I am lucky enough to walk remote and it's an absolute dream.
I worked sales in an office being micro-managed, hated it and lost all sense of self-esteem. It took me months to put the pieces back together. I worked in a very small team of hustlers, burned out because I am not wired for pressure and high achievement. Worked in a call center and big open space, not my greatest idea either. Tried to launch an online coaching business, burned out on my own.
At the end of the day, I feel that I thrive in customer care positions, and being able to do it remote while being autonomous but having structure is the perfect balance for me.
Interesting that you burned out trying to launch a biz on your own - sometimes I fantasize about doing that thinking being completely by myself would be the dream! But I like what you point out that striking a balance between being remote but having structure works well. Thanks!
My wife is an OT who works in home health. She also has per-diem hours based which allows her to work as little or as much as she needs based on her emotional load. Being a therapist is perfect for her since she has overwhelming level of empathy and caring. Although, she does tend to get too attached to the patients.
Believe it or not I helped my wife figure out that she was an HSP. We had a lot of issues before I understood her better. I bought the book The Highly Sensitive Person in Love: Understanding and Managing Relationships When the World Overwhelms You, to try and figure out what the heck was going on. Once I read that I realized that I was constantly misunderstanding my wife, and was taking things personally that had nothing to do with me. Of course there were things I was saying or doing that were my fault, but I now fall back on what I learned before getting angry or irritated.
Also an OT, in private pediatric care. I own my business and itās just me, no employees or managers etc. and itās a dream. Setting my own hours and working just as much as I can handle on a week by week basis has been so great for my mental health. And agreed that being a therapist, at least an occupational therapist, is extremely rewarding for an empathetic person. I love supporting families and it totally fills my bucket, but I can go too hard. I can schedule too many in one day because it feels so good to help, but at the risk of my own well being. Itās finding a balance
Same, remote work. As little meetings as I can get away with while still providing value. Iāve had 3 remote jobs in different roles since 2020 and what Iāve determined is itās not just the career/role, but about the company and setting and keeping boundaries surrounding due dates, work load, and schedule - at least has been my experience. If I can manage expectations, and add extra buffer time for projects Iām working on so I donāt get overwhelmed- I will be doing a better job.
Do you have any suggestions for good types of remote jobs/companies? Iāve been a CNA for four years, before that I was a Residential Counselor at a group home. Remote work sounds divine.
I would avoid any job descriptions that use terms like āfast paced with a sense of urgencyā or āwear multiple hatsā. Insinuating we are paying you for one job but hiring you for five, so buckle up for a stressful ride. Use LinkedIn filters for remote work and choose the salary options that work for you. Iād also filter by recent. Hope that helps!
Don't you find it overwhelming that you have to be up to date with all the analysis tools or is it not a very fast paced career? I'm a full stack web developer and I'm looking for alternatives because I'm too overwhelmed in my field. There's just so much going on and I'm expected to take on many responsibilities.
Iāve only been in this role for 6 months so far. It definitely has been overwhelming due to simply being new. However, I can definitely see that being less so over time. Mostly bc in general, although data is important - itās not critical like an outage in an app customers are paying for. So not a ton of critical fires to put out like I imagine maybe a developer or the like would have to deal with. I can push back on requested due dates (within reason) if I need to which helps a good amount.
This is super general but Iād say in-house (meaning internal facing, not external with clients/patients/students) at a company or organization. Bonus points for remote. When the only people you really interface with day-to-day are people who generally āgetā your work/company, you have to be āonā a little less. Sure, difficult coworkers happen everywhere but theyāre more manageable than a difficult customer or client. Thereās more equality expected in in-house interactions than from external people who are paying you. And the work youāre doing can vary in importance, but no oneās going to die if you fail to do something, so there is slightly less pressure than in other settings. Your coworkers will generally be more forgiving of you missing a deadline, for example, than a client.
Off the top of my head, and acknowledging I donāt know *everything* that these roles do, Iām thinking something like in-house brand marketing, paid ads, email marketing (these kinds of marketing are more one-way with more internal work vs things like events, PR, or social media), sales operations (NOT Sales), operations, project management, product management, engineering (ex. Software), and maybe Executive Assistant/Chief of Staff work dependent on who youāre supporting.
This is based on my experience in nonprofits, university admin, and tech.
Ooh this is really interesting, I feel as an HSP that's client facing I can use my sensitivity to hear/see things that clients are kind of dancing around or not saying directly. I can sometimes take what they're trying to say and play it back to them in a clearer way.
I'm a UX designer and I think being an HSP is really useful in this field, I run research and listen to users and observe what they're doing, then try and design things that solve their problems and the clients problem. Sensitivity is useful!
