Recently, during an interview, the reporter caught me off guard by asking what is was like being an an introvert in federal prison. I wasn’t expecting that, but it got me thinking about how being an introvert affected my time in federal prison. I’d read Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain years ago, and while I had shared some parts with my wife to explain my own behavior, I hadn’t really applied those lessons to my prison experience—until that question came up.

I realized then that this is something many people wonder about, primarily if they identify as introverts and are heading to federal prison or dealing with a government investigation.

Addressing Fears and Misconceptions of Introverts in Federal Prison

First, let me clear up some common fears. If you’re worried about violence or gangs in a minimum-security camp, you’re not going to find that. It’s nothing like the sensationalized images in the media. You won’t encounter gangs, and if you stay out of trouble and don’t act foolishly, you won’t find yourself in confrontations either.

For introverts, one of the bigger concerns might be the social pressures. You’re surrounded by hundreds of people with no privacy, which can feel overwhelming. But in reality, you can find plenty of solitude, even in prison, if you know where to look and are willing to make smart choices.

Avoiding Chaotic Environments

Introverts tend to avoid chaotic environments, and prison has plenty of those if you’re not careful. I stayed away from gambling and competitive sports like softball, volleyball, or soccer, where guys took things too seriously, and tempers flared. I ran on the dusty track because I could exercise without the risk of injury, which is crucial in prison because medical care is awful.

Solitude Can Be a Strength In Federal Prison

Here’s some good news for introverts: you will find solitude in prison. It may not be the kind of solitude you’re used to, but it’s there. For me, it was behind the racquetball court or in my cubicle when my bunkmate was out. I’d spend hours reading, writing, and reflecting. Being alone gave me the time to plan for my release and think about what I wanted to do with my life after prison.

As an introvert, you’re less likely to be swayed by groupthink. In prison, that’s important because you’ll hear guys say, “Why are you writing a release plan? Your case manager isn’t going to read it.” Ignore that noise. I had the confidence to make and stick to my own decisions because I didn’t need to follow the crowd to feel validated.

Making the Most of Boredom In Federal Prison

Boredom is the biggest challenge in prison, not violence. You’ll see guys take pointless jobs or waste time watching TV just to feel busy. But introverts have the advantage here—you can turn solitude into something productive. For me, that meant writing, reflecting, and preparing for my release. It wasn’t easy, and there were days when I wasted time. But the key is using your time alone to build something valuable, like a release plan.

Being Judged Doesn’t Matter

Some people thought I was standoffish or aloof because I didn’t join in on the sports or socializing. I didn’t care. I was focused on getting home stronger, with a plan to rebuild my life and pay back my victims. If you’re an introvert, don’t worry about what others think. As long as you’re respectful and doing your best, that’s all that matters. In fact, the more people judged me, the more I knew I was on the right path.

Finding Meaningful Connections

Just because you’re an introvert doesn’t mean you won’t find meaningful relationships in prison. I connected deeply with a few people, like Michael Santos and Andrew Altchek, who shared my values. We didn’t need large social circles; we had real conversations that helped us grow.

Stay True to Yourself if You Are An Introvert In Federal Prison

The biggest lesson I took from all of this is that being authentic is crucial, especially in prison. Don’t change who you are to fit in or meet societal expectations. The more I embraced who I really was, the more successful I became—both in prison and after. As an introvert, you have strengths that will help you navigate this experience, like being a good listener, thinking independently, and using your solitude productively.

If you’re heading to federal prison as an introvert, don’t worry. You’ll find the quiet spaces, the time to think, and the opportunity to reflect. You’ll emerge stronger if you use your time wisely. I’m grateful that you’re part of this community, and I hope these insights help you prepare for what’s ahead.

Thank you for listening, and for the extroverts out there, we’ll cover that another time!

Justin Paperny