40 Low-Stress Jobs for People with Anxiety in 2022

Finding a job can be a stressful process for anyone. It can be even more stressful to find jobs for people with anxiety. 

If you have anxiety, you might find it difficult to be comfortable in a workplace. That is because, on top of having to manage the stress that comes with the job, you are also trying to manage your own anxiety.

Some work environments can trigger feelings of stress, panic, insecurity, and worry. Nonetheless, with the right consideration, you can find a job that suits you well and where you will feel fulfilled.

In this article, you will learn about:

• The different types of anxiety and how they impact work
• How anxiety can affect your career
• 40 low-stress job options for you
• How you can further expand your career options

What Type of Anxiety Do You Have?

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental conditions that are characterized by prevailing excessive fear and intense anxiety to the extent that it interferes with everyday life. 

These intense feelings can also be accompanied by other physical symptoms, such as increased heart rate, panic attacks, and nervousness.

There are many different types of anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for instance.

However, the two types that are most commonly provoked in work settings are generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Someone who suffers from generalized anxiety disorder would chronically feel anxious about ordinary life matters. For example, career, health, finance, and relationships potentially provoke overthinking, stress, and anxiety. 

A person with GAD tends to catastrophize matters, blowing them out of proportion, and therefore would worry unnecessarily most of the time. For example, being late to work might be followed by exaggerated anxiety and fear of getting fired.

At the same time, people with GAD are also commonly characterized as high achievers, detail-oriented, organized, proactive, and punctual.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

A person with social anxiety disorder would also feel extremely anxious and self-conscious but specifically in social settings. Things such as speaking in public, group dinners, and meeting new people can all bring up internal panic and feelings of extreme embarrassment. 

Someone with SAD will be frightened by the idea of being judged and scrutinized by others. For that reason, they might find it difficult to give a presentation in a workgroup meeting, for example.

On the bright side, researchers have found that people with SAD tend to be more emotionally intelligent and more compassionate than people who do not suffer from this type of anxiety.

Can Anxiety Prevent You From Succeeding Professionally?

In some work environments, you could have felt overly stressed, anxious, and possibly started doubting yourself and your professional abilities. 

Such an experience might have led you to think, “Can anxiety prevent me from being successful?” or even, “Can social anxiety prevent me from working?”

If this is you, don’t get discouraged. Here’s why:

If you find yourself unable to keep a job and grow your career, it doesn’t mean that you can’t succeed professionally. You may simply be choosing the wrong jobs for you.

Certainly, you can find a suitable job that works for your type of anxiety.

The key is to find work that utilizes your strongest skill-sets and minimizes your exposure to triggers.

There are plenty of jobs you can do.

For example, if you have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and you tend to pay attention to details, jobs such as being a researcher, graphic designer, or statistician could be more suited for you.

On the other hand, If you have social anxiety disorder (SAD), think of going for something that utilizes your high sense of compassion. Some of the great jobs for people with social anxiety are hypnotherapy, counseling, or life coaching. Jobs that allow you to help people and witness their progress can be gratifying and fulfilling. 

You could also consider jobs where you work alone, including freelancing or working remotely from the comfort of your own home, where you would feel less pressured and overwhelmed.

When you choose a job that is better suited for your needs, you’ll be able to manage your anxiety better and feel more comfortable at work.

What Kind of Jobs Can I Do If I Have Anxiety?

Below, we put together a list of the eight best jobs for people with anxiety. These jobs come with low-stress working environments and minimal triggers for people who have GAD or SAD. 

Several of these are also suitable for those who are looking for starter jobs. Finding your first job can be difficult, even more so when you suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Social Anxiety Disorder. So, if you are looking to make your first career move, look out for for details on ‘entry-level’ salaries, what careers offer on-the-job training, and whether you need any qualifications to get started.

Go through the list and see what intrigues you. 

Remember, if you see something on the list that piques your interest, but it has never crossed your mind before, don’t be afraid to explore something new. You may find something more suitable for your GAD or SAD than anything you’ve ever considered beforehand.

1. Writer

Good for individuals with: GAD & SAD

Writing can be a flexible job that does not require you to meet with many people. That makes it a good fit for those creative minds who have SAD. 

Freelancing as a writer can also allow you to create your own inspiring environment. Aside from having to deliver tasks before set deadlines, writing is a low-stress job which also makes it fitting for people with GAD. 

You may be able to make a career in writing after getting some training and participating in some writing workshops and gigs. 

Having a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or communications can make for a smoother career transition; however, it is not an absolute necessity.

It also is worth noting that there are different types of writing careers that you can explore, and several levels ranging from starter, to professional. 

Here are a few for you to consider:

• An entry-level columnist with an average annual salary of $48,895.
• Blog writing with an average annual salary of $51,395.
• Technical writer—writing instructional manuals—with an average annual salary of $57,366.

2. Software developer/Programmer

Good for individuals with: SAD

If you are more inclined towards technology, this job might be for you. 

Working with computer software requires a great deal of focus, analytical skills, and a low-distraction environment. Therefore this makes it a perfect match for people with SAD. 

Typically, these jobs require a college degree, but is a great starter job option if you are prepared to receive education beforehand. 

Since this type of work depends on having good command in coding, learning a coding language on your own can be sufficient for you to start working in this field. You can learn it through online courses or physical coding boot camps.

Also, you will be happy to know that this field can provide a pretty decent average annual salary: 

• Software developer – $107,501.
• Computer programmer – $86,550.
• Web developer – $73,760.

3. Therapist

Good for individuals with: SAD

Yes, you read it right: therapist. 

If you think that you can’t be a therapist while you have anxiety, then you are in for a surprise. 

On the contrary, you can use your anxiety to your advantage. It can allow you to better understand what your clients are going through.