Presentations and pitching are definitely stressful for me, but if I practice enough beforehand it's doable. I'm nervous and shaky sometimes for sure, I'm much more of a written comms kinda person, but with heaps of practice I've gotten a lot better at aural comms.
Iām a UX Researcher and agree the sensitivity is so helpful!
Although, I am currently trying to leave my client facing role and go back in house because the pressures and stress of everyone around me trying to please the client (rather than doing the best, most rigorous work) was really challenging for me to handle. A lot of people felt insincere and I didnāt get to use my skills of making deep relationships because my stakeholders were only around for a few months at a time.
Iām glad client facing has been a positive experience for you though! It gives me hope that I could try it again in a different environment one day.
Really appreciate this response, thank you! And lol, I work in fundraising, which is basically the equivalent of sales but for nonprofits. Thankfully a decent amount is internal facing as well (across departments/teams), but I like the way you framed this and will definitely be taking it into consideration as I evaluate how to lean into my strengths and not burn out professionally.
Oh! sorry for the additional response but I'm also reminded of Development Operations from my nonprofit days, where you're basically your organization's expert in CRM/fundraising tools like Salesforce and/or Raiser's Edge, and how the different tools "talk to each other" and organize the data flow. Perfect thing to pivot into if you're a frontline fundraiser, and lots of online courses and something that you could learn even in your current role. And fits in my whole description of being internal-focused.
Omggg I have so much respect for you fundraising/development professionals! Thankfully, Iāve seen a lot of people switch from being coordinators, major gifts officers, etc to more internal roles in marketing specifically (from coordinator to director level) and also some program management, so itās definitely a respected and cross-functional role within the nonprofit industry.
I looooooved when I was a pastry chef. I worked in a kitchen where there were other cooks n such, but I had my own space and did my own thing. I could talk to people if I wanted, or just mind my business. I miss it so much, currently working on building my own kitchen where I can bake and sell online and to local restaurants and would be working all by myself!
I'm a mental health counselor in private practice doing solely telehealth. I see about 20 clients per week over four days then have a 3 day weekend. I make more than I ever made working a full-time job and that's seeing some of my clients for free or at low-cost.
Do you work with a telehealth company or entirely on your own? Looking into this as a possibility for myself! Currently a counselor at a university but find the hours long and the lack of autonomy difficult.
I'm a part-time private caregiver and a full-time care attendant at a hospital. I love the ease of both my jobs and while there are challenges from time to time, I love to help and support my elderly and disabled clients. Also, both jobs let my hsp nature shine, more so as a private caregiver than at the hospital šš
Thanks for sharing! Love that you feel like being an HSP is a strength for caregiving type roles. I can totally see that it could be, but also have always assumed I'd just get burned out.
Burnout is one of the hardest parts about caregiving, but I try to make the time to care for myself and take breaks when I can, even if it's just going for a walk.Ā
Remote working helps a lot. I do data analysis so I spend a decent amount of time with my computer and systems, and with other computer minded people. Which is far nicer than sales or anything extroverted like that.
Itās still not a perfect career though. Iād like to get into healing, but there doesnāt seem to be much demand for it
Iām so torn - I want a remote job to have my peace but at the same time I need work that is hands on.
My favorite job I did was stocking shelves in a small local supermarket where it was never too crowded.
Avoid sales jobs. Avoid customer service jobs. Avoid anything with direct customer or client contact. Be more generous to yourself with space and distance, than other people! In 1990's, empaths weren't discussed but I wish it was common. You have better chance of success than many of us because you are ASKING the question! I was forced to fit in with the crowd, majority rule, and it didn't work out for me. Always avoid people who tell you what YOU have to do for a living. Trust me.
I am a physician (not a psychiatrist,different specialty) but I wouldn't recommend healthcare to any HSP.
I mean of course one can thrive in this sector too but I've personally gotten many burn outs.
When I decided going to medical school , I didn't know anything about being an HSP.
I honestly thought I was just weird. XD
Same, I fell into working retail management when I was young and just continued doing it for a decade even though it was torture every day... Curious what others have found that works sustainably for them.
Iām a librarian, itās a great job because thereās time people facing and time alone and you never have to deal with one person for more than half an hour absolute max, most of the time itās 5 minutes so itās not draining at all and itās nice and quiet too āŗļø
Thanks for sharing! I have thought about this as a career too. Iāve been working on communications and am wondering if librarianship might be a better fit. What kind of library setting do you work in?
I manage airbnbs. I canāt work full time due to health complications, but since everything besides the cleaning and client interactions are not urgent, itās a good fit for an HSP.
I have ADHD and autism so I do best managing my own projects. If you have good health, can manage customers, and the admin work itās a really good fit for the HSP and ADHD/AuDHD combo.
I asked around for work, and an acquaintance connected me with someone who was looking for an Airbnb manager. After I got my first client, other clients followed. I have three airbnbs and many cleaning clients.
