Introverted, discreet, lacking in self-confidence... These were the words that often appeared on my school reports. Unsurprisingly, they still characterize me just as much, but they’re generally badly perceived in the professional world. We’re always told that you need to believe in yourself if you don’t want to be eaten alive, but it’s a long-term process. So personally, I preferred to choose a career that suited my personality. What kinds of jobs might suit someone with low self-confidence? Let me explain.
Through my research and my own experience, I’ve identified 5 sectors with very different professions that can speak to people with low confidence. Obviously, it’s important to do a skills' assessment, especially if you’re planning a career change. This will enable you to see whether a sector might be a good match for what you know how to do.
>>> Read; Help! I don't know what to do with my life
If you’re like me and love creating and imagining all sorts of things, I think this could be for you. Using your imagination is very stimulating and for me, it proved that I could do lots of things that others couldn’t 😲. Yes, we’re not all on an equal footing when it comes to drawing or photography! So don’t hesitate to explore this branch, especially as people call on us for our talent, so it’s all the more rewarding.
👉 Good examples of jobs in this sector: Painter, photographer, graphic designer, illustrator, video artist...
In a similar vein to the creative professions, there are jobs that allow you to use your hands 👋. If you’re a shy but manual person, this really is the branch for you. It’s possible to go for a down-to-earth career, in construction for example, or to have a more artistic bent, as a jewelry designer for example.
The important thing is to be able to get your hands dirty so that you don’t focus on thoughts that can lead to a lack of confidence. Using your hands can also lead to meditative activities for some people 😌!
👉Good examples of jobs in this sector: Builder, plumber, potter, stonemason...
This is another category that I personally like a lot, because I’m really not good at talking to other people. I know that one of my worst nightmares would be to work in an after-sales service and have to deal with unhappy customers. My lack of confidence means I can’t filter other people’s negative emotions, so it’s very complicated to have to deal with that.
On the other hand, there are jobs where you don’t have to deal directly with other people. I’m thinking, for example, of IT or my own job as a web editor. What’s more, this type of job often allows you to work from home fully or partially, which is great when you need to go at your own pace.
👉 Good examples of jobs in this sector: Computer scientist, engineer, webmaster, web editor
Just because we have trouble believing in our abilities doesn’t mean we don’t want to help others. So admittedly, it’s best to avoid careers in the medical field if you have little self-confidence. You don’t want to see a doctor or nurse doubting a dose of treatment 😬.
No, it’s better to go into other sectors where the contribution doesn’t include something vital. However, that’s not to say they’re not just as useful. On the contrary, they make things happen, whether on a societal scale (discoveries, for example) or for individuals (personalized support). It feels wonderful to be able to make an impact on other people’s lives, so why not give it a go 🧐?
👉 Good examples of jobs in this sector: Researcher, economist, psychologist, mathematician...
So be warned, this type of job isn’t for everyone. As someone with a touch of administrative phobia, I shunned anything that could get me involved in paperwork. However, not everyone is like me; there are people who are very comfortable with the order required in administrative work.
That’s why, even if you lack self-esteem, it’s important to take stock of what you enjoy doing and what you know how to do. If it all fits, and you can relax in your office and at work, go for it 😉!
👉 Good examples of jobs in this sector: Administrative officer, secretary, accountant, civil servant...
I can’t think of any greater challenge than finding your place in the professional world, especially when you want a job that’s meaningful and in which you feel good. It’s therefore a huge challenge, especially if you don’t have high self-esteem. Fortunately, there are jobs that are more suited to introverted and self-effacing personalities. Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, you don’t usually give up on your job any time soon, and you put your heart and soul into it, even if it means surprising yourself 👀!
Yes, taking the wrong direction could wipe out our self-esteem, especially if we’ve had traumatic experiences in jobs that don’t suit us. So it’s best to avoid jobs such as salesman/woman, project manager, banker, manager, or sales rep... which aren’t very compatible with a personality lacking in self-confidence.
>>> You may be interested in this article: Can you really be yourself at work?
As you'll have gathered by now, your self-perception is the basis of your self-esteem... and therefore of your self-confidence. Lack of self-confidence at work is not inevitable. There are techniques to reverse the trend and regain what you think you've lost.
1) Choose a sector of activity that suits you to regain self-confidence at workIn practical terms, the basic principle is not to deny who you are: to feel confident at work, choose a profession that's consistent with your natural disposition. Are you shy? If so, it's best to avoid sales and teaching jobs.
2) Opt for positive thinkingSet up thinking devices to help you step back and gain objectivity. For example, instead of devaluing yourself, start by showing tolerance and kindness towards yourself. As failure is part of learning, accept that you won't get it right the first time, and don't make a mountain out of a molehill. Just tell yourself that it's an essential step in your progress.
3) Focus on positive formulationsBy saying "There are several challenges to overcome in this project" rather than "This project is too complicated, I'll never manage it", you'll see how your perception will evolve. Rather than looking at your work through the prism of difficulties and risks of failure, approach it from the angle of challenge and evolution. More than a question of terminology, it's a new way of thinking that you'll begin to embrace!
4) Set SMART objectivesSet yourself SMART goals (achievable and attainable) so you're more likely to reach them: even small successes can boost confidence! Taking small steps will also enable you to gradually push back the limits of your comfort zone, without coming up against a goal that seems insurmountable.
