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Ask HN: which jobs are accessible to very introverted devs?

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Re: Ask HN: which jobs are accessible to very introverted devs?

#21

Post by HeyLaughingBoy »

antninja wrote: post #11
antitrust wrote: post #6

> I am told that my technical competence is undeniable but I'm way too introverted to be hired My sympathy, because I can imagine this must be puzzling. From experience, my analysis tree would go like this: 1. Is this a euphemism or excuse? Euphemisms can be used to cover up other meanings like "you look like a serial killer" or "bathe more." You might want to pursue those angles. Excuses can cover things like you wa…

I look good but I speak too softly and I don't know how to improvise in conversations. So for a one-to-one technical conversation I have no problem but for casual chats within a group, I just listen and get nervous if the attention is on me. It's due to a lack of experience in talking (and being talked to) combined to perfectionism. The problem is that I need a job soon, not after several years of trying to gain this…

A bit of friendly advice.

Being introverted is one thing, being socially awkward and getting nervous when people talking to you can be a hindrance. If you expect to create your own business, the most important aspect will be customer interaction; you will need to get past these issues in order to be successful.

Re: Ask HN: which jobs are accessible to very introverted devs?

#22

Post by greenyoda »

This isn't directly related to your question about jobs, but Susan Cain (an introvert herself) has some interesting insights into how introverts fit in to a culture that's biased toward extroverts.

Here's her TED talk from 2012 (19 min.):

http://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts....

If you like that, you might enjoy her book on introverts:

http://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Power-Introverts-World-Talking/d...

Re: Ask HN: which jobs are accessible to very introverted devs?

#23

Post by chidevguy »

antninja wrote: post #11
antitrust wrote: post #6

> I am told that my technical competence is undeniable but I'm way too introverted to be hired My sympathy, because I can imagine this must be puzzling. From experience, my analysis tree would go like this: 1. Is this a euphemism or excuse? Euphemisms can be used to cover up other meanings like "you look like a serial killer" or "bathe more." You might want to pursue those angles. Excuses can cover things like you wa…

I look good but I speak too softly and I don't know how to improvise in conversations. So for a one-to-one technical conversation I have no problem but for casual chats within a group, I just listen and get nervous if the attention is on me. It's due to a lack of experience in talking (and being talked to) combined to perfectionism. The problem is that I need a job soon, not after several years of trying to gain this…

I've been dealing with similar issues for a couple of years now. At the worst point I was unable to talk in groups of unfamiliar people without my heart rapidly pounding and face flushing. Not sure if it's quite that bad for you, but I'd recommend googling social anxiety. After learning about that I ended up working with a therapist and taking a year of improv classes. This was by far the best thing I've ever done and really helped my conversation skills. It'll also help with your confidence, which will in turn reduce your nervousness.

Feel free to message me if you'd like to talk more.

Re: Ask HN: which jobs are accessible to very introverted devs?

#24

Post by scotty79 »

mikevm wrote: post #8
scotty79 wrote: post #7

Just pretend to be extrovert. Smile and look at people when they talk as if what they are saying was fantastic. Imagine the people you meet are your friends. Those of your friends that prefer to talk than to listen to you. It's all bit tiresome for introvert but most jobs are. When they hire you as long as you do what you are told and respond when somebody asks you about something and listen to people, no one will kn…

By pretending to be something you aren't you risk of trying too hard and looking even creepier.

Not really. People are blunt, uninterested, and horrible at reading other people. "She killed herself? She was always such a cheerful person!"

Huge part of your self-image is not shared by other people.

You got a point with this "trying too hard" thing. Don't do that. Don't follow people when they don't want you, just react positively when they approach you. Lots of people are looking for listeners. Just listen to them. They will like you. And some other people will like you because those people like you.

Re: Ask HN: which jobs are accessible to very introverted devs?

#26

Post by codenut »

meric wrote: post #2

Introversion != Lack of social skills. Keep talking and meeting new people, get better at socializing. Being introverted just means you prefer not to have to socialize some (or most) of the time, it doesn't mean you have to be bad at talking to people. Being able to socialize is a skill, not a personality. How much you like to do it is what determines if you're extroverted or introverted.

I think you got it wrong. Introversion is not lacking of social skill. I am an introvert but I can communicate or socialize to strangers instantly if needed. But I always have the need to spend time with myself. Check this out.

http://www.quora.com/Introverts-and-Introversion-2/What-does...

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