Finding a job as a teen can be challenging as it is. With trying to balance school, extra-curriculars, and your social life, adding the pressure of searching for a job can be overwhelming. But when you live with social anxiety, the process of finding a job can seem even more overwhelming. That’s why in this blog, we will be discussing strategies you can use to help you find a job as a teen with social anxiety.
Start By Identifying Your Strengths and Interests
If this is going to be a job you are going to be doing for a while, it’s important to find something that aligns with your strengths and interests. You don’t want to be stuck in a position where you’re miserable. So take time to think about the things that come naturally to you and what activities make you happy.
Making a list of your skills can also help you find a job. Write down each skill that you have – from basic computer skills to being able to work in teams or independently, to any other abilities you possess. Not only will this list help you realize what kind of job you are qualified for, but it can also help you create a resume that stands out to potential employers.
For example, if your strengths are in creative writing and art, you could look into jobs that involve creating content for websites or social media pages. Knowing what your strengths and interests are can help you narrow down your job search. It can also help you tell potential employers why you would be a great fit for their company.
Research Potential Jobs
After making the list of your strengths and interests, start researching different jobs that best align with those qualities. Since you struggle with social anxiety, research different jobs that may be less structured – such as remote or freelance positions. Or, a job that doesn’t require as much customer interaction such as a stocker or food delivery driver.
Researching a job’s duties, required skills, and qualifications can help you decide if it’s the right position for you. It also gives you an idea of what you will be expected to do once you are hired. This will not only ease your anxiety but also give you a better understanding of the job so that it won’t put you in a position where you are uncomfortable.
Reach Out to Professionals
This may seem a little out of your comfort zone. But reaching out to professionals in fields that interest you can be a great way to learn more about the industry. Many professionals are more than willing to share their experiences and offer advice. You can look for professionals in your local community or reach out online via social media. For example, a great place to look for professionals is LinkedIn. It’s a great platform to connect with professionals in the industry and learn more about what they do.
Another way to find out what a profession is like, which is more for those looking to enter a career, is to apply for a shadowing program or internship. This is a great way to get an insider’s view of the industry and gain valuable insight into what it takes to get into the career.
Practice Interviewing with Someone
As someone who struggles with social anxiety, the interviewing part of the job search can be the most intimidating. One way to prepare yourself and ease your anxiety is to practice interviewing with a friend or family member. This will help you expose yourself to the process and put yourself in a position where you can make mistakes without feeling pressure.
This will help you not only prepare your answers for potential questions but also practice your delivery. You can also record yourself to watch back and see what you could have done differently. It will help boost your confidence and ease your social anxiety when it comes time for the real interview.
Seek Support
Social anxiety can make this process more difficult, but with the right support, you can find a job that suits your skills and interests. You can seek support from your friends, family, or a teen therapist. A teen therapist will work with you to address your social anxiety and give you the tools to manage it.
For example, a teen therapist can help you identify your triggers and work on different strategies to cope with them. Understanding what your triggers are and having a plan of how to cope with them can make the job search process less overwhelming. You can also work with your therapist to make a plan specifically for your job search. This could be coping mechanisms to use during interviews or advice on how to feel more confident.
Finding the right job for you doesn’t have to be held back by your social anxiety. With the right support and research, you can find a job that fits your skills and interests – and make you happy! You deserve to find a job that makes you feel fulfilled and valued. Good luck!
Begin in Teen Counseling in Atlanta, GA
As a teen, you have enough to deal with. You shouldn’t have to put up with a job search process that makes you feel overwhelmed and anxious. Our team of therapists at Wellview Counseling will work with you to create a plan that takes your social anxiety into account. So that you can find the job that is perfect for you. If you’re interested in starting therapy:
- Contact Wellview Counseling
- Meet with Our Therapists
- Find a Job that Makes You Happy!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Wellview Counseling
Teens are navigating a lot of changes and challenges. From stress and anxiety to family dynamics, our therapists are here to support you through it all. Our therapists at Wellview Counseling want to support you as you face these challenges. We offer individual counseling, child counseling, teen counseling, young adult therapy, family therapy, postpartum depression and anxiety counseling, trauma and PTSD treatment, and therapy for those with a chronic illness. Regardless of the challenge you face, our therapists are here to help. Our office is in Roswell, GA, but we also offer online therapy to anyone in Georgia. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment please feel welcome to reach out to us!
About the Author
Ashley Bobo, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Roswell, GA. She has worked with individuals of all ages and backgrounds in a variety of settings. Ashley is passionate about helping young adults and teens take back control of their life. She is committed to helping teenagers and individuals reach their full potential while also providing understanding and empathetic support. If you want to know more about Ashley and her practice, please visit Wellview Counseling’s website.