5) Finally, free yourself from the gaze of othersListen to their comments, incorporate them into your thinking, but don't allow yourself to be overcome by doubt as a result of criticism.
Editor’s note: Finding the balanceIt’s important to find a job that’s in line with your values and personality. It’s untenable to play a role or go against your values for years on end, or you could explode. When you lack self-confidence, it’s important to find a job that will strengthen that self-confidence, without rushing it. Self-confidence is something you have to work at, something you have to pamper yourself with on a daily basis, as you gain experience. If your lack of self-confidence is preventing you from fulfilling your potential or doing certain things, make an appointment with a psychologist to take stock of the situation. 🤗 Understanding yourself, accepting yourself, being happy... It’s here and now! #BornToBeMe |
Be sure to check out these articles too;
Article presented by Lauren Hart
Writing is a beautiful means of expression that I cannot do without. It has allowed me to channel my hypersensitivity, plus I love writing about psychology and personal development. For me, self-understanding is the best way to move forward!
I know the real fear of work. I suffered from it for a long time, but I’m happy to say that today I’m cured. It’s an illness that can make others smile, as you can easily be seen as lazy. However, it’s not the case for people suffering from ergophobia, the fear of work. Where does this fear come from? How can it be treated? All will be explained.
When it comes to people with narcissistic personality disorder, it is often difficult to distinguish the truth from the common misconceptions. In this precise case, I thought it was about time we took a closer look at their psyche and inner workings of their consciousness, by addressing whether they are privy to their condition. After all, people with such an intense sense of entitlement and serious lack of empathy must realize that they are narcissistic; right? Well, in fact, the answer to that is not exactly black and white, so let’s take a look at why.
Narcissists are known for having a certain way with words, these folks certainly use this talent to their advantage, that's to say, to sink their teeth into their victims. Now, these calculating crooks don't use their gift of the gab to build people up, no, of course, they don't! Instead, the opposite is true, they use their smoothness to tear down their victims, destroy their confidence, and isolate them from their loved ones, all whilst brainwashing them and pretending to be the real victim. Wow, I don't know about you, but to me, that seems like a lot of work! Now, as skillful narcissists are, they can't completely dissimulate their true intentions and at points, their tongue betrays them, as you'll soon see in the following quotes. Here's what they typically say to bring people down...
There you have it, the nature vs nurture debate is back, only this time I want to focus it on those deviously manipulative personalities we refer to as narcissists. Now, evidently these folks get bad press and rightly so because they are often at the root of plenty of harm, but is it really their fault? Can they really be blamed for their terrifying and perhaps inherent traits, or are they simply just products and in this case victims of their environments? Let’s settle this debate once and for all and figure out how and when this disorder becomes apparent. So, are you born a narcissist or is it developed?
From their lack of empathy to their scarily manipulative and controlling streak, narcissists arguably display despicable behavior that simply can’t be condoned. Once these people get their claws into a victim, they become ruthless and have absolutely no regard for the effects their behavior may have on their mental health. Now, as with many syndromes, nothing is black and white with these types of personality disorders. In fact, there are certainly many inaccurate theories regarding their relationship with remorse regarding their actions, and that’s why I’m here to set the record straight.
If you’ve ever given online dating a whirl, the chances are you’ve been ghosted by someone. Now, for those of you who are unaware of this practice, it involves putting a sudden end to a relationship without offering any form of explanation. If I had to estimate how many times this has happened to me, I’d say there are definitely over 10 guys out there who owe me an explanation as to why they suddenly disappeared off the face of the earth… However, all the confusion and short-lived heartbreak has taught me that ghosters always seem to reappear at one time or another.
Who hasn’t had a crush in their life? You know, it’s when you fall for someone and have feelings for them even though you don’t really know them. I’m one of those people who have had lots of crushes, and sometimes I’ve even admitted my feelings. In fact, a recent example was just before I started my relationship with my current partner. I offloaded what I was feeling all of a sudden… I’ll tell you why I did it and how to go about it.
Never invited to parties, never listened to or solicited... It feels like you're just an ordinary person, who is pushed aside and has no value. If this is the case, we often end up coming to the sad conclusion that "nobody likes us! But, why do we think this? Now, this thought does not reflect reality, it hides deeper issues that need to be worked on to detach ourselves from this heavy feeling. Everyone deserves to be loved, including us!
I’ll be the first to admit that my stubbornness means I’m not exactly the most willing person when it comes to uttering the words ‘I’m sorry’, but I always push through my pride; although unfortunately, the same can’t be said for narcissists... Indeed, people who suffer from this personality disorder will simply never hold their hands up and accept responsibility for their actions, despite how deeply they’ve hurt your feelings. 😱 You know the idiom getting blood from a stone, right? Well, when it comes to apologies from these toxic personalities, nothing is more appropriate, and here are 6 reasons why!
Kissing is a deeply intimate act, and although in popular culture it is often classed as only being worthy of first base, it does in fact go way beyond that toxic evaluation. We have no doubt all had at least one lingering kiss that we’ll never forget; one which left all of our senses tingling and hungry for more. 💏 Well, that memorable smooch left us reminiscing because it was sincere and meant something. In short, it encapsulated love and romance, which are two things that narcissists are quite simply incapable of feeling.
