Meetings, social events, office water-cooler chats, small talk—the stuff of nightmares for introverts. In fact, you don’t need to be an introvert to feel like you’d rather cut off your pinky toe than deal with other humans. Some people in sales will tell you they’ve had enough customer interactions to last a lifetime.
So, if you feel like a solitary job sounds like heaven, these are 12 great professions that allow you to work alone.
Pathologist
For those who love medicine but don’t enjoy dealing with (living) patients, pathology, or forensic pathology when it’s in a morgue, is a great option. You work solo, in a lab, and still offer an invaluable service in diagnosing illness and studying human tissue. Some pathologists even work remotely, meaning they’re able to spend their time in sweet solitude.
Lighthouse Keeper
It may seem like a very old-world profession, but lighthouse keepers still exist. Positions are rare, but seeking them out might be worth it if the thought of living alone in a remote location fills you with glee.
Night-Shift Security Guard
Many places need night-shift security guards, one of the most popular being museums. It means keeping irregular hours, but offers minimal human interaction and plenty of peace and quiet.
Baker
Bakers have to get up exceptionally early, but they usually have the whole bakery to themselves. Depending on the size of the bakery, you might have to work with a few others, but at that time of the morning, no one wants to chit-chat.
Truck Driver
When you’re a truck driver, it’s just you and the open road. The long shifts give you all the me-time in the world, so you can get lost in your thoughts or pump your audiobooks and music as loud as you please.
Independent Beekeepers
If the hum of bees is preferable to the hum of throngs of people, beekeeping might be your happy place. Beekeepers often work independently, interacting with others only when needed—which some beekeepers report is less than 12 times a year.
Night Auditor
A night auditor mans the hotel front desk after dark when everyone is asleep. You may get the occasional guest needing assistance, but on the whole, this profession doesn’t demand much socializing.
Certified Surgical Cleaning Technician
Being a certified surgical cleaning technician (CSCT) is a meticulous job but one that can be done undisturbed. You may need to communicate with nurses and doctors occasionally, but most of your time is spent alone, focusing on cleaning tasks.
Horticulturist
Interacting with plants instead of people is a nature-loving introvert’s dream. Horticulturists pass their days in the plants on tasks like propagating, studying, and monitoring soil pH levels. No small talk in sight.
Water Sampler
Water samplers travel out in the field collecting water samples from lakes, rivers, and other water sources for laboratories. You may get wet, but you get to work alone.
Power Plant Operator
If you prefer control panels to people, being a power plant operator might be the answer. This job entails monitoring and working with machinery, not other humans, which is a big plus for those who don’t enjoy social interactions.
Ghost Writer
You don’t get credit when you’re a ghostwriter, but you also don’t have to do book launches, interact with readers, and do publicity events. It’s a trade, but the anonymity allows you to focus on writing, and unless you’re working on something that requires lots of interviews, it’s a sublimely solitary job.
Solitary Enjoyment
If you found yourself nodding along to this list, it might be time to pursue the solitary working lifestyle. Say goodbye to small talk and hello to peace and productivity.
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