For some people, working alone is a dream come true.
Whether you are an introvert in all aspects of your life, or you just prefer to work in a calm, quiet environment where you can focus, there are plenty of career possibilities.
With the majority of employees not being engaged at work and disliking their jobs – it's time for a change.
Best of all, you don't have to be a computer wizard or engineering major to find a job where you can work independently.
In this post, I'll explore why jobs where you work alone are awesome, some of the best jobs where you work alone, and much more. Let's get started.
- Social media manager
- Data entry jobs
- Starting your own business
- Graphic designer
- Freelance writer
Best Jobs Where You Work Alone for Introverts
Below are some of the best jobs where you work alone. If you're searching for jobs for people who hate people, this list is for you! There's sure to be something on the list for everyone so find one that works for you!
1. Freelance Writer
This is perhaps the classic ‘work alone’ job, as working as a writer involves you spending plenty of quality time alone with a keyboard and computer, or perhaps a notepad and pen.
Working as a writer can take many forms.
For example, some writers might specialize in writing blog posts while others might prefer more creative writing.
Because there are so many different kinds of writing, there are plenty of opportunities for you to find work that matches your skills and interests.
The pay for freelance writing can be tremendous. Some writers can make upwards of $1 per word written. This means a 500-word article could make them $500 or more.
For new writers, you can expect to make anywhere from $.10 to $.30 per word but it will depend on your skills and the company you're working with. You can also charge hourly for your time and earn over $100 an hour!
This is a great job you can do on the road, making it the perfect option for people who love to travel.
2. Blogging
Blogging can be one of the best jobs where you work alone because it's completely online and you have the ability to become your own boss with an unlimited income potential.
This isn’t a ‘job’ in the traditional sense, but many people earn a living from running their own websites or blogs.
Another benefit of blogging is the low cost to get started. It requires less than a few hundred dollars to start blogging, which makes it a viable option for many people.
You’ll get to work alone (and from anywhere in the world!), but there is a lot of competition so you'll need to find ways to stand out in a crowded market.
Additionally, you can work from anywhere in the world – making it a perfect job for digital nomads.
If you want to grow your blog, you'll not only need to become a good writer but also a marketer.
Unfortunately, whenever you publish a new post – it doesn't mean people will find it. You'll need to understand how to build your audience so you can start making money from your site.
If you're able to crack the code and build a significant amount of traffic to your blog, the money's there for the taking.
It's possible to make $10K a month or more blogging which is an attractive income for most people.
While it's not going to become a full time job overnight, it is something you can gradually grow over time.
If you're ready to start a blog, check out these types of blogs that make money and my post on how to start a blog for more info!
3. Virtual Assistant
If you're searching for an online job where you can work alone, working as a virtual assistant could be the perfect option.
You’ll fill a variety of roles and perform various tasks, but they will be done from your home where you can work alone instead of in an office and you don't need any special skills to get started.
Some of the tasks could include things like:
- Posting on social media
- Updating website content
- Sending emails
- Scheduling meetings
- And more
The pay for virtual assistants will depend on your skills and experience, but it's possible to make over $25 per hour for some people.
This Reddit User Claims to Make $23 per Hour
With this job, you'll work with a limited number of people (usually just one) with makes it one of the best jobs for introverts.
Ready to become a VA but not sure where to start? Check out Carrie's Virtual Assistant Accelerator course to learn everything you need to know to become a full-time freelancer!
4. Proofreading
Another job related to the writing field is proofreading.
In this role, you’ll carefully review content written by others to make sure it is free from errors and ready to publish.
While you don't need a Bachelor's degree to get started, it can certainly help to have a background in English or another writing-intensive subject.
Proofreading can be a great job for those who want to work from home and have excellent attention to detail and it can pay well.
These freelance proofreaders charge over $75 per hour!
If you're not sure where to get started, I recommend taking a look at the Proofread Anywhere course so you can understand the ins and outs of growing a profitable proofreading business.
5. Food Delivery Driver
Food delivery demand is at record highs, providing drivers a great opportunity to make money working alone in their free time.
There are plenty of apps that pay you to drive like Doordash that can be the perfect gig if you have a few hours of free time during the week or throughout the weekend.
By delivering during peak hours, you can maximize your pay and earn more money.
The best part of this gig is that you can work your own schedule whenever you have time. While it's possible to make a living off Doordash, some people will use it as a side hustle first before they turn it into a full time gig.