Marisa Peer, best-selling author and voted Britain’s #1 therapist, developed an award-winning therapeutic modality—Rapid Transformational Therapy® (RTT®). 

RTT® is a hybrid therapy that combines the best of hypnotherapy, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

RTT® is best known for delivering faster results compared to conventional therapy. It can resolve issues such as fears, phobias, and anxieties.

Becoming an RTT® therapist means you get to be your own boss. This is great for people with SAD because it allows flexibility in session scheduling, whether it be scheduling them far apart from each other, online, or in the location they prefer.

It’s also worth noting that becoming an RTT® therapist does not require you to have any degrees in psychology. You can become a certified Rapid Transformational Therapist by taking a certification training. This also means this could be a great option if you are looking for your starter job, as you are helped to learn everything you need to know in order to prosper in this field.

This option comes with the bonus that you can use the knowledge that you get from the course to better understand and help release your own anxiety.

The average annual salary for an RTT® therapist is $46,240. However, like many RTT® therapists, you can earn considerably more.

4. Graphic designer

Good for individuals with: GAD & SAD

Graphic designers transfer ideas into visual concepts. They work on specific design software to create things such as logos, brand identities, and product designs. 

This is also a matching job if you are creative and interested in visual communications.

As a graphic designer, you can work from home or anywhere you like because all you need is your computer. This makes it particularly perfect for people with SAD.

Equally, it’s also perfect for people with GAD, given that designing requires you to be mentally engaged, which distracts you from excessive worry. 

Even though a college degree would surely boost your skill-set in this field, if you learn how to use the design software required or take some online courses, you would be good to go. There are generally many starter options on offer for this field, so if you have a passion for graphic design, this is a great option to consider for your very first role.

If you decide to choose graphic design as a career, you would also have the option to work in corporate or as a freelancer. 

The average annual salary for a graphic designer is $52,110.

5. Fitness trainer 

Good for individuals with: GAD & SAD

Since becoming a trainer requires you to be physically fit and make healthier dietary choices, you’ll be following a healthier lifestyle. 

As proven by studies, this lifestyle helps reduce anxiety and risks of other chronic diseases, which makes fitness training a fitting choice for people with GAD. 

For people with SAD, this can also be a good occupation considering they can focus on one-on-one private training or online personal training that minimizes interactions with people. 

Also, to become a trainer, you don’t necessarily need any college education. You would only be required to have a high school diploma, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification, and get accredited by one of the known certifying bodies, which also makes this an ideal starter job for someone with anxiety. 

The average annual salary for a fitness trainer is $40,390.

6. Landscaper

Good for individuals with: GAD & SAD

If you have SAD or GAD and are one of those people who love to spend time in nature, this might be a great choice for you. At this job, you would work on building and maintaining gardens, parks, and other outdoor landscapes. 

This job is great for introverts with anxiety and individuals with SAD because not only will you have control over the number of people you deal with, but spending time in nature will also reduce your anxiety. 

This career field can sometimes offer on-the-job training, which means you can expect to join at a starter level if you are looking for your very first role.

The average annual salary for a landscaper is $35,401.

7. Pet care professional 

Good for individuals with: GAD & SAD

If you are one of those people who value time spent with pets, animal care services could be what you are looking for. 

In fact, it’s not just a job – interacting and taking care of animals decreases your anxiety, which notably helps people with GAD. Also, your interactions with pet owners are minimal, which makes it a good job for introverts with anxiety or people with SAD.

Because pet services jobs do not require any formal education, it is an easy one to transition into. 

There are many options in this area that you can explore. Examples of animal care services include grooming, training, and animal sitting.

The average annual salary for a pet care professional is $24,990.

8. Photographer

Good for individuals with: GAD & SAD

There are many specialties under photography that you can pursue. For example, there is portrait photography, animal photography, and photojournalism. 

You can also choose nature or landscape photography, which has a calming effect and can help soothe your anxiety.

If you have GAD, focusing on the scenery or the object you are capturing can distract you from over-analyzing or over-thinking. In addition to that, if you have SAD, this job grants you limited interactions with people as well.

Even though photojournalism requires a bachelor’s degree, other types of photography can be pursued if you have creative eyes and a good understanding of cameras, but that can be developed after taking a physical or an online course and with a bit of practice. 

The average annual salary of a photographer is $36,280.

40 Low-Stress Jobs for People with Anxiety

Still haven’t found your calling? Not to worry – there are plenty of more options.

Check out our chart with 40 jobs for people with anxiety, including all the necessary information to help you make a decision. If you are looking for a starter role, pay particular attention to whether or not the role requires a college degree, and if the role typically included on-the-job training.

Treat Your Anxiety And Expand Your Job Options

Because you now know whether you have GAD or SAD, you can find a job that suits your type of anxiety. 

After going through 40 suitable potential jobs, how would you feel if we tell you that you have even more options?

From her three decades of experience as a therapist, working with clients from royalty to rockstars, CEOs, and Olympic athletes, Marisa designed Rapid Transformational Therapy® (RTT®) to get to the root cause of your anxiety and resolve it once and for all in just one to three sessions. 

According to Marisa, the cause of phobia, anxiety, and many other issues lies in our subconscious mind—beyond our level of awareness.

In an RTT® session, while you are in a deep state of relaxation, your RTT® therapist will access your subconscious, remove any blocks, and instead instill strong, positive ideas and beliefs that will free you from all that is holding you back. 

Without anxiety or other hindering beliefs, you will not only have more job opportunities, you will also feel a new sense of freedom in your life all around. 

Taking a session with an RTT® therapist to finally relieve your anxiety may be your first step towards becoming an RTT® therapist yourself.