Stay true to your own nature. If you like to do things in a slow and steady way, don’t let others make you feel as if you have to race – Susan Cain
I am a big believer that harnessing the power of your creativity has the power to change your life.
You will feel like a Marvel comic Avenger when this is aligned with your career.
I have struggled with being an introvert my entire life and finally realized working for myself aligns with my introverted strengths.
This is why I support why introverts should work for themselves.
Aligning my values with my strengths has allowed me to lose myself creatively in writing, work at my own pace, and allows me to focus on the work and not the office politics of a 9-5. Although I have a part-time job outside of writing, it still allows me to be flexible and travel when I want to.
I recommend anyone with strongly introverted tendencies to start working on a passion project or side hustle in hopes of turning it into something meaningful full-time.
And I have 5 specific reasons why:
- Reason #1: Independent Thinking = Most jobs have a social hierarchy where everyone is expected to conform and think as if everyone has the same brain. Having independent thoughts often gets misunderstood as not being a team player. Having the freedom from being self-employed allows you to independently think without judgment.
- Reason #2: Creativity = Any form of solopreneurship is going to require a lot of out-of-the-box thinking and problem-solving. In a traditional job, most problems are solved with logical and already scripted solutions. This isn’t a bad thing but when you attempt to solve a problem from an unorthodox ed approach, you will come across a lot of resistance.
- Reason #3: Strategic Thinkers = The traditional job moves at a very fast pace. Decisions are made swiftly which doesn’t leave much time to think things thoroughly. This doesn’t mean these decisions are the correct ones but that is the nature of the beast. Introverts need time to think about important decisions. Self-employment allows you to take as much time as needed. When introverts take time to make choices, they are carefully going over every scenario possible to avoid any mistakes.
- Reason #4: Solo Remote Worker = In the age of digital solopreneurship, remote work is booming. Extroverts thrive in traditional jobs as it gives them a sense of community. There are always a lot of social gymnastics everyone has to play to fit in certain work cultures. This aligns with extroverts’ strengths and repels introverts. Being a digital solopreneur allows you to avoid nonsense that has nothing to do with the actual work. Introverts’ sense of community does not come from office gossip.
- Reason #5: Time Control = Being in control of your time is highly valued but hard to obtain. You will work over 90,000 hours in your lifetime. Having control over your time isn’t just an introvert thing, it is universal. But it takes more mental energy for introverts to spend their time doing meaningless or purposeless work. Being self-employed does not mean you won’t spend time doing things you don’t want to do but it does mean you have a choice on how you want to spend your time.
Introverts often find conventional work environments challenging, as they can drain energy and stifle creativity. Embracing self-employment provides a unique opportunity to create a work setting that aligns with their preferences and strengths. Choosing to work for themselves allows introverts to harness their reflective nature, leading to more thoughtful and innovative solutions.
By opting for self-employment, introverts can establish their schedules, environments, and workflows. This flexibility reduces the stress and sensory overload that can come from traditional office dynamics. Moreover, the ability to interact on their own terms can foster deeper connections with clients and collaborators.
The shift to working independently also encourages introverts to develop their unique business identities and skills. Crafting their brands enables them to showcase their talents without the pressure of competing in a loud and bustling workplace. This independence often leads to greater job satisfaction and personal fulfillment.
The Psychology of Introversion
Introversion is often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions about the capabilities and preferences of introverted individuals. In reality, their psychological makeup influences how they interact with the world, manage energy, and leverage unique traits.
Understanding Introversion
Introversion is characterized by a preference for solitary activities and a need for quiet time to recharge. Introverts typically feel drained after extended social interactions, which can lead to a focus on introspection and deeper thought processes.
Social situations may feel overwhelming, creating a need for balance between socializing and solitude. This preference does not indicate shyness or lack of social skills; rather, it reflects a different way of processing experiences. Introverts often thrive in environments that allow for independent work and reflection.
Energy Management for Introverts
Energy management is crucial for introverts to maintain their well-being. They often find that their energy levels fluctuate significantly based on their surroundings and activities. For them, extended social engagement can lead to fatigue, while solitary activities recharge their mental resources.
Creating a schedule that incorporates breaks and downtime can help them manage their energy effectively. Techniques such as mindfulness and meditation further support emotional regulation and focus. A balance of interaction and solitude ultimately enhances productivity and reduces stress for introverts.
Traits and Strengths of Introverts
Introverts possess several traits that can translate into strengths in both personal and professional settings. They tend to be deep thinkers, capable of critical analysis and thoughtful problem-solving. This depth can lead to innovative ideas and a unique approach to challenges.
Additionally, introverts often excel in active listening and empathy, allowing them to connect with others on a meaningful level. Their preference for written communication can also enhance their ability to express thoughts clearly. These qualities make introverts valuable assets in collaborative environments requiring deep focus and consideration.
Benefits of Self-Employment for Introverts
Self-employment offers introverts significant advantages, providing them with a tailored work experience. It allows for control over their work style, environment, and social interactions, helping them thrive in their careers.
Autonomy in Work
Self-employment grants introverts a high degree of autonomy, enabling them to choose projects that align with their interests and strengths. This freedom often leads to increased job satisfaction, as they can set their own goals and expectations.
Without the traditional office hierarchy, they can establish their workflow without outside pressure. This independence allows for deeper focus and creativity, essential traits for introverted individuals. They can also choose to work during their most
One thing is for certain when it comes to introverts: working for others at a traditional 9 -5 job mainly highlights an introvert’s weaknesses rather than their strengths.