Finding jobs for people living with anxiety

If you’re living with anxiety, we understand how hard looking for work can be.


That’s why we want to help you find a fulfilling job, in a workplace that supports your

long-term mental wellbeing.

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We help job seekers living with anxiety

Almost a third of people in Australia will experience an anxiety condition in their lifetime. This means if you’re living with anxiety and looking for work, you aren’t alone.

At APM, we help job seekers living with an injury, illness or disability, including mental health conditions like anxiety, find and keep meaningful work that suits their needs.

Work can be helpful for people living with anxiety as it can:

  • Help you feel more engaged in everyday life
  • Help you be more productive
  • Contribute to your sense of overall wellbeing and belonging

If you’re looking for support to get started with your employment journey, APM can help.

Explore our advice on finding a job for people living with anxiety below, and register today to see how we can help you find and thrive in a workplace.

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

People living with anxiety can find meaningful and fulfilling jobs in a wide range of different roles and workplaces.

Needs, preferences, skills and interests vary from person to person, which means there is no one-size-fits-all job for anyone, including people living with anxiety.

When you’re on the job hunt, you should look for jobs that suit you as an individual with your unique strengths, skills and passions.

While the way everyone experiences anxiety will be different, you may like to consider the following job features:

Do I need a flexible work arrangement?

Consider if you need a flexible work schedule to help you manage your anxiety, or if a structured workday will help you best.


 

What are my triggers?

Take a moment to write down what demands any job has - think about the environment, level of social interaction and tasks involved.

You might like to avoid any job where you’ll regularly be exposed to things that trigger your anxiety

What is your ideal work-life balance?

Consider what is an ideal work-life balance for you, and keep this in mind when searching for your next role.

You may find it beneficial to have a designated start and finish time, so you know when to switch off.


"It's given me my
self-esteem back"

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"I was so excited, I couldn't wait
to get started"

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"Shannon has fitted in with our business perfectly"

Read a full transcript of this video.

Good job ideas for people living with anxiety

             

Everyone will experience anxiety differently, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all list of jobs that are best for you.

However, here are some job ideas to help you start brainstorming what roles could work best.

On your job search, keep your strengths, passions, triggers and needs in mind. It can be a long process, but we know the right job is out there for you.

If you are having trouble figuring out what’s best for you, we can help.

Our employment consultants can help you learn about other opportunities for employment that could suit you, that you might not have considered before.

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

Working as a tradie like a plumber, electrician or carpenter involves a lot of problem-solving and physical labour. This means you have to focus on what’s in front of you, rather than your anxieties. While there is some social interaction, much of the work is done independently.

Lab techs work behind the scenes collecting and analysing samples. They can work in the medical field helping find diagnoses and treatments for patients. Environmental lab techs test the local environment for any contaminants.

If you want a behind-the-scenes job, you could consider working in a warehouse or stocking shelves in retail stores. These roles are typically low-stress and require limited interaction with other people.

Nature often has a calming effect for people living with anxiety. Gardening and landscaping jobs involve a lot of time outdoors with limited interaction with other people. Some often have a creative element too.

Similar to a landscaper, if you love nature a florist could be a great job for you. Being a florist would allow you to express your creativity, and channel your emotions in a positive way. Many florists are able to work part-time or have flexible hours.

If you want a job with lots of flexibility, freelance work might suit you. Freelance writers, editors and graphic designers usually work from home. They need to get projects done, but usually don’t have to turn up for regular hours.

If you like problem-solving and working independently in an evolving industry, web development might be a good fit. Tasks are usually completed on your own, but sometimes you will be required to work in a team.


*Please note that 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.

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What employment services does APM offer?

APM is Australia's largest provider Disability Employment Services, a government-funded program which helps people living with injury, illness or disability find and keep work.

We can help you with things like:

  • 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

             

Ready to get started?

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

FINDING THE RIGHT JOB FOR YOU

Your personal job plan

APM helps job seekers succeed in their search with tailored job support and guidance.

Identify your strengths:

  • Many individuals with disabilities have unique strengths that can be valuable in the workforce. It’s important to identify and communicate these to potential employers.
  • At APM, we have a team of experienced career consultants who can help you to identify your strengths and match them to suitable job opportunities. Strengths can include things like creativity, empathy and perseverance that can be valuable in many roles.
  • Our goal is to help you find a job that suits your skills and interests, and we are committed to supporting you throughout the entire process.

Building a job 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

4 steps to making a positive change in
your life

When you register with APM, we check your eligibility for the program, and help you get started. We guide you through the Centrelink process and your initial assessment, which decides your capacity for employment and suitability for the program.

Apply online

Register with us, and we'll be in touch in the next couple of days to discuss further.

Schedule Appointment 

Meet your dedicated employment consultant at your nearest APM office.

Talk to us

Discuss your disability or health condition, and employment needs.

Get started

Your employment journey begins!

WHEN YOU FIND A JOB

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 you 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.

             

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ADVICE & OTHER RESOURCES

Other advice that may help you find a job

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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Coping strategies for anxiety: 13 practical tips

Coping strategies for anxiety at home and in the workplace. Practical tips for managing anxiety and boosting your wellbeing.

Read more

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Living with anxiety

Explore our comprehensive guide to understanding and living with anxiety. Learn about coping strategies, work tips, treatments, when to get professional help and ways to support others living with anxiety disorders.

Read more

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