We all know that certain personality types will suit some roles better than others. But introverts – loosely defined as those who prefer spending time alone over socialising – seem to get the worst end of the stick when it comes to the recruitment process.
In the business world, extroversion is commonly rewarded. Everywhere you look, vacancies are demanding skills that don’t come naturally to wallflowers, such as the ability to work in a team, or communicate well.
Thankfully, there are some lesser-known roles which are perfect for those who work best on their own. We’ve listed them below, alongside their average salary, for a complete list of the best ‘lone wolf’ work professions.
We’ve also included jobs you can do while you’re self-employed, by registering as a sole trader. The clue is in the name: sole traders often operate their business on their own, so they can set their own working style that suits their own unique disposition.
1. Bookkeeping
Bookkeeping is the perfect career for Type A individuals who love burying their heads in a spreadsheet. As a bookkeeper, you’ll take care of all financial transactions for clients or employers (usually businesses, although occasionally high-net worth individuals).
This role does require communicating with clients, so it isn’t one for complete anti-socials. However, because bookkeeping can be done entirely online, most of this interaction is through virtual correspondence in a calm, library-like environment. Perfect.
Required skills for bookkeeping:
- Data-entry and computer literacy
- Proficient with Microsoft Excel and accounting software
- Knowledge of basic bookkeeping principles
- Organisational and attention to detail
2. Craft seller
Introverts enjoy quiet time in a calm working environment, which is why many choose to become a crafter. Whether you crochet, paint, or make trendy TikTok jewellery, monetising your hobby is a great way to run your own business on your own terms.
Setting up an Etsy store, or else selling on Amazon, is one route into this career path. However, for those who don’t mind the occasional trip outdoors, you can also look for small local trade shows to become a market seller and flog your wares in person.
Required skills for selling crafts:
- Obviously, expertise in a craft
- Business administration
- Sales and marketing
- Branding and product design
3. Copywriter
Digital copywriting is an incredibly in-demand skill, with brands seeking ever more inventive social media posts and blogs to stand out from their internet peers.
As an employed copywriter, you’ll avoid draining small talk sessions in the office, as you’ll work closely with only a few people in-house. Instead, most of your time will be spent penning creative masterpieces at the desk.
Anyone with a flare for writing can also easily monetise their passion by becoming a freelance copywriter. Simply set up a portfolio, decide on your rates, and put finger to keyboard. And, as copywriting can be done anywhere, it’s also an ideal digital nomad job.
Required skills for copywriting:
- Proficiency in your chosen language
- Ability to research
- Creative thinking
- Ability to meet deadlines
4. Cleaning business owner
Cleaning can still be an excellent profession for introverted people, as you’ll interact sparingly with clients and can get on with the job in hand.
Starting a cleaning business is the most lucrative way into this industry. Residential or domestic cleaning is your best bet, as you’ll likely need to manage a team of workers to sanitise entire office buildings.
Required for starting a cleaning business:
- Attention to detail
- Marketing skills
- Equipment and products
5. Data scientist
Data science is another remote job that can be done away from noisy and busy social settings. In this role, you’ll analyse and interpret complex digital data, which (like bookkeeping) means a lot of time spent burying your head in spreadsheets.
Of course, data scientists don’t operate in a vacuum. You’ll occasionally need to come up for air to present your findings to clients or department heads, particularly as you become more experienced. But the job can mostly be done from the comfort of your own space.
Required skills for data scientists:
- Data visualisation
- Statistical thinking
- Database management
- Cloud computing
6. Dropshipping
Dropshipping, where you sell goods directly from the manufacturer to the customer, is a dream profession for introverts. You don’t ever have to meet, speak to, or even email, your suppliers. You can simply set up a dropshipping website and start automating your sales.
No job is completely without communication, and it’s a smart idea to have a messaging channel open for customers to contact your storefront in case of an emergency. But even this, you can automate, making dropshipping the ultimate business model for shy sellers.
Required skills for dropshippers:
7. Gardener
The meek shall inherit the Earth. Or, they shall shovel it. Plenty of introverts love escaping to the rural countryside to be alone with their thoughts, and working as a gardener is a great way to make a career out of a passion for the stillness and solitude of the great outdoors.
There are a plethora of career options to plant your flag in, here. Garden maintenance is the easiest route, and doesn’t necessitate any green fingered certificates. More qualified gardeners can also manage centres or nurseries, and even large grounds and woodlands.
Required skills for gardeners:
- Customer service skills
- Eye for design
- Ability to operate and control heavy equipment
- Physical dexterity (eg. lifting and bending)
8. Pet care
Many introverts will tell you they prefer the company of animals to people. They’re in luck. Pet care is a booming industry and there are plenty of ways to make money in a career that allows you to spend boundless time with furry friends – and negligible time with their owners.
There’s not a lot of money in the sector, so we’d recommend it for part-time work. Dog grooming is probably the most lucrative profession. However, you can also set up a dog walking business, or become a pet sitter by training online.
Required for pet care:
- Pet business insurance
- Organisational skills
- Business administration
- Caring nature
9. Proofreader and copy editor
Proofreaders are the unsung heroes of the publishing world. They check every piece of important copy for grammar, spelling, and punctuation and accuracy. Copy editors do a similar role, however they tend to make heavier edits and can earn up to £42,000 a year.
Bookworms will be best-suited to this role, but keep in mind that the best proofreaders aren’t those who check basic copy. Editors are often needed to factcheck reams of technical material, so those with expertise in a field of study can make a niche for themselves.
Required for proofreading:
- Excellent written communication skills
- Proficiency in your chosen language
- Experience with writing software
- Time management skills
- Attention to detail
10. Software developer
We’ve already established that introverts love their alone time, and that’s why they are often drawn to developer roles. The majority of these are now done in remote or hybrid roles, so you can get stuck into a programming or engineering project in your own work environment.
Working as a freelance software developer is one option, or you can work for a company (if you don’t mind small talk at the occasional team meeting). Either way, this career path is one of the most well-paid in the industry, with salaries of over £100k in some big London firms.
Required for software developers:
- Critical thinking and analytical skills
- Experience with programming languages (eg. Python and Java)
- Knowledge of software design principles
- Knowledge of Database Management Systems (DBMS) such as SQL
11. Video editor
Film/video editors are in charge of editing footage, dialogue, sound effects, and graphics to produce a final film or video product. It’s deep-dive work that requires plenty of creative thinking and alone time – making it ideal for introverted thinkers.
There is one important caveat to this that shy staff should know. Most video editing jobs are gig-based, which means you’ll likely have to attend business events to find new work. If you’re not one for parties, it might be tricky to build connections at first (but not impossible).
Required skills for video editors:
- Organisation and time management
- Experience with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
- Editing and storytelling
- Communication and problem-solving
12. Web developer
- 👩🏻💻 Average salary of an experienced web developer: £60,000 a year
Too many cooks spoil the broth, and that’s never truer than when building a website. Web developers typically work independently. They will move from project to project and spend their time focused on writing code, designing pages, and troubleshooting issues.
Web developer roles are often remote-first, so they typically promise a bit of peace and quiet away from busy office roles. Keep in mind that this career does still require you to work closely with the client to ensure you correctly fulfil their brief. However, in a remote job you’ll have more control over this interaction, including when, where, and how often it occurs.
Required skills for web developers:
- Mastery of HTML, CSS, and familiarity with Javascript
- Understanding of user experience (UX) principles
- Knowledge of web design or digital marketing trends
Want to change jobs, but have no idea what to do? Read about over 100 new business ideas to find your next career inspiration.