
Whether in a recording studio or live event, the focus is on sound and not socializing, making it a suitable job for introverts.
36. Virtual Assistant
As a virtual assistant, you’ll handle administrative tasks from the comfort of your home. Duties might include scheduling appointments, managing emails, and data entry.
Interaction is typically limited to email and instant messaging, offering a quieter work environment.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve looked over our list of jobs for introverts, which ones stood out for you? Maybe you’ve tried one and are ready for something different — with about the same social energy requirements.
So many of us try one job, thinking, “Hey this would be great for me because I don’t have to deal with so many people.” And then we find out we’d rather deal with more people than with some of the aspects of the job we’ve chosen.
No one expects you to know the best career to pursue right out of high school. There’s a reason so many of us experience mid-life career changes.
And as scary as it can be when you’re making that change, you can look forward to the new knowledge you’ll gain and the new experiences you’ll have.
May your next job (however long it lasts) help you become the person you want to be.