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Jobs for people with anxiety

Banner feature Jobs for people with anxiety
Jobs for people with anxiety

Looking for work when you're living with anxiety can feel like a big step. But you're not alone. 

With the right support, it’s possible to explore job options that feel more manageable and better suited to your needs.


Get support

Discover job options that feel right for you

If you’re living with anxiety and looking for work, you’re not alone. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in Australia, affecting over 3 million people each year, and it can make finding the right job feel more challenging.

From managing anxious thoughts to dealing with unfamiliar environments or social situations, job hunting can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s where the right support can make a difference. 

At APM, we work alongside people to help them explore job options that suit their strengths, routines, and support needs. We can provide support if you’re ready to find a job now or want to take smaller steps. 

Finding the right job when living with anxiety can help you:

  • Rebuild confidence at your own pace
  • Create structure and a sense of routine
  • Feel more independent and in control
  • Connect with others in a supportive environment
  • Contribute in a way that feels meaningful to you

Below, you’ll find tips to help you recognise your strengths, understand what you need in a workplace, and explore job options that feel more manageable.

Your situation is valid, and finding a job that works for you can be a powerful step forward.

Get support

What to look for in a job when you’re living with anxiety

Living with anxiety can make the idea of starting or returning to work feel complex,  especially if certain environments or tasks feel overwhelming. But finding meaningful work is still possible, especially when your needs are understood and supported.

The right job should allow you to manage your mental health, build on your strengths, and support you through moments of uncertainty or stress.

Because everyone experiences anxiety differently, it helps to reflect on your own preferences, boundaries, and energy levels. Thinking ahead about the types of roles and routines that feel manageable can make your job search more focused and less stressful.

Below are a few helpful questions to consider as you begin exploring your options.

What kind of environment helps me feel calm and focused?

You might feel more at ease in a quiet space with fewer distractions, or you might prefer some background activity that keeps your mind engaged. 

Flexible hours, work-from-home options, or low-pressure settings can help reduce stress and support your focus throughout the day.

What level of interaction feels right for me?

Some people with anxiety feel more comfortable working independently, while others enjoy routine contact with a small, supportive team. 

Think about how you respond to social settings, meetings, or customer service roles, and what type of interaction you feel most comfortable with.

What makes me feel valued and motivated?

It’s important to feel a sense of purpose in your work. For example, you may enjoy solving problems, helping others, being creative, or ticking off tasks one by one. 

Knowing what keeps you engaged can help guide you toward roles that are both fulfilling and sustainable for you.

Job ideas for people living with anxiety

When you're living with anxiety, the right job can help create structure, build confidence, and support your wellbeing. You might prefer roles that offer flexibility, predictable routines, or the option to work in a quieter or more private setting.

Thinking about your strengths and how you like to work can open up new opportunities. You may even be able to apply your existing skills in a different environment or industry that feels more manageable.

If you’re not sure where to start, our Employment Consultants can work with you to explore job options that match your needs, interests, and goals. Register now to get personalised job support and advice. 

Here are some job ideas for people with anxiety:

Jobs for people with anxiety with flexible hours

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

Jobs with flexible hours or locations

These roles may offer more control over your routine and environment, which can be helpful if your anxiety is triggered by commuting, unpredictability, or fast-paced workplaces.

  • Virtual assistant
  • Fitness trainer or dietician
  • Freelance writer or editor
  • Graphic designer
  • Online tutor or trainer
  • IT support or remote tech roles
  • Web designer, software developer or computer programmer
  • Digital marketing or social media coordinator


Jobs with low social pressure or quiet settings

If you find large crowds, constant interaction, or high-pressure tasks challenging, these roles may offer more structure and allow for focused, independent work.

  • Data entry clerk
  • Records or document officer
  • Administration assistant
  • Library assistant
  • Lab technician
  • Warehouse or retail stock worker
  • Nightfill or restocking roles
  • Gardener, landscaper, or florist


Jobs that use your experience in new ways

If you're living with anxiety, you may prefer to build on your skills in roles that have more structure, fewer triggers, or a calmer pace. 

