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.
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 👀!
Avoid! 💀 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?
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.
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.
👉 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 😌!
👉 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.
👉 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 🧐?
👉 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 😉!
👉 Administrative officer, secretary, accountant, civil servant...
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 |
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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!
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"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."
- Oscar Wilde
