Looking for trade jobs where you are more likely to work alone? As a fellow introvert – I hear your desire to work alone loud and clear.
This article profiles some of the best blue collar jobs that are waiting for introverts like you. While no job will have absolutely no interactions with people, these offer some of the least amount of “peopling” required.
Painter
Whether you work indoors or out, most painters will work autonomously. They may be a part of team, but working alone in a certain part of a project. Whether you work as a commercial or residential painter, it is a solid option for the least amount of contact with people.
Mailman
As a mailman you will spend most of your days alone driving or walking to deliver mail and packages. While there may be minimal contact if you need to get a signature, customer interactions are minimal. You may have some interactions with your coworkers when you get ready for your day, but overall – it is a pretty “lonely” job.
Landscape Designer
Landscape designers are a creative trade that will allow you to work somewhat independently. You may need to work with a client just to understand their needs and wants for the project. There also may be minimal interaction with local organizations to get any required permits, but the rest of the project will be spent doing hands-on work and designing.
Explore more trade career options on Blue Collar Brain.
Auto Mechanic
A career as an auto mechanic is perfect for introverts who are good at solving problems and working with their hands. Auto mechanics typically work independently or in small teams. In many positions, auto mechanics work behind the scenes and do not directly interact with customers very much. Whether you work on classic cars or modern cars, the work will be autonomous and diverse.
Truck Driver
Driving a truck is one of the best jobs for introverts because it is a mostly solitary profession. You will deal with people when you need to get your truck loaded or off-loaded, but the remainder of the time you are enjoying the peace and quiet of your cab.
Plumber
As a plumber you will have to meet with a customer to discuss the issue they are having. But once that conversation is done, then you are on your own. You will get to work one-on-one with the plumbing equipment to get the job done. Upon completion of the work, the customer will need to sign-off on the work being done and off you go.
Crop Duster
Crop dusters are a solo career that requires some mad flying skills. You will work to spray crops which means flying at very low heights which is dangerous. It is a more expensive job to get into – as you will have to pay for flight school and lots of practice. But you will primarily work alone and can even work for yourself.
Welder
Welders may work in teams but it is still a career that needs little actual interaction. You will spend your day on a project making sure all required elements are welded and properly completed. A welder might deal with coworkers on the job, or clients, but the interactions will usually be pretty minimal.
Elevator Repairman
Elevator installation and repair are among the best jobs for introverts who have a mind for math and spatial reasoning. This is one of the true careers where you will spend much of your time alone. Dealing with customers will happen, but only to discuss issues and have them sign off when you are done working. The actual work you will do is completed alone.
Pipeline Welder
Pipeline welders will work with a team on a job site, but work independently while doing their job. You may work side by side with other people, but with the noise of the welding machines and mask it will feel like you are on your own.
Motorcycle Mechanic
Motorcycle mechanics will work in a garage – whether a small mom-and-pop or for a manufacturer. There will be coworkers around, but working alone is the norm since you will be fixing motorcycles which is a one-person job.
Garbage Collector
A garbage collector role can be good for introverts due to its independent nature and limited need for extensive social interaction. The job often involves working alone or in a small team, collecting and disposing of waste without the need for prolonged social engagement. This can provide introverts with a work environment that allows them to focus on their tasks without the constant need for social interaction, making it a potentially good fit for those who prefer working independently.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Heavy equipment operators must be able to work with other team members on a job site. But much of their work is done individually or in very small groups which makes it suitable for introverts. You will need mechanical aptitude and attention to detail, which introverts often have.
Some Misconceptions About Introverts
Some people believe that introverts lack social skills, but this is not true.
Instead, introverts tend to be exhausted by crowds and prolonged social interaction. They feel energized by solitary pursuits such as reading, cooking, creating art, and exercising. Jobs that require working alone can be more fulfilling for them than working in groups.
Introverts also tend to value a few very close relationships over a vast number of friendly acquaintances. It is considered a personality trait – we are all different in our preferences and this is just one more item that makes you – well YOU!
Many introverts excel at work that requires careful, methodical, and prolonged attention. This makes them ideal trade professionals, especially in jobs that demand attention to detail. So, take pride in your loner personality and find a job that will embrace your skills and personality!
