When you work with the public, you constantly have to be “on,” which can be especially draining for introverts.
Working with the public is never easy — for anyone — but it can be especially challenging if you’re an introvert. Whether you’re working in retail, social work, a restaurant, or a library, these roles require you to be “on” and ready to assist others. You need to be able to make small talk. You need to be able to answer the phone.
Of course, these tasks can be draining for an introvert — in essence, you’re an introvert with an “extrovert” job.
I work as a Youth Services Librarian in a public library. Most of the time, I love my job. I enjoy being surrounded by books, sharing my passion for reading with the kids who visit, and having plenty of opportunities to be creative through programming and decorating.
What’s challenging, though, are tasks like helping at the circulation desk, answering the phone, or leading a Story Time in front of several parents and children.
People-y Encounters Can Be Draining for Introverts
Throughout my career, I’ve had many positive — and occasional negative — encounters. Both kinds can be draining. That’s something people don’t always understand about introverts. Just because a social interaction is enjoyable doesn’t mean it’s not also tiring.
Over the years, however, I’ve found ways to cope with the challenges of working with the public as an introvert — and perhaps these might help you, too.
10 Tips for Working With the Public as an Introvert
1. Remember to breathe.
Before reading at Story Time or assisting a library patron, I take a few deep belly breaths. It always helps me feel calmer. There aren’t many ways to lower our fight-or-flight response, but deep breathing is one of them. (For you, that might mean meditating — do whatever works.)
By slowing our breath, we remind our bodies that there’s no immediate danger. The patrons aren’t saber-toothed tigers ready to pounce — they’re just people, like us.
2. Be gentle with yourself and remember — you’re doing the best you can.
Give yourself credit for facing people-centric challenges every day. You’re capable of handling whatever comes your way, even if it doesn’t feel that way in the moment.
Try writing encouraging mantras on Post-it notes or in your phone, like “I can do this” or “I will be fine.” These tangible reminders can help reinforce your confidence and resilience.
3. Treat each interaction as a learning experience.
Every time you interact with someone — whether it goes well or not — take note of it. Write down what happened and how you handled it.
Later, when you need a confidence boost, look back at your experiences. Even the difficult encounters will remind you of your resilience — because no matter how challenging they were, you handled them and got through it.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
I know — introverts don’t love asking for help. But sometimes, it’s necessary (and an important form of self-care).
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to take a break. Ask someone to cover the desk while you step outside or do some deep breathing. (Nature, after all, is an elixir for introverts.)
Be honest with your boss or colleagues about why you’re feeling drained. Let them know that, as an introvert, you need occasional moments of alone time. Being an introvert is nothing to be ashamed of — people may be more understanding than you expect. You might even connect with a fellow introvert who’s been craving the same thing but was hesitant to speak up.
5. Have talking points prepared (since you probably don’t love spontaneous conversations).
For many introverts, small talk is one of the hardest challenges. But when you work with the public, it’s a necessary skill. To make it easier, prepare some go-to talking points in advance to help both you and the other person feel more at ease.
For example, in the library, I often ask patrons what they’re currently reading. I also pay attention to details — if a customer has a child with them, I’ll ask their name and engage with them, which helps create a positive interaction for both the child and the parent.
Think about your work environment and tailor your talking points accordingly. If you work at a vet’s office, ask about a pet’s name or how they became part of the family. The more specific and relevant your questions, the easier and more natural the conversation will feel.
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6. Use your empathy skills as much as possible.
Unfortunately, working with the public means dealing with the occasional unhappy customer. It can be especially challenging when someone is in a bad mood or frustrated — and they take it out on you.
But as introverts, we have a superpower for handling these situations: empathy. It’s not always easy, but we naturally excel at putting ourselves in another person’s shoes.
Imagining what the other person might be going through — their stress, frustration, or personal struggles — can help you depersonalize the situation. When you don’t take their negativity personally, you’ll find it easier to engage with them and navigate the encounter more smoothly.
7. Have a few people in your life who “get it” (and get you).
Having a friend or family member who truly “gets it” — and gets you — can be a lifesaver. We all need people who understand us and have our backs. They know the challenges you face as an introvert, and you can vent to them (which can be incredibly cathartic).
It’s even better if you find someone like this at work. They’ll relate to the challenges you’re dealing with and can help you brainstorm solutions.
8. Focus on what you love about your job.
Taking a moment to appreciate the parts of your job that energize you — rather than drain you — can make the tougher tasks easier to handle.
For me, it’s the reward of helping a child find a book they’re excited to read or seeing the joy on kids’ faces during a craft program.
Every job has its challenges, but focusing on what you enjoy can help you push through the harder moments. Consider writing down the positives as a reminder for the tough days.
9. Remember: Your life isn’t just work.
It’s easy to forget this when work takes up so much of our time. But we are more than our jobs — we have friends and family we enjoy spending time with, hobbies and interests that bring us joy, and pets we adore.
Even when we’re drained, there are things in our lives that can re-energize us. For me, that’s one-on-one time with a good friend, cuddling with my dog, or watercolor painting.
Being in nature is another great way for me to recharge. There’s nothing like walking through the woods, listening to birds chirp, and hearing the crunch of leaves underfoot. Walking also gives me time to reflect, which I appreciate as an introvert.
Think about the things that bring you joy outside of work. Reminding yourself of them can help you get through the day and give you something to look forward to.
10. Be honest with yourself.
Introverts can do any job, but if your job brings only stress and no joy, it might be time to consider other options. You are never truly stuck — there are always possibilities. It’s easy to forget this when financial stability is a priority, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for being unhappy.
If your job is making you miserable, don’t be afraid to think beyond what you’re doing now. There’s a job out there that’s a better fit — you just might have to search for it. And I promise, it exists.
Most importantly, don’t let the stigma around introversion hold you back. Introverts can thrive in any career. The key is understanding the strategies that make challenges — like working with the public — more manageable.
Introverts, what tips would you add? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 
