We are constantly told how important social skills are to career success. But what if you're motivated by solitary activities and are not that interested in the teamwork and get-togethers that seem to be a requirement for most jobs? Will your career planning turn out to be a dead end?

Not necessarily! There are plenty of fantastic career options that don't require a lot of social interaction. As someone with an asocial or Introverted personality, you excel in tasks that require deep focus and uninterrupted concentration. There are plenty of roles that allow you to work independently, and plenty of employers who will love your ability to think creatively and solve problems without the distraction of constant social interaction.

Here’s a look at five stimulating, well-paying jobs where the quality of your work matters more than your ability to schmooze.

Air traffic controller

As an air traffic controller, you don’t need to talk to anybody except the pilots under your control. Even then, your conversations tend to be strictly business, as there is simply no room for small talk when you are responsible for keeping people safe in the sky.

The job isn't easy, and best suited to people who can grasp details quickly and think on their feet. This job typically attracts individuals with high scores in the Big Five Trait of Conscientiousness, demonstrating a careful and organized approach towards their work, and very low scores in Neuroticism, meaning they can handle the high-stress nature of the job. 

Looking at the Holland Code, which is a highly credible career planning tool, Air Traffic Controllers closely align with the Organizing category. Organizers thrive in structured environments and perform their work with precision and accuracy.

If there ever was a career that judged you on your ability to handle the unexpected, rather than your ability to handle idle chit chat, this is it.

The salary is aspirational, too. Air traffic controllers earn a mean annual wage of $130,840 in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with high earners topping the $189,000 mark.

Tax accountant/Actuarial accountant

Two different careers with one major similarity—the solitary, task-oriented nature of the job makes it ideal for asocial people. As an accountant, you’ll spend most of your workday dealing with data rather than clients. Tax and actuarial (risk-assessment) accountancy in particular are very technical areas where your knowledge and ability to find the right answer through research are valued more than your people skills.

People who excel in this role tend to be highly analytical and this becomes even more pronounced when you choose sub-specialties within the field, such as oil and gas extraction or insurance. On a career aptitude test, they likely will have a strong interest in Organizing and Thinking careers. Thinkers are rational and intellectual people who enjoy searching for facts and understanding. Some Persuading skills may also be beneficial as you meet with clients about your findings, but client communications tend to be one-on-one rather than large-group meetings.

The median annual wage across the accountancy profession is $86,740 in 2022. Actuaries fare better, earning a mean annual wage of $127,580.

Court reporter

To an outside observer, a court reporter sits in the thick of high-profile criminal trials surrounded by the usual media circus. But in fact, they are not permitted to interact with anyone. Their job is simply to create word-for-word transcriptions at trials and other legal proceedings. The only time they have to communicate is when a Judge asks them to read back the words they have just transcribed. The rest of the time they are like the proverbial fly on the wall—listening, recording, then buzzing away.

Court reporters typically have an interest in the Organizing interest areas of the Holland Code. In particular, they must be able to concentrate for long periods, ignoring all distractions to remain focused on the dialogue they are recording.

Average salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $60,380. The usual entry route is via short-term certificate courses in court reporting and on-the-job training.

Zoologist

If you dislike crowds but love animals, then an animal-related job could be the perfect career choice for you. A zoologist is a specialist type of scientist that studies the behavior, genetics and diseases of animals, as well as the ecosystems they live in. You’ll find them in zoos, wildlife reserves, universities and laboratories across the globe.

Because zoologists spend a lot of time observing animals in their natural habitat, they rarely interact with people. Those who work out in the field can be away from civilization for long periods of time, sometimes months—perfect for those who would rather get the job done than talk about it.

On the Holland Code career aptitude test, zoologists typically have an interest in the Building and Thinking interest areas. The Building interest area indicates a focus on practical things, like the outdoor skills you need to track and observe animals. Thinking is all about research and evaluation.

The median annual salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists in 2022 is $64,650. The top earners will make more than $100,000 a year.

Acting

A curveball, surely? Not at all. Performance-related professions such as acting, dancing and motivational speaking suit less social personalities extremely well. That’s because standing up in front of a crowd has nothing to do with people skills—it’s a performance.

Acting, presenting and public speaking are all about delivering a well-rehearsed production for the people you’re performing for. There’s no interaction with the masses and no impromptu conversation. And because asocial types tend to listen rather than talk, they are extremely good at spotting the nuances in other people’s mannerisms and dialogue that people-pleasing types might miss, leading to a richer performance. 

If you have an interest in Creating careers, according to the Holland Code framework, then this could be an ideal career for you.

It's hard to get a grip on actors’ salaries, because, well, how long is a piece of string. But with A-list actors earning millions per movie and stage actors typically earning a minimum of $2,000 per week on Broadway, there’s no doubt it can be extremely lucrative.

Kickstart your career journey with a career aptitude test

Whether you’re uncertain about your career direction or looking for a career change, don't let generic lists of soft skills stall your career planning. Not every job requires you to be a social butterfly—it is possible to make your mark in the world without having to attend networking events. Make an informed decision today by taking a comprehensive career assessment test like our free Career Personality Profiler.

Taking a career aptitude test can be a game-changing decision for anyone who is contemplating their future career path. These tests are designed to assess your interests, skills and personality traits, ensuring that the careers you pursue align with your innate abilities and passions. You will not only discover professions you've never considered but also gain a clearer understanding of the strengths and skills you bring to the table. 

You don't have to be a people-person to excel—the right career aptitude test will help you find the perfect career fit for your unique personality, no matter how asocial you think you are!

Molly Owens
Molly Owens is the founder and CEO of Truity. She is a graduate of UC Berkeley and holds a master's degree in counseling psychology. She began working with personality assessments in 2006, and in 2012 founded Truity with the goal of making robust, scientifically validated assessments more accessible and user-friendly. Molly is an ENTP and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she enjoys elaborate cooking projects, murder mysteries, and exploring with her husband and son.