Contemporary history is replete with examples of people who were spectacularly successful despite being reserved and preferring solitude over social interaction. From Elon Musk and Warren Buffet to Bill Gates and Barack Obama, introverts have made groundbreaking contributions in all walks of life.
Yet, for long, introversion was considered a hindrance to professional development and success. The argument was backed up by statistics that showed, for instance, that while 56.8% of people lean toward introversion, they make up only 39% of top executives.
The evidence seemed compelling. As a result, introverts were often led to short-sell themselves based on the assumption that they lacked the personality traits necessary for career success.
That assumption, it turns out, is false!
Researchers at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, found that extroversion, not introversion, can be a liability for business leaders.
They argue that extroverted leaders thrive only when their subordinates are passive. That is, when they do as ordered, don’t question decisions, or suggest alternative courses of action.
In contrast, introverts take the lead in workplace environments where proactive employees take initiative, champion new ideas, and promote new strategies. They are at the center of developing innovations and executing radical solutions that are changing our world for the better.
In other words, introversion is as valuable to workplace productivity and success as extroversion.
To be clear, these five are not the only trade jobs that are a good fit for introverted minds. There are countless others.
Our selection is based on current demand trends, projected employment growth, and overall job viability for introverts.
With that in mind, let’s dive right in.
Maintenance technicians are specialized professionals in charge of keeping elaborate industrial processes and critical equipment running smoothly and efficiently.
They are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining complex machinery, equipment, and systems across homes, public and commercial buildings, factories, and work sites.
They are also in charge of performing inspections, diagnostics, and preventive maintenance to increase productivity and minimize downtimes.
The significance of the maintenance technician’s role comes down to two factors:
The occupation of maintenance technicians has one of the highest job growth rates in the US.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a 17.2% growth for industrial machinery mechanics (of which maintenance technicians are a part) between 2023 and 2033.
This line of work is hugely attractive in terms of salaries as well.
The average annual salary for a maintenance technician in the US is $65,662, with top earners making well in excess of $100,000.
Actual salaries for all trade jobs in this list can vary widely based on skill level, years of experience, and location.
As with the other trade jobs on this list, a maintenance technician’s role does not demand a traditional four-year college degree.
Instead, there are three pathways to entering this job:
This is one trade job that offers introverts the chance to get out of crowded urban spaces and work outdoors, usually in remote and sometimes offshore locations.
Wind turbine technicians are skilled professionals tasked with installing, inspecting, repairing, maintaining, and monitoring power-generating wind turbines.
This trade job offers multiple specialized roles such as blade repair specialists, control systems technicians, and high voltage electrician technicians.
Wind turbine technicians must have a combination of mechanical aptitude, strong problem-solving skills, physical stamina, and the ability to work at great heights, sometimes under harsh weather conditions.
They must also be adept at diagnosing problems with a turbine’s mechanical, electrical, and computer systems.
The growing demand for clean energy is driving worldwide demand for wind turbine technicians.
In the US, employment of these skilled professionals is projected to grow 60% between 2023 and 2033. That translates to an average of 2,100 new wind turbine technician roles each year over the same decade.
Salary prospects for this profession are equally upbeat.
The average annual salary for a wind turbine technician in the US is $54,230, with more experienced and specialized workers earning up to $79,000.
The wind turbine technician’s role calls for a combination of skills-based education, training, and certification.
Continuous education and additional certifications are key to staying abreast of the latest technical developments in this field.
Clubbing these three distinct trades together makes sense because of their similarities in terms of skills, educational requirements, and training pathways.
All three professions also represent essential services with consistently high demand.
Let’s briefly understand the significance of each role:
The BLS estimates healthy job growth rates for plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians at 6%, 11%, and 9% respectively from 2023 to 2033.
This is how they compare in terms of average annual salaries:
All three trades also enjoy strong job security, a wide variety of industries and work environments, and the ability to work independently.
That also makes them ideal for anybody looking to switch careers.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the only educational requirement for these three occupations.
Pathways to employment involve:
State-based licensing requirements may apply to each of these three trades depending on your location.
A biomedical equipment technician is responsible for the maintenance and repair of diagnostic, treatment, and therapeutic medical devices.
That includes X-ray machines, patient monitors, ultrasound equipment, and ventilators, among others.
These technicians are responsible for keeping such medical equipment in top working condition across a variety of settings, from hospitals and specialized clinics to research labs.
The key functions of a biomedical equipment technician include:
The employment of medical equipment repairers and technicians is expected to grow at a robust rate of 18% from 2023 to 2033.
That is much faster than the average for all other occupations.
This growth is fuelled by an aging population, new advances in medical technology, and continuously higher standards of medical service delivery.
The job involves attractive compensation and benefits as well, with the average annual salary for biomedical equipment technicians at $$64,982.
The advanced level of specialization required in this field means top earners can make over $100,000 a year.
The basic educational requirement for this field is an associate’s degree in biomedical equipment technology, engineering technology, or a related field.
Here’s what you must keep in mind:
A diesel mechanic is a trained professional specialized in the repair, maintenance, and servicing of diesel-powered engines, vehicles, and heavy machinery.
They must work on all components of diesel-powered engines and equipment, including hydraulic and mechanical parts, drivelines, and electrical systems.
They are responsible for everything from routine maintenance and minor fixes to extensive rebuilds and full-scale overhauls.
Here’s what a diesel mechanic’s workday involves:
Demand for professionals in this line of work has continued to hold steady over recent decades.
Although the estimated job growth for diesel mechanics between 2023 and 2033 is only 3%, it translates to 25,600 new openings each year over the decade.
The dirt, grime, and sweat that usually come with this job are well compensated for.
On average, diesel mechanics in the US earn an annual salary of $58,798. Those with specialized skills or extensive experience can look to earn as much as $80,500 per annum.
While some diesel mechanics still go straight to on-the-job training, most employers insist on candidates completing a structured training program before they can be hired.
A high school diploma or GED is typically mandatory.
Unmudl is a one-of-a-kind Skills-to-Jobs ® platform designed specifically for people looking to jumpstart their careers while bypassing the traditional four-year college degree route.
All of our learning material is developed in collaboration with industry experts to equip you with in-demand skills in the shortest possible time.
Our extensive range of certifications and courses make it easy to qualify for financially rewarding and professionally satisfying roles.
Get in touch with us today to explore trade job opportunities that are just right for introverted minds.