Fulfilling and rewarding jobs for people with anxiety

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Find a job that works for you

Living with anxiety can sometimes make life feel like a maze, with its twists, turns, and dead ends. 

But remember, every maze has an exit, and in the realm of employment, there’s more than one path you can take. There are many job options for people living with anxiety.

By understanding your needs and what you seek in a job, your path to a fulfilling career becomes clearer.

Living with anxiety and depression, Robyn, pictured right, doubted she would ever find a new path to successful employment.

With the right support and learning new skills to find suitable roles, Robyn took the steps she needed to a rewarding career supporting older people in her community. 

Read Robyn’s story to learn more about her experience.

DES participant Robyn smiles in a black top

Mapping your career journey

Every person is unique, and this includes those living with anxiety. 

When embarking on your job search, it’s essential to find roles that resonate with your unique strengths, skills, and passions. Consider these questions:

  • What are my strengths and skills?
  • What previous jobs have I had, and were they a good fit?
  • What am I passionate about?
  • What new skills might I need to acquire?

Understanding your stress triggers

Understanding the demands of a job is crucial. Consider the work environment, how much you want to talk or interact with colleagues or customers, and the tasks involved.

Identify your triggers and think about whether you might need flexible work arrangements.

Remember, encountering potential challenges or barriers to work doesn’t mean you should avoid employment. You can find a role where you can flourish. With the right strategies, support, or workplace modifications, you can effectively manage your stressors.

If you need assistance maintaining a job while managing your anxiety, organisations like APM may be able to help you access reasonable adjustments in the workplace to support you.


Finding what works for you

Everyone’s journey is different, and you’ll have unique needs and preferences when it comes to work.

For instance, many people with anxiety find jobs requiring focus beneficial, as it leaves less room for worry. If social situations trigger your anxiety, you might prefer working independently rather than in a team.

Consider what balance works best for you. People with anxiety often have excellent information gathering skills and may excel in roles that require investigating information or analysing data.

Your journey with anxiety may have equipped you with valuable skills that could be beneficial in roles that help others learn and apply these skills.


Job ideas for people with anxiety

Looking for some job inspiration? Here are eight career ideas for people with anxiety:

1. Fitness trainer/dietician

Exercise and a healthy diet are crucial for managing anxiety and overall mental health. If you’re passionate about the benefits of exercise and diet, why not make it your career?

2. Counsellor/mental health worker

Do you want to assist others struggling with their mental health? Your experience with anxiety might provide you with a unique understanding of what others are going through.

3. Tradesperson (plumber/carpenter/electrician)

Trades jobs involve problem-solving and physical labour, allowing you to focus on the task at hand rather than your anxieties.

4 Lab technician

Lab techs work behind the scenes collecting and analysing samples. They can work in various fields, from medical to environmental.

5. Retail shelf stocker/warehouse worker

If you prefer a behind-the-scenes role, consider working in a warehouse or stocking shelves in retail stores. These roles are typically low-stress and require limited interaction with others.

6. Gardener/landscaper/florist

Nature often has a calming effect on people with anxiety. Gardening and landscaping jobs involve spending time outdoors, often with limited interaction with others.

7. Freelance writer/Graphic designer

If you want a job with lots of flexibility, freelance work might suit you. Freelance writers, editors, and graphic designers usually work from home and have flexible hours.

8. Web designer/Computer programmer/Software developer

Technology-based jobs often require focus and problem-solving. Tasks are usually completed independently, but sometimes teamwork is required.

A man with a clipboard checking stock in a warehouse

*Please note that these job suggestions may not be suitable for every person. These job suggestions may suit some people depending on their circumstances including, but not limited to, their current experience with anxiety.


What employment support can I access?

If you are eligible for Disability Employment Services, (people with anxiety and mental health conditions are often able to join), APM can provide support to assist you to find work. 

Disability Employment Services (DES) is a government-funded program designed to help you find and keep work and is provided at no cost to participants.

You may get access to:

  • Career advice
  • Finding suitable job opportunities
  • Meeting local employers
  • Writing resumes and job applications
  • Preparing for job interviews
  • Accessing training
  • Accessing mental health support
  • Ongoing workplace support
  • Accessing funding for things like uniforms and transport
  • Accessing workplace modifications to help you succeed at work
  • Workplace assessments to help identify what support is right for you
An APM employee in a black polo smiles in conversation with a DES participant

Ready to get started?

Register now to see if you’re eligible for our, Disability Employment Services program and start your employment journey.


Success stories from people with anxiety who achieved their goals


"It’s given me confidence and also freedom, and a future."

Video transcriptMore success stories


“APM cared about what I had to say.”

Video transcript | More success stories


“My future now, it’s bright it’s going somewhere.”

Video transcript | More success stories


Get a personal job plan

APM can help you find fulfilling work by building you a job plan that’s tailored to your needs.

Identify your strengths:

  • Many strengths can come from your life experience, rather than just your work history. It’s important to identify these as they can be valuable in the workforce. 
  • Your strengths could include things like attention to detail, logical thinking and fast learning that can be valuable in many roles.
  • Identifying your strengths on your own can be hard. If you need a hand, our team at APM would love to help. Our goal is to help you find a job that suits your strengths, skills and interests, and we are committed to supporting you throughout the entire process.

Building a job program around you:

  • Explore realistic job options where you can succeed
  • Develop a personal strategy that includes job searches, resumes and interviews
  • Discuss your support needs with your employer
  • Look at any requirements for equipment or workplace modifications to help you perform a specific job
  • Consider what support you might need when you start working

Get started in three easy steps

Step one

Register with us, and we'll be in touch in the next few days to discuss your eligibility and how to join DES with APM.

artwork of a job seeker registering for DES with APM
Step two

If you're eligible, you'll meet your APM employment consultant and tell them your interests, goals and challenges.

artwork of a DES participant meeting an APM consultant
Step three

You get to work with your employment consultant and start your plan for new skills, training or a job that’s right for you.

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Our support doesn't stop when you start working

We also want to make sure you and your employer have everything you need to be a success together.

Depending on your level of support and the job you start, we work together to make sure you’re able to work safely and effectively.

This can include helping you access training, job coaching, performance monitoring, and understanding the workplace culture and what is expected from you.

We also support workplaces with proactive education to be aware of any impacts your disability may have so we can help avoid any misunderstandings and create a culture of support and inclusion.

If you need ongoing support for long periods of time we will also discuss this with you and establish a support structure.

Our goal is to see you enjoy rewarding and long-term employment and ensure you have the right level of support to succeed.

Get in touch with our teams to find out more.

DES participant Ngaire with her employer and APM consultant walking outside a rural property

Other advice and resources that may help you find a job

Top 3 benefits of work for people with anxiety

Read the top 3 benefits of work for people with anxiety, to see the many advantages of being employed.

Read more

Smiling girl sitting in front pf laptop in an open plan workspace
The ultimate guide on how to get a job with anxiety

Read our guide on the best tips and tools to help you look for work with more confidence.

Read more

A woman sitting at a desk in a home office writing in a notebook
Working with anxiety: helpful advice to cope

In this guide, we look at ways to manage anxiety symptoms, including how to deal with social anxiety at work and where to get help if you feel anxiety is putting your job at risk.

Read more

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About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Disability Employment Services in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

If you have any questions or feedback about the content of this article, visit our Feedback page to get in touch or email support@apm.net.au