Being an Introvert in a Corporate World - What I Learned

When I was planning some of our previous career-related videos, it occurred to me that navigating the corporate world is a different experience for people who are introverted. In this video, I share my experience growing up and becoming a lawyer as someone who is (and has always been) introverted, as well as some of the things that I've learned along the way.

An interesting book on introversion that helped me understand my thoughts for this video:

*Contact and Goodies*

Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
1:10 What Do I Mean By "Introvert"?
2:31 From Childhood to Career
7:06 Tip No. 1
8:03 Tip No. 2
9:37 Tip No. 3

Credits to the following videos for footage of the US in the early and mid-1900s:

[_hello_sunshine]

As an introverted educator I can totally relate. Educational fads over the last 20 years have placed more emphasis on making students extroverted by valuing group work, group discussion and group presentations. Yet, when any teacher thinks of their most academic student, it is usually the student who is more reserved, thoughtful and gets on with the tasks independently - the introverts.

[et]

I'm not an introvert. I'm simply sick of toxic office politics and fake banters with fake people along with the sheep mentality of constantly struggling to "fit in"

[cthgbs]

I am also an introvert. I just switched jobs this week, I was pretty freaked out when I received numerous invitations to join self-introduction sessions with new colleagues via video conference. As an Asian, I was nervous because I had to talk my new colleagues who are mostly from European countries.

[kaorikishi]

Thanks so much for sharing this - we don't usually talk about these struggles and it is so encouraging to hear that I'm not alone! :)

[Arianacccosta]

I dislike that people favour extroverts more in the business world. As an introvert in a cooperate environment, we tend to be more observant, attentive and calm.

[hmyaurs]

I am also a junior dispute lawyer and I hate talking with people. I would rather close the door and work all day and not talk to people. I need to write an outline before calling people and be very prepared before even very simple hearings. Nice knowing sb is same as me.

[franwong]

As someone who has always feared sharing a lift with partners / felt pressurised to join friday drinks (and end up feeling even more drained thinking about it over the weekend if I let slip something "stupid"), I've always been too embarrassed to admit that I would google conversation starters 😂 Lawyers are often perceived as extroverts and confident public speakers, and I have spent years since law school doubting myself...so thanks for putting things into perspective!

[kayanyeung]

I like the way you speak confidently and logically. Can you share more on your thought process on approaching confusing questions in life?

[genieshi]

I'm an infp too. I feel you..
We may not talk much but we feel so much inside!

[Bourgeois-Bohemian]

Great content! I classify myself as an introvert, but somehow opportunity brought me into a client facing role and been working for 5 years. At the beginning, it was very uncomfortable for myself to interact with all kinds of people for 8-9 hours a day, but gradually I worked out a balance and set some boundaries for myself to recharge from time to time. However, if I get to change my job/career in the future, I would prefer to have a job that require less interaction with people, it's just better for my mental health in general...haha

[levelupcoachingasia]

Thanks for sharing. I find that one's childhood and cultural factors can affect our actions. Psychology studies show that the first seven years of our life give us the 'programs' which affect the way we act (attachment patterns, etc). The good thing is we can unlearn a lot of things (takes time😮). For example, don't censor your thoughts, feelings and words. And gradually you build the " speak up, say what's on your mind" muscle. 🎉

[Ai-Jay]

OMG, so happy to have found your channel! Suddenly I have this realization that Japan is a society that introverts will enjoy more! Extroverts will probably enjoy their life more in countries like America!

[lindapoon]

Thank you for ur sincere sharing. As an introvert, ur tips are very useful in understanding more about myself and helping me to cope with the working environment which tends to favour extroverts more. Looking forward to more of ur sharing !!

[laucoco]

Being an introvert, I also like spending time alone or with my lovely friends and family. I don’t like large parties but I like to have some small gatherings with my best friends. Love your video. Keep it up!

[wearethetwoforever]

I feel very understood, thanks for the video 🥺 it's hard sometimes because my husband is an extrovert and had tendencies to call me "selfish". It's difficult for him to understand that it's not the people themselves, it's my battery. But he's getting there :)

[ZOOBZGOMEZ]

I’m so glad this is a common feeling. I just started working as a paralegal (almost finished law school) and have been thinking about whether I’m going to struggle in this career because I’m so introverted.

I like to be alone and the long office days in other peoples company feels like it’s too much for me. This is despite the fact I worked in retail for years. I guess it will just take time to adjust.

[Ramza]

I am a fellow attorney (personal injury) and I can definitely relate. Just had a senior attorney here lecture me that I need to get out more and network.... the struggle is real

[sunnykel]

I always thought introverts had it made in professional services (I used to be in law, also). Being loud and bubbly myself, I always felt like colleagues never took me seriously, and didn't respect me, just because of my extroverted personality. Acquaintances could not seem to comprehend that a lawyer could have a personality, and was not quiet, calm and reserved. Colleagues seemed to listen to and treat better, the reserved people who barely spoke. So it's interesting seeing the other side to this!

[jessicay.]

Working (or maybe surviving) at a big firm in Korea as a paralegal, I can totally relate to this! Thanks for your great video, so enjoyable to watch!

[tingmark]

People say I am quiet but I am just not interested in talking to idiots. - The Introvert