Do you work better in a team of one?
Do you despise water cooler small-talk?
Are you… an introvert?
On Fox’s hit show House, Hugh Laurie’s character loves to diagnose diseases but hates the patients who have them. Although it makes for good television, becoming a doctor probably isn’t an ideal career move for people who don’t like people.
But there are plenty of other jobs that are better geared for those who hate to socialize. Check out these careers that let you get the job done while keeping social interaction to a minimum.
Accountant
While just about any job will require some amount of face-time with co-workers and clients, accountants find themselves diving into a spreadsheet more often than reaching for a cell phone. With plenty of financial data and tax information to digest, chit-chat time is at a minimum.
Related Degrees:
Accounting/Finance
Business Administration
MBA
Good News: The U.S Department of Labor predicts a 22 percent increase in job opportunities for accountants and auditors through 2018.
Average Salary for Accountants/Auditors: $59,430
Computer Programmer
It’s not uncommon to see computer programmers listening to music while coding. Telecommuting is also an option at some companies. If you can write the code (which isn’t easy) many tech managers will be happy to leave you alone.
Related Degrees:
Programming & Software
Computer Science
IT & Information Systems
Good News: Job opportunities are expected to soar 22 percent for computer programmers and software engineers through 2018, according to the Department of Labor.
Average Salary for Computer Programmers: $69,620
Writer
Writing is a solitary process. The ability to block out distractions and stay focused is essential in this career. Marketing is one industry where writers and copywriters are in demand.
Related Degrees:
Marketing/Communications
English/Creative Writing
Good News: The Department of Labor expects salaried writing positions to increase as the economy strengthens. Online media outlets are driving many of these writing opportunities.
Average Salary for Writers/Authors: $53,070
Forensic Science Technician
Although crime scene investigators have to deal with people, it’s often just dealing with their hair, tissue, or DNA samples. When not collecting evidence, working in a laboratory setting is most common for forensic scientists.
Related Degrees:
Forensics/Crime Scene
Criminal Justice
Police & Law Enforcement
Good News: Jobs for forensic science technicians are expected to grow 20 percent through 2018, according to the Department of Labor.
Average Pay for Forensic Science Technicians: $23.97/hour
Budget Analyst
Similar to accountants, budget analysts help organizations increase profits by improving efficiency. But the bulk of their time is spent working independently while compiling and crunching numbers.
Related Degrees:
Operations/Six Sigma
Accounting/Finance
E-Business/E-Commerce
Good News: Thanks largely to consulting opportunities, budget analysts will enjoy a 15 percent increase in jobs through 2018, according to the Department of Labor.
Average Salary for Budget Analysts: $65,320
Medical Transcriptionist
Petty office politics and gossip don’t easily reach the ears of medical transcriptionists, who wear headphones while transcribing dictated recordings from doctors and other health care pros. A no-nonsense, buttoned-up approach can help since you’ll be editing reports for grammar and clarity. Many MT’s work at home or off-site from their clients.
Related Degrees:
Medical Transcription
Medical Billing & Coding
Medical Assisting
Good News: Independent contractors are common in this career, with many working from home.
Average Pay for Medical Transcriptionists: $15.41/hour
Actuary
Risk assessment is the name of the game for actuaries, who spend their days analyzing the habits of people and companies. Instead of talking with people, though, their work is based on statistics.
Related Degrees:
Accounting/Finance
MBA
Operations/Six Sigma
Good News: Employment of actuaries is expected to jump 21 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Average Salary for Actuaries: $84,810
*All salary data comes from the U.S. Department of Labor and is based upon 2008 median earnings.
By Chris Kyle
