This time, I’ve put together a “difficulty ranking” for introverts in the workplace — assuming a typical office setting.
These are situations I often struggle with myself, and while the degree may vary, I imagine many fellow introverts will find this relatable. By understanding ourselves more objectively like this, maybe we can shift our focus to what we’re good at — and find a way to enjoy our work a little more. That’s my hope, at least.
Ranking
Here’s my personal introvert difficulty ranking — workplace edition:
5th Phone Calls
Mental Load ★★★☆☆
Spontaneity ★★★☆☆
Being thrown into a sudden conversation without prep can be stressful. Even though it’s just voice, reading between the lines too much can leave you mentally drained.
4th Large Group Drinking Parties
Mental Load ★★★★☆
Spontaneity ★★★☆☆
The difficulty varies depending on the purpose and your energy level. But you can usually manage － take a break in the restroom or head home after the first round.
3rd Meetings & Presentations
Mental Load ★★★★☆
Spontaneity ★★★★☆
Speaking up while watching the flow of the meeting takes courage. Presentations can be prepared in advance, but the Q&A session? That’s nerve-wracking.
2nd Company Trips
Mental Load ★★★★★
Spontaneity ★★★★☆
Navigating unfamiliar settings is already tough － but overnight stays are on another level. You’re constantly “on,” draining energy until the moment you sleep.
Now let’s look at the good news — things introverts tend to be naturally good at!
5th Small Group Drinking Gatherings
Comfort ★★★☆☆
Strength ★★★☆☆
With fixed seating, there’s no awkward mingling like at standing parties. You can have meaningful, deeper conversations instead of just surface-level chit-chat.
4th Remote Work
Comfort ★★★★☆
Strength ★★★☆☆
Being in a familiar, quiet environment helps you focus. Just be mindful not to isolate yourself too much － get outside once in a while.
3rd Small Group Meetings
Comfort ★★★★☆
Strength ★★★★☆
With fewer people, it’s easier to relax and truly listen. You can speak up with thoughtful insights without fear.
2nd Emails & Chat
Comfort ★★★★☆
Strength ★★★★★
You can take your time, choose your words, and think calmly. Plus, there’s comfort in having a written record you can revisit.
1st Research, Analysis Creating Materials
Comfort ★★★★★
Strength ★★★★★
Perfect for focused solo work. Tasks that require care and deep thought are a great match.
We All Have Our Strengths and Struggles
So, how did this ranking feel to you?
It’s based on my experience working as an IT engineer, as well as things I’ve read and heard from others. Of course, It will vary by industry, role, and even country, so please take it as one perspective.
The real point here is:
Everyone has things they struggle with, and things they naturally excel at.
Even extroverts — who might seem effortlessly impressive — have their own weak spots. It’s just that extroverts are the majority, so their challenges don’t stand out as much. For us introverts, being in the minority often makes our struggles look like flaws — flaws that don’t quite fit in.
We May Be a Minority, But…
It’s an undeniable truth that most workplaces, schools, and societies are designed with extroverts in mind (not always, but often). That’s why, for introverts, daily life can feel a bit constricting or draining — and I believe that’s perfectly understandable.
And it’s not just introversion that defines whether we’re in the majority or not. Gender, physical characteristics, family background, education, beliefs, hometown… all of these can shift our position. What’s even trickier is that we can be in the minority in some situations, and the majority in others — all depending on the context.
While we may be in the minority when it comes to being introverts, I believe there are many other ways in which we actually belong to the majority. And when I think of it that way, it reminds me of something I try to keep in mind:
When I’m in the majority, I want to stay kind and thoughtful toward the minority.
And when I’m in the minority, I want to stay focused on the things I love and do well — even if I struggle with other things.
It’s not easy, I know. But that’s the kind of person I hope to become 🌠