It's possible to make over $25 per hour driving as a food delivery driver so it's certainly worth a shot. Sign up for Doordash to get started today!
6. Photographer
Like some of the other jobs on our list, how much you work alone as a photographer depends on what kind of photography you would like to do. For example, a wedding photographer is around people all day, but a nature photographer has plenty of peace and quiet.
Photography can be a fun way to make money while working alone with the added benefit of becoming your own boss.
Many successful photographers can make over six-figures from their work making it one of the higher paying jobs on the list.
7. Market Researcher
Many companies are willing to shell out cash for your opinions and this can be a great ways to make money working alone.
One of the easiest methods to get paid for your opinions is by registering with a few of these high-paying survey sites below:
- Swagbucks – get paid instantly when you complete surveys online (plus $5 signup bonus!)
- InboxDollars – earn money for your opinions (free $5 reward when registering)
- SurveyJunkie – make up to $50 per survey you complete
- Opinion Outpost – make money fast taking surveys
- Panda Research – earn up to $50 per survey taken
That's not the only way to earn, however. For each person you refer, you can earn even more money.
While you're not going to become a millionaire with this gig, it's a good option to earn some extra cash without a ton of effort.
8. Transcription Work
In some ways, this is similar to writing – except as a transcriptionist, you’ll simply be typing out what other people have said.
If you like the idea of being a writer but don’t feel you have the creativity required, working as a transcriptionist could be a good alternative.
This is one of the best jobs where you work alone because you can work remotely and oftentimes set your own schedule.
While the hourly rate is nothing insane, it can be a good way to make extra money with minimal human interaction.
9. Bookkeeper
The amount you work alone as a bookkeeper depends on the type of organization you work for, and whether you work from home or an office.
Either way, this is a position that tends to spend a lot of time solo, working on spreadsheets and keeping track of money for businesses.
As a bookkeeper, you’ll need to have a strong handle on numbers and be very detail-oriented – but the job can be very rewarding, both financially and emotionally.
According to Indeed, the average bookkeeper earns a little over $20 per hour, meaning it's a solid opportunity to work alone and get paid for your time.
10. Work as a Painter
Painting can be one of the best jobs for working alone for a variety of reasons.
First, contrary to popular belief, painting can be very high paying – especially if you're skilled at it.
Secondly, some people find painting to be relaxing and therapeutic; it's a great way to de-stress after a long day.
Lastly, unlike many other jobs, painting is relatively low-maintenance in terms of equipment and workspace.
All you really need is a paintbrush, some paint, and a canvas (or whatever other surface you're painting on).
There are many different kinds of painting you can consider. Whether you want to paint homes or murals – there's an option for anyone.
11. Crafting
If you love to make crafts and DIY projects, this can be an excellent job where you work alone for many people.
While this isn't necessarily a “job” in the sense of the word, you can make great money by selling your crafts online. Best of all, you don't even need a high school diploma to get started!
You can sell your crafts online through a platform like Etsy, or sell them locally through local retailers to make money.
If you want a solo job and love to work with your hands, crafting is a great option to make extra money and potentially earn a full time income.
12. Social Media Marketing
It’s somewhat ironic that a job all about connecting with other people is one where you work alone most of the time.
That’s the case for social media marketers, especially if they work on a freelance basis.
Instead of having direct social interactions with others, your work will be online so you can avoid human contact when working.
Social media managers can earn a full time income by posting on social media platforms on behalf of companies and individuals. So if you're a millennial looking for a cool job, this one's for you!
13. Pet Sitting
Sometimes, pet owners need someone to watch their animals and care for them while they are away. Pet sitting is a great choice for those who don’t want to work with other people, but love animals!
This is one of the best jobs for introverts because it allows you to work your own schedule and is always in high demand.
Some people consider this to be a passive side hustle because you can do other work while watching over the animals.
You can watch as many or as few pets as you want, and you can set your own rates. Some pet sitters make over $400 a week – which is a decent income!
Rover is my favorite apps to get paid to watch dogs. Register below to get started!
14. Voice Work
It was once extremely difficult to get into the field of voiceover work, but times have changed.
If you have a great voice, and don’t mind investing in some basic equipment, you could seek out clients to pay for your services. You can easily find work online through various freelance sites to get started.
15. Digital or Graphic Designer
There are some skills needed to get started as a designer, whether you plan to do web design, graphic design, or something similar. But once you are qualified and working, you’ll likely spend a lot of your time alone.
