Jobs for Schizoid Personality Disorder

Schizoid Personality Disorder is a subtype of Personality Disorder that particularly affects people’s social interaction, emotional expression, and close relationships. Recognised by the DSM-5, the rare condition includes symptoms such as:

• Choosing solitary activities often or all of the time
• Emotional detachment
• Indifference to criticism or praise
• Lack of desire for close personal relationships

The disorder is estimated to affect a very small percentage of the population, about 3.1% in the U.S., and is typically more common among men.

To be diagnosed with the condition, you must be seen by a registered psychiatrist who will carry out a full evaluation.

How Can Schizoid Personality Disorder Affect Your Career?

Schizoid Personality Disorder symptoms and traits may affect your career significantly. The symptoms can make it quite difficult to form relationships with others, including those in a professional context, and you may struggle in working closely with other people entirely. The disorder can affect your ability to react “appropriately”, especially in instances of feedback and criticism, and this might affect your job performance and/or the perception of others within the workplace.

But not all is lost. As with any condition or disability, there are certain jobs that can be appropriate and accessible for those with Schizoid Personality Disorder. There are also reasonable adjustments that can be made in a wide range of jobs that can assist you if you are diagnosed with the disorder.

What Kind of Jobs Are Best For People With Schizoid Personality Disorder?

If you live with Schizoid Personality Disorder you may prefer jobs where you can largely work in solitude. You may prefer jobs with high levels of independence such as freelance work, research, or data entry. Depending on your symptoms, you may feel like you can’t deal with any level of social interaction or you may feel like you can handle a certain level of interaction with others.

Having Schizoid Personality Disorder doesn’t necessarily mean you need to work entirely alone. It can mean, instead, that you are better to look for an employer, workplace, or role that allows you to have some control over your environment and that takes your difficulties into account. Choosing an accessible employer who is willing to learn about your disorder and its symptoms can be something that really changes your experience in the workforce.

Finding the Right Job for You

When it comes to finding the right job when you have Schizoid Personality Disorder, you need to take into account how your mental health condition affects you on a day to day basis and how that translates into your work life. Then, you need to find a role, company or employer that is willing and able to make reasonable adjustments for you and your disorder.

If things are made appropriate and accessible for you, there is no reason you can’t find a job you are happy and comfortable in.

To help yourself land the right role, keep an eye on our disability friend job board. Or you can get in touch with us directly if you want some more support in finding a career that works for you.