An Introvert in an Extraverted World: Tips for On-The-Job Survival and Success

The day started with two cups of coffee and delivering a training session. On a Monday morning, one of the last places you may want to find yourself is standing in front of a roomful of people. Some of them are staring at you intently, notepads or laptops in hand, waiting for your words of wisdom. Others are hunched in their seats, hoping you won't notice that they're frantically text messaging a grocery list to their husband or simply trying to stay awake.

But that's how my work weeks often start. Giving trainings and other types of presentations is just part of my job. The day in question only got more frantic from there. Before I closed up shop for the day, I'd given the training, attended two lengthy meetings, and spent several hours on the phone. It was, as the song says "Just Another Manic Monday."

That night, I curled on the couch with a blanket and stared mindlessly at the television set. My body felt like I'd run a marathon, even though nothing I'd done that day could be described as intense physical activity. My brain, which is usually running a mile a minute, was blissfully blank.

"I don't know how you do it," my boyfriend said, rubbing my shoulder affectionately. I smiled, pleased by his praise. When I go to work, I don't save the world or even solve its major problems. But I'm an introvert in an extraverted job, and to other introverts that sometimes seems like an amazing feat.

There's no doubt about it. The world, particularly the work world, can be tough on people with an introverted nature. Granted, not every job is as people-focused and interactive as mine. But chances are that regardless of what you do for a living, you'll have to spend at least some of your workday dealing with clients and co-workers, attending meetings, and generally being responsive to others..

For truly introverted types, this can be daunting. But with a bit of understanding about your introverted nature and your needs, it can be not only doable but fun.

1. Understand What Being an Introvert Means