These jobs can use your experience while offering a fresh environment:

  • Project coordinator
  • Industry trainer or mentor
  • Office-based specialist roles
  • Counsellor or mental health support worker
  • Tradesperson (plumber, carpenter, or electrician)
  • Advisory or support roles
Get support

Support available through Inclusive Employment Australia

If you’re living with disability, injury, or a health condition, you're not expected to figure it all out on your own. Support is available to help you move toward your employment goals at a pace that works for you.

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

Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) is a government-funded program designed to help you find and keep work and is provided at no cost to participants.

Whether you're searching for your first job, returning to work, or need help to stay in a role, APM is here to guide you. We’ll get to know your situation and build a personalised plan that reflects your strengths, needs, and preferences.

Through Inclusive Employment Australia, you may be able to access:

  • Job advice tailored to your goals
  • Support to find suitable opportunities
  • Help with writing resumes and preparing for interviews
  • Access to training or courses to build your skills
  • Workplace assessments and practical recommendations
  • Assistance with workplace adjustments or flexible work options

Get support
An APM employee in a black polo smiles in conversation with a DES participant

Take the first step

Ready to explore your options? Register today to find out if you’re eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia with APM.

Get support

FINDING THE RIGHT JOB FOR YOU

A personalised plan to help you feel ready for work

At APM, we support people living with anxiety disorders to find work that suits their strengths, preferences, and wellbeing. Here’s how we can help:

Recognising your strengths and abilities

  • Many strengths come from your life experience, not just your work history. Living with anxiety may have helped you build qualities like empathy, active listening, attention to detail, and problem-solving, all of which can be highly valuable in many jobs.

  • It’s not always easy to see your own strengths. That’s where APM can help. We’ll work with you to recognise your abilities and explore job opportunities that feel manageable and meaningful.

Shaping a role around your support needs

  • Explore realistic job options that support your mental wellbeing and set you up for success
  • Create a personalised plan to guide your job search, resume, and interviews
  • Talk with potential employers about your support needs and flexible work options
  • Identify tools, equipment, or workplace adjustments that can make your workday easier
  • Plan for the support you may need when starting a new role 

3 steps to help you feel ready for work

Step one

Register with APM to check if you’re eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia. It’s a small first step toward exploring work options that feel more manageable.

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

You’ll meet with an APM employment consultant who’ll take the time to understand your experience with anxiety, what support you need, and the type of work that could suit your strengths and comfort level.

artwork of a DES participant meeting an APM consultant
Step three

With personalised support, you can explore job ideas, build your confidence, and take steady steps toward finding a role that supports your wellbeing.

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Success stories from people living with anxiety who achieved their goals

"My life has changed so much" 

Robyn's story

Read a full transcript of this video.

"I feel like I can go home feeling proud" 

Dan's story

Read a full transcript of this video. 

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

Ngaire's story

Read a full transcript of this video.

Keeping you supported in the workplace

Ongoing support to help you feel more confident at work

Starting a new job is an important step, and we’re here to keep supporting you well beyond your first day.

Our team works closely with you and your employer to create a safe, understanding, and supportive environment. 

This may include flexible routines, clear communication plans, or access to resources that help manage workplace stress.

Depending on your needs and the role you start, we can assist with on-the-job coaching, training, or workplace adjustments to make your workday easier to manage. 

We also provide guidance to employers to help them understand how anxiety can affect work, encouraging flexibility, empathy, and inclusion in the workplace.

If ongoing or long-term support is needed, we can build a plan with you to make sure you feel confident, comfortable and supported at work.

Our goal is to help you thrive in meaningful, lasting employment, with the right tools, understanding, and support around you.

Ongoing support is a feature of Inclusive Employment Australia
Register now

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.

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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

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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 Inclusive Employment Australia 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