10 Jobs for People with Anxiety

Everyone feels anxious at times. But, for some, the feeling of anxiety rarely goes away. Having an anxiety disorder can affect different aspects of life, which is why there are certain jobs for people with anxiety.

The list of jobs we share here are not meant just for people with anxiety. Instead, they are some of the best jobs for people with anxiety because of their characteristics and features.

Let’s get to it!

Source: Unsplash

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress that occurs within your body. Anxiety puts your body on high alert. The flight or flight activation translates into feelings of tension, restlessness, nervousness, and panic.

While feelings of anxiety happen to everyone at several points in life, some people have anxiety disorders. In extreme cases, an anxiety disorder can be debilitating and cause one to live life differently than they want to because of the fear and feelings that arise.

Anxiety disorders represent the most common form of emotional disorders. They include:

• Social anxiety disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Separation anxiety disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Phobia
• Panic disorder

What to Look for in Low-Stress Jobs

If you suffer from any of these anxiety disorders, then it’s a good idea to find jobs that possess certain characteristics that make them less stressful, like:

• Flexible hours and deadlines
• Work from home
• Remote flex

 Source: Unsplash 

Top 10 Jobs For People With Anxiety

Whether you’re working on selecting your major or you’ve graduated and are ready to enter the workforce, then there are a lot of jobs that can be suitable for a person with an anxiety disorder.

Consider the following relatively low stress jobs for people with anxiety:

1. Freelance Writer

If you have a way with words, freelance writing could be a great fit. As a freelancer, you get to set your own rates and hours of work. Naturally, with this type of work, there will be deadlines, but you can choose how much or how little to take on at a time.

Additionally, you can work at the time of day or night that you are most productive, which can help to ease pressure.

Freelance writers’ salaries vary greatly based on the type of writing they provide to their clients and their experience. In the United States, Ziprecruiter’s data shows that the average salary for a freelance writer is $63,213 per year.

2. IT Specialist

An IT Specialist works within organizations to assist with technology. They set up, maintain, and troubleshoot networks and computer systems so that employees have what they need to perform their jobs as efficiently as possible.

To work as an IT specialist, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a field like computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or a similar field.

In the U.S., the average salary for an IT specialist is $58,482 annually. 

3. Librarian

Librarians are responsible for organizing and maintaining libraries. They could work at a public library, within a school, or at a museum, for example. They help people locate resources, catalog books, and audit the library.

While some libraries prefer to hire a librarian with a bachelor’s degree, some may be open to hiring a high school graduate for the job. Librarians get to work in a relatively calm and quiet environment, which could be very pleasant for someone who has anxiety.

The average salary for a librarian is $66,952.

4. Dog Walker

Like the title of the job implies, a dog walker is responsible for walking dogs and returning them safely back to their owner’s home. To become a dog walker, there are some courses and even certifications available. You can either create your own dog walking business or work for a company like Rover or Wag.

If you’re a dog lover, then becoming a dog walker can be a great option to make money because you get to walk and be around dogs all day. Both of these activities can help to relieve stress and quell anxiety.

The average annual salary for a dog walker is $29,921. 

5. Uber Driver

Another flexible job option is to become a driver for Uber, Lyft, or similar services. The benefit here is that you can set your own hours. If you suffer from social anxiety, becoming a driver is a solid way to practice talking to small amounts of people for short amounts of time.

The average salary for an Uber driver in America ranges between $30,000 to $40,000. This number varies based on how much you work and when and where you drive.

6. Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create graphics for different media like websites, print, signs, and more. They are responsible for understanding their client’s vision and bringing it to life through the use of design programs.

Becoming a graphic designer is a great option for someone with anxiety because it is highly creative and requires focus that allows you to get lost in the work. Depending on where you work, you will likely be able to work individually (although you often collaborate with other teams, designers, and departments).

Glassdoor reports that the average salary for a graphic designer is $52,446 annually. 

7. Transcriptionist

Transcriptionists listen to audio or video recordings of various kinds and create written versions of the words. They may work for law firms, doctor’s offices, insurance companies, government agencies, and more. Once they’ve completed transcription, they review their work. In some cases, they sit with clients to ensure that the final documents accurately reflect what was said.

The job can also be performed at home, which makes it enticing for those with anxiety disorders.

The average salary is $58,441. 

8. Grounds Maintenance Worker

Grounds maintenance workers create beautiful outdoor environments by performing upkeep on the grounds at businesses, parks, and houses. They’re responsible for mowing lawns, trimming hedges, planting and watering flowers, weeding landscapes, etc.

Although the work can be demanding at times, the beauty of working alongside nature and outdoors can provide a peaceful environment.

The national average salary for this position is $42,897. 

9. Painter

Painters prepare rooms and buildings for painting and then apply paint and new finishes. They may have to mix paint and oils to get the desired color. There is no college degree required for the job, but a high school diploma can provide a competitive advantage.

Painters earn an average of $40,280 per year.

10. Plant Nursery Attendant

For the same reasons a grounds maintenance worker job is pleasant for anyone with anxiety, so is a plant nursery attendant position. Plant nursery attendants work in greenhouses and outdoors to take care of plants and greenery. They plant, grow, prune, transfer, and care for nature.

On average, they earn $31,199.

The Bottom Line

The above list of jobs for people with anxiety provides options that are flexible, individually performed, creative, and generally low-stress.

Depending on what you like to do, you can find a job in your desired field that can alleviate anxiety and allow you to make a living (and a life).