The career path for graphic and other designers is strong and you can make good money with the right skills.
There are a lot of different types of design work you can do from home, so if you’re interested in a job where you work alone, this could be a perfect option.
16. Researcher
Scientists who work in research tend to spend long hours alone in the lab. That’s not going to be an exciting opportunity for everyone, but you just might find that you love the solitude and opportunity for progress that comes with this job.
17. Computer Programmer
Programming can be the perfect job for people who want to work alone and are skilled at mathematics and problem-solving.
This is a field with strong demand and good job security, so it's a great option if you're looking for stability and financial freedom.
To get started, you'll need to be proficient in at least one programming language and have a strong understanding of computer science concepts.
As a bonus, this job often pays $200k or more for your work.
18. Trucker
Is this a work from home job? Nope – but you certainly do spend most of your time alone.
Truck drivers log long hours alone on the highways and freeways. Of course, training is required before you’ll be qualified for this position but the pay is often better than expected.
Check out these ways to make money with a truck!
19. Repair Person
Getting trained on how to perform repairs on a specific type of product or machine can put you in high demand with employers. You don’t work entirely alone, since you may need to visit homes or businesses to do the work, but you will often be on your own while doing the job.
20. Car Detailer
Many people love driving in a clean car each day but don’t have the time to do the work themselves. Cleaning a car is an enjoyable task where you can block out distractions and just focus on the finished product.
You can check out my post on how to start a car detailing business here!
21. House Cleaner
Just like with cars, people love having clean homes but have a hard time keeping up. You could start your own business in this space or pursue employment with an existing house cleaning company.
22. Landscaping
Want to not only work by yourself but outside, as well? Landscaping and gardening are something that many people enjoy anyway, so you could pursue a career and get paid for your passion. There is a lot of joy to be found in making outdoor spaces beautiful.
23. Chef
How much you are actually alone as a chef will depend on the kind of kitchen you work in and who you serve. For those who love to cook, finding the right employment opportunity could lead to plenty of alone time while you create tasty food for customers to enjoy.
24. Park Ranger
Many nature lovers dream of working as a park ranger. These individuals do plenty of hard work, but they get to spend time in beautiful places and are frequently working alone or with one other person.
25. Butcher
Getting back to the food industry, pursuing a career as a butcher will usually leave you working behind the scenes rather than dealing with customers all day long. Unless you have a weak stomach, this can be a good job for introverts.
26. App Developer
Love technology? Learn to code and you can dive deep into the process of creating a functional app for a business or organization. The skills required for this work are significant, but many people love the process and what they learn along the way.
27. Plumber
With so many modern jobs revolving around technology, it’s easy to overlook ‘old school’ professions that are still very much in demand. Every building has plumbing, so working in this field provides an ongoing demand along with plenty of alone time.
28. Electrician
This is a very similar field to plumbing, except you’ll be working with wires rather than pipes. Proper training and certification are necessary before you can expect to find work as an electrician.
29. Auto Mechanic
Another job that fits into the ‘old school’ category. If you love cars, a trade school education could prepare you to work as an auto mechanic. There is some interaction with other people, of course, but a lot of your time will be spent under the hood.
30. Medical Coding
The healthcare industry is huge, and many of the positions in this field work with people all day long. Coding specialists are a bit different, however, so this could be a good option if you like to work alone but want to be in healthcare.
31. Rideshare Driver
Okay – so this one might not sound much like working alone. However, as a ride share driver, you are going to spend quite a bit of time alone in between fares. And, some of your passengers won’t want to chat, so much of this work is done in solitude.
32. Janitor
There isn’t much in the way of glamour here but working as a janitor will allow you to be alone for a good portion of each shift. Good janitors can be hard to find, so doing a good job may provide you with career stability.
33. Zoologist
You don’t work alone as a zoologist, but those keeping you company tend to be animals rather than humans. Building a career in this field is time-consuming, so you’ll want to go into it with a passion for the work.
34. Warehouse Worker
There are a lot of different jobs available in the average warehouse. Sure, there will be other people around, but you will get a lot of time alone to just focus on doing your task.
35. Court Reporter
This is another job opportunity that is a little counterintuitive. As a court reporter, you work in a room full of people – but you are pretty much isolated in that room, doing your work while others interact.
36. Pool Cleaner
In the right climate, you might find yourself surrounded by homes that have their own pools in the backyard. Those pools need to be cleaned, and that job is typically done alone and in solitude.
