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In the past, I’ve talked about what I thought were the best jobs for HSPs–and even the #1 best job (working for oneself). But over time, my thoughts on this have changed.
In today’s show, I explain how the best job for HSPs….depends. On so many factors. I also cover some of the challenges of working for oneself, and the one question you can ask a potential employer to help decide of their company culture will be a good fit.
Resources mentioned on the show:
- The One Question You Should Ask About Every Job New York Times
Other posts on this blog about jobs & careers:
- Here’s the best job for a highly sensitive person (or podcast version)
- Jobs and Careers for Highly Sensitive Persons (or podcast version)
- Is self-employment really the best for HSPs?
- HSP episode 50: how to stop wanting to escape your job
- HSP episode 33: An introvert in an extrovert’s job
Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0
Like…WOW…I can’t believe it has taken 17 years (and chopping and changing jobs) to finally come across this website and discovering the reason why I was not very successful in holding down a job and that I’m a HSP! I only found out about this website after been terminated yesterday from a job as a warranty officer for the lst 2 years. Previous to this role I have worked in various customer service and sales positions. Having watched the POD casts and reading everyone’s comments – it was clear that while aspects of these jobs suited certain aspects of my personality, the reality was when I was put under high pressure – my failure to 1. Communicate effectively and with empathy and 2. effectively manage my work load was clear and obvious. This led to me having to go through a performance management scenario with my employers, leading to bullying (in some cases) and either my position becoming redundant or me becoming terminated from my employment. So yeah I have had a real tough run of it. I hate to admin this but I literally cried after watching this episode and I felt for once that I understood why I was not coping and succeeding in my various roles over time. So what is the next step for me? Well I’m not 100% sure but I need to find a job that 1. does not put me in a high stress environment, 2. that is not customer front facing but 3. still involves a level of stimuli so I don’t get bored easily, because that in itself can cause me to have conflict with other internal people within an organisation. I like to improve processes and procedures and solving problems – so thinking a quality auditor may be a good job, but I’m concerned about having to deal with external customers and the pressure of having to meet deadlines. Does anyone have any career suggestions as I’m sort of at a bit of loss and I need to start applying and/or looking at training for the right job. Thank you so much Kelly for this pod cast – you have literally changed my life after watching this pod cast/s.
Hi David, thank you so much for your comment. Just the other day, someone recommend auditor or quality manager as a good job for HSPs, so you might be on the right track! I’m so glad you found this episode helpful. It can be challenging to find the right job to fit our temperament, but it’s worth it. And now that you are more aware of your needs, you can start evaluating roles for how they’ll work for you. Good luck!! 🙂
Hi David, despite being a woman, I was looking twice if your post was not written by me 😮 My job line is so similar to yours that we could easily be twins. And yes, I also upgraded my qualification to quality auditor. I am a Business Engineer from Germany, currently unemployed and am curious how you proceed on your journey. Please let me know if you are interested in a mutual exchange. Cheers, Sylke
Thank you, this is a great blog. After having an exausting day at work in customer service it’s like a breath of fresh air to know i am not the only one with the same problem. I have worked in various types of customer service roles such as sales for 6 years and find that I get drained out and irritable because of noisy environment and constant interaction with people…I also had a chance to work in archival sector which you have mentioned as a good career choice for hsp, and it actually is. Surprisingly, I do not feel as tied after a day at work and somewhat fulfilled because I care for the culture.
Thanks for your comment, Natasha, I’m glad this blog was helpful to you! 🙂
I have just found the answers to a lot of questions I have had about myself. I am not only a HSP but chemically sensitive as well. My options in life are slowly choking me off. I used to be an extrovert but not any more. After 3 trips to the emergency room with no definitive diagnosis and much introspection I have decided to reinvent my life from scratch. What that will ultimately look like I don’t quite know yet. I have a lot of life left In me despite the stress, confusion and Expense$$.I will survive and thrive again!!!
Hi Alexis, I wish you the best!! Glad you are working to feel better!
So I have just found you and so much makes sense to me now.
Your comments around HR was interesting, I work as a Recruitment Manager for a global healthcare company, lots of autonomy and able to work from home with a fantastic work life balance. When I am in the office there are sofa rooms and quiet booths which is ideal. The business area I support is in the manufacturing space so I am recruiting for non-corporate roles rather than dealing with aggresive stakeholders. and candidates.
Having found this community and learning more about how to improve the way I manage my environment & behaviours has untangled a knot that has sat in my tummy for as long as I can remember.
Thank you
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your great podcasts. I really enjoyed this one because number 19 was a bit disheartening to me because it did not list my preferred career as an option and I began to doubt myself and my chosen path. I truly believe that I am meant to be a nanny for a good family that has the same values as I. I was a nanny for over six years about 14 years ago. Now I am hoping to return to that calling after going to school for a while and earning a degree in early childhood education!
I have been diagnosed with several “mental health illnesses”, however, none of them really felt right or made sense to me! I know that I am a hsp and have been my entire life! And in regards to being a introvert or extrovert, I believe I am somewhere in the middle… does that make sense or is that actually a possibility?
Again, I truly appreciate the work you are doing and these podcasts! Don’t stop… unless you want to. lol.
Hi Tara, thanks for the kind comment! so glad you liked the podcast and found it helpful :))
Hi, I’m definitely a HSP and am 56 . I’m compassionate and nurturing but don’t know what job is out there for me? I have to decide a career to train for asap! Can someone please give me help? Thank you!
Hi!
My name is Ullis Karlsson, from Sweden. I have the best job ever for a HSP empath- I am an Yogateacher and Yoga Therapist for People with HSP.
My job is my passion, and its so important and meaningful-both for my clients but also for my clients. I do Yogatrips, ws, offering educations and produce Yoga and Meditation cds.
Maybe you Will even want me to talk on your pod to reach more and Inspire others :)?
Best Regards, Ullis
/plainyoga.se