Six Careers for People Who Don't Like People

Not a people person? That shouldn't be a problem in these careers.

Do you long for a job where you can work in peace and quiet, without people constantly bugging you?

If you're not a people person, don't feel like you have to pretend to be one to get a good job, says Nancy Ancowitz, a business communication coach and author of "Self-Promotion for Introverts®: The Quiet Guide to Getting Ahead."

"After all, who wants to interact with a waiter, salesperson, or doctor who would be happier playing the professional equivalent of Solitaire?" Ancowitz asks. "Not everyone thrives in a customer-facing role - particularly the customers you're facing if you're not a people person."

The good news is that you don't necessarily have to be a people person to thrive in every career.

Keep reading to learn about some great options for people who just want to be left alone.

Career #1 - Accountant

Are you happier focusing on spreadsheets and actually getting things done versus listening to coworkers or customers talking all day? Consider career options in accounting.

"As an accountant or auditor, concentrating on solitary tasks involving financial records, budgets, and tax code is far more important than being a social butterfly or showman," Ancowitz says.

In fact, accountants often spend their days organizing and maintaining financial records, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. You might also study your company's financial statements to make sure they're correct, or think about new ways for your company to reduce costs and improve profits.

Education Options: The Department of Labor says "most accountants and authors need at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field."

Career #2 - Technical Writer

Wish you could be left alone with your thoughts a little more - and deal with people a little less? Consider pursuing a career as a technical writer and you just might get your wish.

"Many writers live a rich life inside their own heads," Ancowitz says. "Depending on what type of writing you do, your need to interact with the outside world may be more dependent on how well you stock your fridge than a burning need to 'party.'"

As a technical writer, for example, you might write instruction or operating manuals, says the U.S. Department of Labor. That could mean spending your days gathering and organizing technical information, and figuring out how to explain complicated products or processes so customers can understand them better.

Education Options: According to the Department of Labor, a college degree is usually required. You might want to consider earning it in journalism, English, or communications, as these are degrees employers generally prefer, says the Department.

Career #3 - Graphic Designer

Do you dream of spending your days alone with your creativity, uninterrupted by noisy coworkers or customers? Consider pursuing a career as a graphic designer and your creativity might get to flow without interruption.

"The rest of the world mainly uses words to express themselves and visuals are an afterthought," Ancowitz says. "But for [graphic designers], visuals are your mother tongue and words may not flow so easily. You may enjoy lots of downtime so you can allow your creative thoughts to swirl around your head."

However, Ancowitz warns that some offices may come with coworkers that "may distract you from your creative process," so you'll want to pick and choose where you work wisely.

So what exactly do graphic designers do? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, they often need to figure out what clients need and how to best communicate their message visually. As part of the job, they might create logos or develop layouts for advertisements.

Education Options: The Department of Labor says graphic designers usually need a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field. The Department also notes that you'll need a good portfolio when it comes time to look for work - so make sure to focus on developing a strong body of work while you're in school.

Career #4 - Software Developer

Do you prefer the reliability of machines to the unpredictability of people? You might want to consider pursuing a career as a software engineer.

"A lot of your work will probably entail sitting for hours on end at your computer rather than sitting at meetings all day," Ancowitz says.

And if you really want a workspace you're comfortable with, you'll probably be thrilled with this bit of news: Many software developers are able to telecommute to work, says the U.S. Department of Labor. This could be perfect for people who don't like the distractions of a busy office.

In terms of what you'll be doing, the Department of Labor says that as a software engineer, you might spend your days designing applications or even testing your software to make sure it works correctly.

Education Options: Software developers generally have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field - though a degree in math might also be okay for some employers, according to the Department.

Career #5 - Medical Laboratory Technician

Are you happiest when you know exactly what you need to do, following specific instructions to the letter? You might want to consider a career as a medical laboratory technician.

"Medical lab technicians often work with one patient at a time as well as behind-the-scenes," Ancowitz says. "This job may be appealing to you because it doesn't entail campaign speeches, back-to-back meetings, or nonstop schmoozing."

In fact, one of the things you might do as a medical lab technician working under the supervision of a medical laboratory technologist or laboratory manager is collect samples of body fluids, tissue, or other substances from patients - and then perform tests on them, says the U.S. Department of Labor.

Education Options: You'll usually need a medical laboratory technician associate's degree or certificate to get started in this field, says the Department of Labor. Check and see if your state requires medical laboratory technicians to get licensed or certified as well.

Career #6 - Information Security Analyst

Do you like the idea of thwarting criminals before they can cause major damage - but don't want to deal with people face to face? Consider preparing to pursue a career as an information security analyst.

"This is another career that is great for those who like to remain behind the scenes," Ancowitz says. She notes that this could be perfect for someone who's "got the mind of a sleuth, the energy of a watchdog, and the patience and persistence to solve complex technical problems."

The U.S. Department of Labor says information security analysts can use firewalls and data encryption programs to protect their company's computer systems from cyber attacks. You may also spend a lot of time keeping up-to-date on the latest cyber attacks and new security technology.

Education Options: The Department of Labor says information security analysts generally need a bachelor's degree in computer science, programming, or another computer-related field. The Department also notes that employers prefer analysts who've earned their master's in business administration (MBA) in information systems.

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