by Juliet Romano

Created on: June 22, 2010   Last Updated: June 23, 2010

In a society hell bent on work and being productive, shyness is an issue. Although in some cultures shyness is encouraged and often rewarding, in most western cultures such as in the United States of America, being shy can be very disadvantageous. It is true that being shy is a personality trait and as such perfectly alright to be shy, but remember conformity is a key aspect in society. No one wants that one employee to respond with quiet nods and small smiles with no words in between all day; society is harsh when it comes to shy people. So why is it so important to overcome shyness in the current society? 

Academic Career

Whether it be high school, undergraduate schools, or graduate schools, being shy is not an option. You might jeopardize your academic career by losing what many professors call the participation grade. Working in group projects is essential in learning and not to mention a good grade. If you disagree with your teammates, then you need to speak up. You may know the answer in class, but you might be frightened to speak so take classes that encourage speaking up and allow opinions to flourish.

In order to overcome academic speaking, try to include speech classes in your schedule and actively participate in sports or group activities. Avoid debating activities as this may lower your self esteem if you already are shy.

Professional Career

If you just graduated from graduate school or have obtained professional licenses and are still shy we have a problem. Being a professional in its own means to be able to communicate as thoroughly as possible with people. Jobs originally intended for introverted shy people such as writers and poets now have to deal with literary agents and publishers in order to get published and paid. Times have changed to the point where there is no way to avoid interacting with people and if you are shy, then you need to stop being shy in order to survive in this economy.

Some tips in easing into the professional world is by interacting with other professionals in your own field. Make friends who understand how shy you are so that they may create a more comfortable environment for you.

Social Life

No matter how introverted or how much you hate people, people are everywhere and will be involved in your life one way or the other. It is much easier to conform than to actively avoid. Although it is very possible to live as a hermit for the rest of your life, it is equally likely that you will not be able to survive without a job, a home, and resources only other humans can provide.

Go out to parties, have fun, meet people, you will be surprised to find how many other people are out there who are just like you. Remember being shy is normal to some degree, but it can be seen as highly unwanted especially in this society.

It is very difficult for shy people to conform to societal ways of life especially if they choose to live as independently as possible. The main culprit to blame is self esteem. The lower a person's self esteem is, the less likely they will be willing to conform. With the overwhelming pictures of conformed groups seen through the media, it may be very hard for individuals to feel like they are a part of a group sometimes. Shyness should never be seen as a sign of weakness, but more a sign of opportunity for improvement and change. Also, make sure you are culturally aware of why a person is shy, perhaps they are from a country that values being shy and if that is the case use caution when trying to conform them.

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