Careers For People Who Don't Like People

Courtesy of Chris Kyle:


(Hidden Blog note: Hey, what's up with #7? Be kind, man. Once in a while I do open my office door...)


Do you work better in a team of one? Do you despise water cooler small-talk? Are you... an introvert?

On Fox's hit show House, Hugh Laurie's character loves to diagnose diseases but hates the patients who have them. Although it makes for good television, a doctor position probably isn't an ideal career for people who don't like people.

But there are plenty of other gigs that are better geared for those who hate to socialize. Check out these careers that let you get the job done while keeping social interaction to a minimum.

Career #1 - Accountant

While just about any position will require some amount of face-time with co-workers and clients, accountants find themselves diving into a spreadsheet more often than reaching for a cell phone. With plenty of financial data and tax information to digest, chit-chat time is at a minimum.

Good News: The U.S Department of Labor predicts a 22 percent increase in job opportunities for accountants and auditors through 2018.

Average Salary for Accountants/Auditors: $68,960*

Career #2 - Computer Programmer

It's not uncommon to see computer programmers listening to music while coding. Telecommuting is also an option at some companies. If you can write the code (which isn't easy) many tech managers might be happy to leave you alone.

Good News: Job opportunities are expected to soar 22 percent for computer programmers and software engineers through 2018, according to the Department of Labor.

Average Salary for Computer Programmers: $74,690*

---

Career #3 - Writer

Writing is a solitary process. The ability to block out distractions and stay focused is essential in this career. Marketing is one industry where writers and copywriters are in demand.

Good News: The Department of Labor expects salaried writing positions to increase as the economy strengthens. Online media outlets are driving many of these writing opportunities.

Average Salary for Writers/Authors: $65,960*

---

Career #4 - Forensic Science Technician

Although crime scene investigators have to deal with people, it's often just dealing with their hair, tissue, or DNA samples. When not collecting evidence, working in a laboratory setting is most common for forensic scientists.

Good News: Jobs for forensic science technicians are expected to grow 20 percent through 2018, according to the Department of Labor.

Average Pay for Forensic Science Technicians: $55,040*

Career #5 - Budget Analyst

Similar to accountants, budget analysts help organizations increase profits by improving efficiency. But the bulk of their time is often spent working independently while compiling and crunching numbers.

Good News: Thanks largely to consulting opportunities, budget analysts are projected to enjoy a 15 percent increase in jobs through 2018, according to the Department of Labor.

Average Salary for Budget Analysts: $70,660*

---

Career #6 - Medical Transcriptionist

Petty office politics and gossip don't easily reach the ears of medical transcriptionists, who wear headphones while transcribing dictated recordings from doctors and other health care pros. A no-nonsense, buttoned-up approach can help since you'll be editing reports for grammar and clarity. Many MT's work at home or off-site from their clients.

Good News: Independent contractors are common in this career, with many working from home.

Average Pay for Medical Transcriptionists: $33,530*

---

Career #7 - Actuary

Risk assessment is the name of the game for actuaries, who spend their days analyzing the habits of people and companies. Instead of talking with people, though, their work is based on statistics.

Good News: Employment of actuaries is expected to jump 21 percent through 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Average Salary for Actuaries: $98,620*