37. Translator
The world is more connected than ever before, but there are still a variety of languages spoken around the world. If you know how to speak at least two of them fluently, you may be able to work from home as a translator.
38. Home Staging
When a home is going to hit the market for sale, it needs to be presented properly to be appealing to buyers. Home staging is a job where you make a property look great before pictures are taken and open houses are scheduled.
39. Domain Flipping
While this isn't necessarily a “job” it can be an excellent side hustle to make some extra cash in your free time. The process is simple and requires as little as $10 to get started. By purchasing and selling domain names you can make a nice income on the side in addition to your day job.
5 High Paying Jobs Where You Work Alone
If you are motivated by working alone, you might not be focused on making the big bucks. Perhaps you just want to make a comfortable living wage while doing something you enjoy – there’s nothing wrong with that at all.
But what if you do want to make a lot of money in your career? Are there opportunities to work alone and still cash in? Absolutely – let’s take a look at five possibilities.
40. Actuary
There is some serious math involved in actuary work, and you should expect to spend several years in school developing the needed skills. As a reward, this is a high-paying field where you get to work alone frequently.
41. Architect
Another profession where you can spend a lot of time alone while earning an excellent salary is architecture. Much like an actuary, you will need extensive training before you can get started with a job in this field.
You can also check out these side hustles for architects looking to make more money.
42. Video Editor
Video is more popular than ever thanks to our high-tech modern world, and all of those videos need to be edited before they are put out into the market. This is a competitive field but there are financial rewards available for those who prove themselves.
Related: Under The Table Jobs for Anyone
43. Lawyer
Believe it or not, most lawyers don’t spend day after day in court arguing cases. Rather, they are frequently alone in their office, working through legal documents and charting the right path for their clients. There is a lot of alone time here, and the potential to earn a nice salary.
44. Veterinarian
Dream of providing care but don’t want to work with as many people as a doctor? Consider becoming a veterinarian instead. There is good money to be made here, as long as you are willing to invest the time and money in the necessary education.
Related: 41 Easy Slow Paced Jobs
45. Music Editor
Just as videos need editing, so do music.
Working as a music editor will take some time if you're starting from scratch. Understanding the software involved and the techniques used is essential to your success.
Some music editors can make over 6 figures editing so it's work a shot!
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5 Awesome Entry Level Jobs for Introverts
Looking for a job opportunity that you can dive right into without any expensive or time-consuming training? One of the ideas listed below may be a good fit. You might also find these online jobs for teens helpful!
46. Data Entry
If you enjoy working with computers but aren’t trained for any specific skill or task, consider data entry. You should be able to get started in data entry with minimal training, and most of the work will be done alone at your computer.
47. Golf Course Maintenance
Golf courses require a lot of care to stay in tip-top shape throughout the playing season. A golf course superintendent position requires significant training and education, but most courses have entry level jobs doing landscaping labor (often early in the morning and alone).
48. Farmhand
Live in a rural area and love to work outside? Look for work as a farmhand – this job will require you to work hard, but you’ll be outdoors and alone for most of the day.
Why Jobs Where You Work Alone Are Perfect
What’s so great about working alone? Well, for someone who is introverted and usually prefers to be alone, the benefits are obvious. But what about people who are rather outgoing away from work? Even some of those people will find that they enjoy working alone. The following points highlight some of the many advantages.
Ability to Focus on Work
It’s hard to focus in the modern world.
You probably have a smartphone in your pocket most of the day – if it isn’t already in your hand. Beyond your phone, there is television and radio, online videos, email, and on and on. In other words, distraction is around every corner.
While working alone doesn’t get rid of those high-tech distractions, it can help you focus by reducing interruptions. Without people around to disrupt you at just the wrong time, you may be able to produce your best work.
Reduced Stress
Some people find it stressful to work in a busy office. Even if you have a lot of work to do, you may find your stress levels reduced when you are alone and able to relax while getting the job done. Check out this post to find some of my favorite low-stress jobs!
Flexibility at Work
While this is not always the case, working alone sometimes means you will have more flexibility in what you do throughout the day. If flexibility is important to you, keep that in mind while picking which kinds of jobs to pursue.
Final Thoughts on the Best Solitary Jobs
Luckily there are plenty of jobs where you work alone to satisfy your wants.
Whether you choose data entry, freelance writing, or software development – there are plenty of choices to match your skills.
Best of all, many jobs may not require a Bachelor's degree or Master's degree to get started, making them a viable option for almost anyone.
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