In every military town, the abundance of camo promises stability and convenience not only for servicemen but for their families as well. Though service branches and installations are different, most bases declare plenty of jobs for military wives. The real state of things with underemployment among spouses remains a problem. Most women, who live with their husbands in service express regrets at not being able to get any military spouse jobs on base.
Literally, there are three main reasons for getting failed in job searching for spouses: the absence of familiarity with the military system, overqualification, and indisposition for certain professions. Personality type is a driving factor for choosing your dream work. Let us discover which of the real worth-it civilian jobs are best to retain for those who want plenty of personal space, or introverts.
Introversion in Terms of Employment
Typically we used to think that introverts have an inner conflict while adjusting to social situations, and all of them are reserved, contemplative, and sensitive. But there are some misconceptions about the traits of the introvert type. Psychologists remain at odds over the right definition of an introvert, as far as all individuals have different reactions and no one sees eye to eye in the same situation. There is no clear scale of introversion and extraversion and everyone possesses both traits.
Not all introverts are shy, reserved and many of them have a high level of communication skills. They are not necessarily turned inward, talking less, and being less engaged. Many recruiters believe in the power of adaptation to the environment and better reward as motivation. Introverts are superior listeners with great problem-solving skills. Their desire of having more alone time and a dead set against a pretty good crowd never limits the career options.
Jobs for introverts and extroverts are the same, however, some careers seem more comfortable to introverted persons. Finding a career role that interests you is the most important consideration when looking for a job that fits your personality. Introverted people may have different comfort zones, and finding a suitable career option becomes vital.
7 Perfect Jobs for Introverts
Though an introverted politician sounds like an oxymoron, Abraham Lincoln is described as an introvert. Among the most famous introverts, you could meet more civic leaders, for example, Eleanor Roosevelt and Rosa Parks. There are scientists like Albert Einstein, film directors like Steven Spielberg, IT developers like Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg, sportsmen like Michael Jordan.
This type is appropriate for positions where a high degree of self-reliance is critical. Suitable conditions of a workplace that allow putting less energy into social interaction, one-to-one contacts, and fewer external distractions can greatly raise the performance of the introverted type of personality. The most successful careers introverts build in the following fields:
- Accounting;
- Engineering;
- Technical writing.
There are plenty of examples of introverted personalities throughout history, showing they can be the best in all job areas. So the list of roles stated below is a mere enumeration of sectors where the introverts are more likely to excel.
1. Accountants
Accounting is an ideal profession for those who prefer to work in privacy. The openings will hardly contain the requirements of an outgoing nature for candidates. The keen eye for detail and concentration let them overcome continual changes in tax laws with ease. In 2020, the annual mean wage of an accountant is $77,920. The expansion of global commerce makes a qualified number-cruncher to be in high demand, by 2030 this profession is expected to grow by 6%.
Introverts who enjoy working with numbers and data may find this career to be quite satisfying. Another thing to remember is that introverts often do well in careers that allow them to use their analytical and problem-solving skills.
2. Scientists
Most scientists are a far cry from social interaction, so scientific fields are great for introverts to thrive in. Such traits as rationality and curiosity are close to introverts as well. Most of them work independently, spending much time in research. The average US Scientist salary in 2020 is $106,870. The way we treat the environment and natural resources has changed, that is why the jobs of Environmental scientists and Hydrologists show potential 25% growth in the next ten years.
In many cases, being an introvert can be an asset, especially for scientists. Introverts possess superior listening skills and in their observation skills. They notice things others might not notice because introverts are soaking in the information being presented and thinking critically just like scientists do.
Also, did you know that an unusually high percentage of gifted children are also introverts? The ability to work alone for extended periods and social sensitivity are characteristics of highly intellectual people that also occur in introverts.
3. IT Specialists / Managers / Analysts
All jobs connected with Information Technology never require an outgoing personality, but call for dedication to information systems, including different specializations in all industries. The development of software publishing, data processing, and E-commerce adds to the strong demand for computer professionals. IT-related specialists have a national average salary of $51,838, and their jobs are projected to grow, promising fantastic 29-37% growth by 2030.
Because of the superior observation skill of introverts, being an IT specialist/manager/analyst also makes them a perfect job. Introverts work with IT colleagues but also work alone or even remotely. They may be on call in case of emergencies.
4. Architects
The masterpieces of architecture are entirely created by introverted personality types. Sure, architects should have meetings with clients or colleagues, but the major time they spend designing buildings independently. Problem-solving skills, focus on the project and creativity make architecture a great career path for introverts. In 2020 their average annual pay is $82,499 a year. Their employment is projected to grow 1% by 2030, as improved building information modeling software while increasing work productivity cuts down demand.
When an introvert becomes interested in something, they work to learn as much as they can about it and master it. They set high standards for themselves and have high expectations of others. These traits make an ideal characteristic for an architect.
5. Graphic Designers / Artists
Artistic individuals with creative minds come in all personality types. Though some of them may work in an agency setting, the introverts prefer to spend long hours at the studio or home, developing the craft independently. As well, most graphic designers choose self-employment and freelance. Having a solid portfolio with visual concepts is critical to get success. Graphic designers earn $52,110 per year on average. Though there is no projected growth, it may appear soon due to increased demand for animation and visual effects in video games, TV, movies.
Graphic designing is the art of creating designs that communicate ideas and is one of the finest careers for introverts. It is one of the most competitive job profiles and is a suitable job role for creative introverts.
Creativity, a grasp of design, and introspection are essential skills for graphic designers and are best demonstrated by introverts. Although graphic designers work closely with stakeholders, there is less social engagement than in other career categories, allowing introverts to work independently without much outside interference.
6. Engineers
Introverts require space and time for their creativity and ideas to thrive. They can maintain focus and mindfulness for hours, resulting in a higher sense of perceptivity and the ability to dive into their reservoir of ideas without feeling bored.
Engineering requires deep concentration, lots of solo work, and minimal social interaction. That is the reason for the field’s popularity among those introverts who used to imply knowledge of math and science while solving technical tasks. Whatever specialization you choose from a wide array of job types in engineering with its median annual wage of $91,010, it will involve the ability to think logically and work hard. Industrial engineering is the fastest-growing subfield (8% by 2030). The demand for chemical, civil, and computer hardware engineers is projected to be 6%.
7. Authors / Writers / Editors
Did you know writers like J.K. Rowling and John Greene identify as introverts? And we all know how amazing they are at what they do! They can build new worlds and characters that stand out from our reality and become a part of our lives.
Many people believe that introverts make for excellent writers, and it makes sense too. Writers craft stories and can work for hours alone at their desks just to get the narrative right.
These professions require sometimes talent, sometimes expertise, and always the ability to work independently, being an excellent career path for introverts. As a wordsmith, you can produce business guides, fantasy worlds, or how-to manuals. The editor is knowledgeable in all aspects regarding vocabulary, spelling, easy-to-understand sentence building. The national average salary for Technical Writer jobs is $72,850 with a job outlook of 7% over the next 10 years. In general, Authors, Writers, and Editors are expected to experience a 12.8% rate of growth.
The great benefit of military spouse jobs on base is that either civilian or military job options allow career shifting. If you have an intention to leave the crowded base to escape interaction, you will always have the freedom to work independently. Military perks for spouses include gaining an alternative graduate degree to get an attractive job that suits you. Take your chance to enjoy the scope of possibilities!
About the Author
Daniella Epstein
Daniella knows all ins and outs of the federal hiring process. She is excellent at job hunting strategies, starting from federal resume writing to the final stage of interview conduction.