job or training ideas for introverts

morganedge

Jenangelic wrote: »

do you have friends or a social life?? I'm not being mean, just thinking what other options you have!

I don't really care much about having friends or a social life.
I'm content with my own company.

However, I actually have rather a lot of friends, funnily enough.
Even more bizarrely, most of them would NOT describe me as a shy, social anxious or introverted! I must be able to hide it well, combined with the fact that it only really 'kicks in' when i'm in certain situations.

I don't feel I have the energy to 'fix' myself. (various therapies/confidence courses etc)
I can't even imagine that sort of stuff working.

I imagine strong pills could work on me though.
For example, I don't get nervous if i'm very drunk!

I just want to find a job (even if it means taking a short course first), where I can work in a relaxed environment, without having to deal/speak with people (especially customers), where I can earn enough to make working NOT seem totally pointless to the point where I think i'd be much better off on benefits (e.g needs to be a little more than minimum wage)

I'm lost for ideas, though. Hence this thread.

xxJudexx

Jenangelic wrote: »

Just a thought...but wouldn't it make more sense to work on your social anxiety issues so that you have more opportunities open to you? I'm sure there are courses you could do and some employers give help with confidence public speaking skills etc. I always used to be shy, but actually getting out of my comfort zone by talking to new people and getting involved helped me and my career. I mean, you are looking for something with minimal human contact- do you have friends or a social life?? I'm not being mean, just thinking what other options you have!

I totally agree. I have social anxiety also but ever since I was at school I have tried to push myself into situations where I know will be overwhelming and then develop coping strategies to help.
While in school I did speeches and assemblies in front of the whole school. Then afterwards I entered a competition and was sent to Liverpool with a bunch of strangers for a week. I became a school photographer, visiting a new school everyday.
I am no way over my anxiety issues, they will always be there but I will never let it stop me doing anything I want to. If you try you will never know.

I bet you are better than just doing data entry or being a cleaner, give yourself a little more credit and go for something more adventurous! And good luck!

ukclare

It occurs to me that you could look at the office environment, rather than the career path. I am sure there are lots of "old fashioned" offices where there are just two or three people. My shy sister worked for years in an office, locally with two other people and enjoyed it no end. All of those offices above shops on the high street must get their staff from somewhere!
Granted you may secure a job which needs the odd phone call making but in a secure, safe environment you could build your confidence up until you are ready to move on to a less "family" environment.

Best of luck - it is not easy finding any job at the moment!

morganedge

Does anyone know a good site where they have kind of stock answers to the typical job interview questions?

I'm the worst person you'll ever see in a job interview.
I've been invited to one this week, but i'm not sure that i'm gonna go.

If I can get lots of good answers to the classic questions, maybe i'll be able to memorise certain key words for each question which might give me a little bit of confidence so that I don't completely crumble and humiliate myself!

xxJudexx

You need to think of the answers yourself.
Some questions may include:
'tell me about yourself' - for this one just do a very brief summary of your education, hobbies and such and build it all up to why you are suited to the role you have applied for.
Then you might get the annoying ones like
'what are your strengths/weaknesses' - For this one be as truthful as you can, they will know if you are lying. For me i try to speak about my anxiety as a weakness but that I push myself and have developed coping strategies.
You might get
'why have you applied for this job' or 'why are you suited to this role'. Look at the person specification and work out how you meet each criteria. Create some bullet points for yourself which you can expand on in the interview.
Then if it is a customer orientated role you might get questions like
'when have you dealt with a difficult customer'
'when have you had to say no to a customer and how did you do it'
'when and how have you dealt with conflict' - If you have experience in this area you will have plenty of answers to these questions!
You might get
'where do you see yourself in 2/5/10 years time' For this one try to say how much you want to progress in the company and how you can see your future there. Employers like loyalty in their employees.

If you seriously don't have an answer or you lack certain experience try to work it to your advantage. Try to sell yourself as an empty canvas that can be shaped to the companies needs/expectations.

Don't forget to also have some questions to ask them. Try and think of something you really do want answered or you could ask about training schemes or if they run a social club. Do your research and maybe ask a more in depth question that maybe you want clarification on.

I find preparation is key. Good luck, they obviously see your potential, you'll do great! Don't forget to let us know how you get on!

tiger_eyes

Have you considered starting a business from home? I started a business early last year and I've been happily working from home ever since. I only deal with clients via email, and frequently I don't even talk to them at all until I'm ready to deliver a completed project. Stress-free for the serious introvert.

morganedge

tiger_eyes wrote: »

Have you considered starting a business from home? I started a business early last year and I've been happily working from home ever since. I only deal with clients via email, and frequently I don't even talk to them at all until I'm ready to deliver a completed project. Stress-free for the serious introvert.

That would be ideal, and I have thought about it before, but I wouldn't really know where to start. I don't really have any skills.

And thanks for your answer, Jude.
That was a nice post.
I was looking at sites earlier with template answers to the classic questions, but they all seemed to be from the point of view of clearly successful, confident people, where it's easy to sell yourself
e.g Q ''why are you suited to this role?''
A ''Ever since graduating from university with a first class degree I've known what I wanted to do. I have 6 years experience as an astronaut etc etc...''

I, however, am a general failure.
I've only really ever gotten jobs where they're the type of jobs where the 'interview' is more or less, showing your passport and proving that you can work in the UK!
Every other job interview has been a car crash. I mean it. A....CAR.....CRASH!

I think i'm out of my depth, and I'm not sure about going through with the interview.
Someone on another thread recommended Xanax.
I'm thinking about speaking to my GP about getting some, maybe along with some beta blockers??

thoughtfull_thatcherite

Why not become a night time security guard?

1) You need to get a Security Industry Authority card. Provided
you have no criminal record, it will cost about £220. You
would also need to attend several short courses.

2) Night time static security on an industrial or office site- you
do not need to be a social animal. Even if there is a night shift
you do not need to have deep relationships with anyone, unlike
a day time office job. Fewer bosses breathing down your neck
too!

3) Wages not too good eg £6.50 per hour. I am on £7 P.H myself!
but if you work 48 or 60 Hrs per week as I do (12hr shifts)
you can earn a half decent wage.

ILW

Why not tackle the anxiety rather than giving in to it?

absolutereturn

I would suggest approaching recruitment agencies, short term temp work often ends up being long term and may even result in a permanent job. Getting a job that way you'll avoid all those tricky interview questions such as mentioned above and both you and your employer will have a chance to try each other out before making/accepting a job offer.