Fortunately, shyness is now being recognised as a real social problem and there is considerable research being conducted toward trying to find solutions to help shy people. It is thought that one of the best ways to handle shyness is through self-acceptance and by trying to focus on the positive aspects of introversion and building upon these positive characteristics.

In fact, there are quite a variety of career options open to people who fall on the more bashful side of the spectrum, according to Lisa Andrews, director of career services at the University of Maryland University College.

"Any position where you work with data and ideas instead of people would be ideal careers for introverted people," she says. Keep reading to learn more about five careers for shy people.

Graphic Designer:

Creativity can be a solitary process - and it's not unusual for graphic designers to spend time alone thinking up big ideas for clients. Another plus for shy people: according to the U.S. Department of Labor, graphic designers could have the opportunity to freelance or work from home.

Related degrees: Graphic designers often have a bachelor's degree in graphic design or fine arts, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, which adds that an associate's degree is sometimes enough to start a career in the field of graphic design.

Average earnings: $48,140*

Accountant:

Accountants, who ensure that financial information is correct, typically spend more time with numbers than clients, making this career track a nice match for people who enjoy data as opposed to office gossip.

Related degrees: Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Some employers might look for applicants with a master's in business administration (MBA), with a concentration in accounting.

Average earnings: $68,960*

Computer Programmer:

Computer programmers are changing the way we interact with devices of every kind from iPads to automobiles as well as online services and business applications. "I think one of the perfect jobs for a shy person is computer programming because programmers tend to work independently, and with little to no interaction with customers," says Casey Miller, assistant director of professional practice at the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

Related degrees: According to the U.S. Department of labor, a bachelor's degree in an area like computer programming is often required in this career, while for some positions a master's degree is preferred. Closely related degrees include network administration and IT & information systems.

Average earnings: $74,900*

Actuary:

Actuaries, who specialize in risk assessment, often spend their days pouring over statistics involving people - not talking to them. "Actuaries and mathematicians are usually up to their necks in databases and algorithms," says Miller.

Related degrees: Actuaries often have a bachelor's degree in areas like mathematics and statistics, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Other related majors include finance and business administration.

Average earnings: $98,620*

Dental Technician:

Dental technicians often work behind-the-scenes, assisting dentists and hygienists, working with a model of a patient's mouth rather than the patient themselves.

Related degrees: Dental technicians must have a high school diploma. Formal education is available in the form of accredited dental laboratory technology programs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Average earnings: $37,980*

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being shy. There are many outstanding qualities to be found in many shy people, although their condition tends to make them withdraw into a private world of their own and because they do not socialize much with other people, they sometimes do not notice many of the things happening around them. Their lack of interaction and socialization also makes it difficult for them to adapt to suit certain types of jobs, which can inevitably lead to them choosing jobs or careers that are well below their natural talents and capabilities. In more extreme situations it can also lead to unemployment.

Obviously, some occupations are more suited to shy people than others.

Comments for a Shy Person:

"I am a shy person, and I was endlessly looking for a job that requires little to no contact, but do you know what they call a job like that? "Cushy!"

Those "cushy" jobs are hard to obtain.

I'm a pharmacy technician now. I'm shyer than shy. I'm 26 and have never been on a date, and I love women. You can see how much this has altered my life.

I'm here to tell you now that you need to do a few things you are uncomfortable with. As the posterchild of shyness I can say that an element of shyness is laziness, or the lack of energy to put up with discomfort. Without risk, there is no reward. Of course, the reward sometimes doesn't seem worth the anguish!

I've had my job for 5 years. I didn't have to interview (thank God).

"A random action brings about a random outcome." In other words, if you try something new, new results are inevitable.

When I was 24, one night I decided I was going to go through the drive-thru at McD's, for the first time. I was craving for fries, and I always had to wait until my mom would get some for me (if I were visiting and she was out and about). Well, I went, and it was excruciating... I kept it up, and slowly it got easier. At first I kept tabs of how many times I had done that. Inevitably, a change came about in my life. The change is always proportionate to the effort put forth. It wasn't anything huge, just a change (the girl working the drive-thru talked to me).

Even if you can identify a job that requires little or no human contact, all of the things you have to do to get it require MUCH human contact, such as filling out apps, interviews, talking to the person who trains you, meeting the staff, etc. It is a long road for us shy people, but in the end all of that fear is just unwillingness to put up with discomfort, which can hold you down for a lifetime. I'm 26 and have never had a romantic relationship, but I have squared the other things away."

Ref.

• Yahoo Education, [by By Lynda Phung]
• Jobs for Shy People, [writer unknown]