I want to get into a more professional field.

12 Comments

1. bethJanuary 9,2022 at 9:16PM UTC

   Not sure what your skill set is, but tech is a great place to have a lot of flexibility and opportunity. There are a lot of places to see if it is a good path for you -- like freecodecamp.com. There are also "adjacent" jobs at tech companies that might offer some opportunities. Good luck!!

2. AnonymousJanuary 9,2022 at 9:29PM UTC

   Invest timing expanding your network, consider gaining any needed certifications, take classes to widen your range of opportunities and research what remote jobs are available right now.

   The culture of your current company is not going to support you in growing your career. So ignore all of the inequities and focus on you alone. Being an introvert is actually very conducive to certain roles so talk to your local community College counsels to test to determine which career paths could be a fit. Then make plans to gain the credentials and experience to get started. Temp work might help you get your foot in the door once you determine what area you're best suited for.

3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 10,2022 at 1:36AM UTC

   What do you do?

   And call the police on your neighbors - most places have noise ordinances.

4. AnonymousJanuary 10,2022 at 8:00AM UTC

   It seems like you have already decided to move forward and apply for position outside your current company.
   Look for positions that has Hybrid or Remote as location in their job ads. As another user suggested: look for position where you enter as part of a Team. For continuous growth ensure that the company in which you apply is also big enough for you to change position at a later stage in life.
   In regards to the personality: introvert... I suggest that you seek out ground braking leisure time experiences where you can push your mental boundaries without risking your professional career. Something that can move you out of comfort zone.

5. AnonymousJanuary 11,2022 at 1:53PM UTC

   If you don't have a specific field or industry you could temp. List with several agencies. Be ready to be immediately available. You get the opportunity to work with different businesses, find out what you like, and get a host of references.

6. GirlBossanova934974January 11,2022 at 1:59PM UTC

   Those who don't raise their hands don't get very far these days. Expecting the boss to reward you with a nice raise etc etc CAN happen but is less and less likely as most bosses are far too consumed with their own welfare. The solution is to get that resume and resume profile going on LINKEDIN and MONSTER and INDEED. LINKEDIN is big #1. You can do your own searches but there are recruiters from coast to coast scouring for people 24X7X365. I get a dozen unsolicited inquires per week. The recruiters or job description will tell you if the job is remote, semi-remote etc etc. You can build a nice professional network as well. Just comment on a few posts every once in a while and you will get all sorts of connection requests and contacts. It's a new year. Make it a GREAT ONE!

7. J AcharyaJanuary 11,2022 at 4:24PM UTC

   Without knowing your background or the field you're in, I'd still say that you can find a more professional work environment without having to work from home. This sounds like an isolated problem rather than an issue that exists at every in-person workplace. I'm an introvert and I work at a mid size corporation where the atmosphere is very professional!

   Now is a good time to look for a remote job - there are many companies that are hiring for roles that would have traditionally been in the office but now can be done remotely.

8. Joann S. LublinJanuary 11,2022 at 4:42PM UTC

   I agree with suggestions from other commentators. So,you definitely need to consider an additional degree if not separate certification in an area that interests you. If you're not sure which profession to pursue, many professional organizations will let students or aspiring professions attend their virtual or in-person conferences in person so check them out.

   In terms of being an introvert, that also shouldn't hinder your career path. I inaugurated a career advice column for The Wall Street Journal decades ago. Here's a link to a 2011 column I did about introverted executives (but the message applies at any level):

   https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703983104576263053775879800

   Best of luck! Let us know how things work out.

9. aspoonmoreJanuary 11,2022 at 7:34PM UTC

   Many job boards allow searches for Remote work (LinkedIn, Glassdoor for example). Start with research on the type of work, qualifications, and industries you'd consider; read the job descriptions to understand what employers are looking for. This will provide a framework for you, understanding where you have complimentary skills & experience and where there are gaps for you to address. Be brutal in mapping your background against what they are looking for - most. of the time the assessment is done by algorithm, so there is no gray area!

   Good luck!

10. Theresa BlackburnJanuary 14,2022 at 3:03PM UTC

    One of my daughters is an introvert, so I recently did some research on careers for introverts.
    Check out these web-sites for ideas: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/15-best-jobs-for-introverts
    https://www.introverts.org/careers/the-20-best-jobs-for-introverts-2021/
    https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/jobs-for-introverts/

    Do you really want to work from home full-time though? I would recommend a hybrid job that involves both working from home and working in the office. That is the best of both worlds for most people. I recommend you find a company that is close to home. Are there no appealing companies near you? If not, have you considered moving?

    Also, about those neighbors -- I agree with Joan Williams who recommended in her post that you file a noise complaint regarding your neighbors who keep you up at night. If you live in an apartment, then a noisy neighbor can really affect your quality of life, and I recommend you pick this battle. Sleep is important for your career and your health.

11. AnonymousJanuary 15,2022 at 1:59AM UTC

    Working remote is the best - for me at least. I am also an introvert and have been working from home for 5+ years. I thrive with that set-up. There are a number of jobs and companies going remote at this time so this is a good time to research what is out there that is remote or hybrid. Flexjobs (in addition to LinkedIn) has remote postings but most boards allow for filtering by remote/hybrid/in office. Thinking through the field or line of work you want to be in will be just as important as finding remote, and then making sure your resume (and you) are prepared to speak/demonstrate how your experience aligns to that role or field.

12. Kay FittesJanuary 18,2022 at 6:47PM UTC

    Before you invest time in a new career, some issues to consider. As a more introverted person, you may not be percieved as a significant value to your workplace. It's not uncommon for introverts to stay in their cubicle, work nose to the grindstone. The powers that be need to know what value you bring. That may mean a weekly update to your boss on successes; it may mean networking internally; or bringing valuable questions and ideas to meetings. Unfortunately, fair doesn't exist in the workplace. People receive preferencial treatment often because of the relationships they have built and because they "take" perks, announcing versus asking for permission. A new remote position may only increase your possible invisibility and you could find yourself with the same dilemma.