Decent paying careers for introverts?

I'm 22 years old and starting college to work on some general ed. My community college offers AA-T and trade jobs like mechanics and nursing etc. It's not that I don't like people and I do enjoy company, it's just the *amount* of people or stuff happening around me that I can't seem to handle. I'm pretty good at the jobs in fast food I've worked where there's like 25 people/6 ppl on shifts total. But these retail and grocery store jobs have me overwhelmed and overstimulated. especially cashiering trying to sell people on credit cards. What do you guys think would be an appropriate major to choose that would be decent money for a single person?

Jobadvisor:

Many introverts thrive in roles that allow for focused work, independent projects, and less constant social interaction. Here are a few career paths that might be a good fit, keeping in mind your interest in decent pay and your community college's offerings:

1. Technology-focused roles:

• Web Developer/Programmer: These roles often involve independent work, problem-solving, and focused coding. While there might be some team interaction, much of the work is done individually. Community colleges often have strong programs in web development or computer science.
• IT Support/Technician: These roles often involve troubleshooting technical issues, setting up systems, and providing technical assistance. While there's some interaction with users, it's often focused on specific tasks or problems.

2. Trades with less intense social interaction:

• Mechanic: While mechanics do interact with customers, a significant portion of their work involves diagnosing and repairing vehicles independently. This could be a good fit if you enjoy working with your hands and solving problems.
• Electrician/Plumber: Similar to mechanics, these trades involve a mix of independent work and focused interactions with clients.

3. Other potential options:

• Accounting/Bookkeeping: These roles often involve working with numbers and data, with less emphasis on constant social interaction.
• Drafting/CAD Technician: These roles involve creating technical drawings and plans, often using computer software.

Important Considerations:

• Your interests and skills: While these careers tend to be suitable for introverts, it's important to consider your own interests and skills. What do you enjoy doing? What are you good at?
• The specific work environment: Even within these careers, the level of social interaction can vary depending on the specific employer and work environment.
• Further education: Some of these careers may require additional training or education beyond an associate's degree.

Recommendations:

• Talk to your community college's career counselor: They can provide personalized guidance based on your interests, skills, and the programs offered at your college.
• Research different careers: Learn more about the day-to-day tasks, work environment, and salary expectations for different careers.
• Consider shadowing or informational interviews: This can give you a firsthand look at what different careers are like.

Remember, being an introvert is not a limitation. Many introverts thrive in a variety of careers. The key is to find a career that aligns with your strengths and preferences.

How do I transition properly out of sex work and into a "real job"?

Good Morning.

I am here because I need some advice. I am 31 years old and I have been working in the lower subset of the adult industry for close to 10 years now and I absolutely 100 percent hate it. I would never even tell my worst enemy to take on this line of work.

I have tried so many times over the years to transition out of the industry and into a "normal" job and I am either never hired for anything or if I am hired, I am generally working for someone who is a pure 100 percent USDA prime cut nutcase.

One lady that I did some "normal" work for literally fired me after a day because I was too quiet of a worker and also because I would not help her beat up her son's wife's girlfriend. Yes, I did just say that.

I did go to college for a year and I can type really well(which isn't that great of a skill since it isn't 1983) and I do have a lot of great marketable skills that I have learned during my time in the industry, but I don't know how to put those skills on a resume without someone inquiring where I got them from.

I have applied to jobs on indeed and I have applied to things on ratracebellion and I am even looking for work on Craigslist(which is actually where I found the lady I just mentioned) and I can't seem to get hired permanently for anything.

I don't even understand why I am not getting hired for anything. When I put in resumes, I don't put on them that I am a phone sex operator, I put on them that I am a customer sales rep.

I am so damn sick of working in the adult industry due to the 1,850,500 issues that lie within it and if I have to live like I have been living for another year(which is beyond terrible), I just know that I am going to go batshit crazy.

Does anyone have any career advice for me? Does anyone know how I can list my skills on my resume without someone asking how I got them?

I am going to go far away now. Happy Holidays.

Jobadvisor:

It's understandable that you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. Transitioning out of sex work can be challenging, but it's definitely possible. Here's some advice focusing on practical steps and reframing your skills:

1. Reframing Your Skills for a Resume:

You're right, directly stating "phone sex operator" isn't helpful. However, the skills you've gained are valuable and transferable. The key is to rephrase them in a way that emphasizes the professional aspects. Here are some examples:

• Instead of: Phone sex operator
• Try: Customer Service Representative, Client Relations Specialist, Sales Representative, Communication Specialist.

Then, describe your duties using professional language:

• Instead of: Provided erotic conversations to clients.
• Try: Managed a high volume of inbound calls, provided personalized service to meet individual client needs, resolved client inquiries and concerns, maintained detailed client records.

Here's how to translate other skills:

• Communication Skills: You've honed excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. This includes active listening, empathy, and the ability to adapt your communication style to different personalities.
• Sales and Marketing: You've essentially been selling a service. This translates to skills in persuasion, negotiation, understanding customer needs, and potentially even marketing yourself online.
• Time Management and Organization: Managing your own schedule and appointments requires strong organizational skills.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Even without formal CRM software, you've likely kept track of clients, their preferences, and interactions, which is the core of CRM.
• Problem-Solving: Dealing with diverse clients and situations has likely developed your problem-solving abilities.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Working in a challenging industry demonstrates your resilience and ability to adapt to difficult situations.

2. Addressing the Employment Gap:

A significant employment gap can raise questions. Here are a few strategies:

• Focus on the skills-based resume: This type of resume emphasizes your skills rather than chronological work history, making it easier to downplay the gap.  
• Use functional resume format: This format emphasizes skills and abilities and de-emphasizes work history.  
• Consider temporary or contract work: This can help bridge the gap and provide recent experience to put on your resume. Temp agencies often have less stringent requirements than direct-hire positions.
• Volunteer work or online courses: These can also fill gaps and demonstrate initiative and a desire to learn.

3. Job Search Strategies:

• Target specific industries: Consider industries where your skills are highly valued, such as customer service, call centers, sales, administrative support, or even online marketing.
• Network (carefully): While being open about your past isn't always advisable, networking within supportive communities or online forums can provide valuable leads and support.
• Practice your interviewing skills: Be prepared to answer questions about your work history in a way that highlights your transferable skills without disclosing the specific nature of your previous work. If asked about a gap, you could say you were "self-employed in a service-based industry" or "focusing on personal development and skill-building."
• Consider a career counselor: A career counselor specializing in career transitions or working with marginalized populations can provide personalized guidance and support.

4. Addressing the "Nutcase" Employers:

Unfortunately, encountering difficult employers is a common experience, regardless of your background. Focus on:

• Thorough research: Before accepting a job, research the company online and look for employee reviews.
• Trusting your gut: If something feels off during the interview process, it's okay to decline the offer.
• Setting boundaries: In any job, it's important to establish clear boundaries and communicate them effectively.

5. Mental and Emotional Support:

Transitioning out of sex work can be emotionally challenging. Consider seeking support from:

• Therapy or counseling: This can help you process your experiences, build self-esteem, and develop coping strategies.
• Support groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide a sense of community and understanding.

It's important to remember that you are not defined by your past. You have valuable skills and the ability to create a fulfilling future. Be patient with yourself, persistent in your efforts, and don't hesitate to seek support when you need it.