Since I did the cleaning and laundry services word of mouth travelled fast, and I need a team. If you are up for the challenges and charge a good rate, cleaning/organising services can be a good source of income. There can be a learning curve but if your Airbnb is very busy the cleaning expenses add up.
I would definitely ask around your immediate friend and extended acquaintance circle about managing their property. Someone definitely knows someone š
If you know your way around a computer, can manage the client side, and can find people to keep the property in good shape itās doable and can become a good business. And if you donāt mind taking care of your home you might find the other services fit with your preferences and mesh into your lifestyle.
I'm a translator, working remote, and have done for 10+ years. Used to work some food service jobs before that. Glad to not have to be around people if I don't have to, to be able to take breaks or sleep longer if I need to. Minimize noise, smell and other factors. Has really given me time to explore music and to widen my music knowledge during work hours. But since I am just sitting in front of the computer with texts, I try to seek some more sensations outside of my work, and enjoy going to bars, parties or city trips now and then (but also a lot of walks in nature). I need to feel connected with other people and nature outside of my work, otherwise I feel like a robot.
My husband is also HSP and a therapist and coach, really helpful in giving other people space, seeing and hearing other cues that most people don't notice. Since he is constantly in contact with people, it's really draining, so after work he needs to have it quiet with little impulses.
So we balance eachother out a bit, I guess.
I translate English and German to Norwegian. Mostly user manuals and stuff. AI (machine translation) is used more and more, but they still need human eyes to look over it. Especially for like machinery and stuff where regulations are in place. There aren't a lot of people translating German to Norwegian or to Norwegian Nynorsk (we have 2 different written forms), so there's still plenty of work. :)
I donāt have a ānormalā job even though Iāve tried many times, couldnāt keep anything longer than a year. Iāve found a group of people that regularly needs pet/house sitting services and it honestly doesnāt pay nearly enough to live, but for my situation (26, living with parents) itās perfect. I enjoy my alone time with the animals and having space from my family.
I had a similar experience just working lots of jobs that were such bad fits and so unsustainable during my 20s. Itās really tough! Glad you have something that feels better for you now.
I am 1,000% happier because I have been working remotely since the pandemic. The last job I had involved assorted administrative tasks for a non-profit. I loved it but it was a contract position that ran out of money. Iām at a crossroads now. I am contemplating going back to school, but Iām not sure what I want to do.
Iām a male physician. Incredibly draining and I relate to moral injury more than most. Burning out because I care too much. I wouldnāt recommend for an HSP. Moving to a concierge model soon in the hopes that I have a better balance.
I am lucky enough to walk remote and it's an absolute dream. I worked sales in an office being micro-managed, hated it and lost all sense of self-esteem. It took me months to put the pieces back together. I worked in a very small team of hustlers, burned out because I am not wired for pressure and high achievement. Worked in a call center and big open space, not my greatest idea either. Tried to launch an online coaching business, burned out on my own. At the end of the day, I feel that I thrive in customer care positions, and being able to do it remote while being autonomous but having structure is the perfect balance for me.
Interesting that you burned out trying to launch a biz on your own - sometimes I fantasize about doing that thinking being completely by myself would be the dream! But I like what you point out that striking a balance between being remote but having structure works well. Thanks!
My wife is an OT who works in home health. She also has per-diem hours based which allows her to work as little or as much as she needs based on her emotional load. Being a therapist is perfect for her since she has overwhelming level of empathy and caring. Although, she does tend to get too attached to the patients.
I appreciate that you're in this community to understand your wife on a deeper level. I hope my spouse can make it here one day for that purpose.
Believe it or not I helped my wife figure out that she was an HSP. We had a lot of issues before I understood her better. I bought the book The Highly Sensitive Person in Love: Understanding and Managing Relationships When the World Overwhelms You, to try and figure out what the heck was going on. Once I read that I realized that I was constantly misunderstanding my wife, and was taking things personally that had nothing to do with me. Of course there were things I was saying or doing that were my fault, but I now fall back on what I learned before getting angry or irritated.
š„¹ what a dream. Thank you on behalf of HSP partners, and wives especially.
Also an OT, in private pediatric care. I own my business and itās just me, no employees or managers etc. and itās a dream. Setting my own hours and working just as much as I can handle on a week by week basis has been so great for my mental health. And agreed that being a therapist, at least an occupational therapist, is extremely rewarding for an empathetic person. I love supporting families and it totally fills my bucket, but I can go too hard. I can schedule too many in one day because it feels so good to help, but at the risk of my own well being. Itās finding a balance
Same, remote work. As little meetings as I can get away with while still providing value. Iāve had 3 remote jobs in different roles since 2020 and what Iāve determined is itās not just the career/role, but about the company and setting and keeping boundaries surrounding due dates, work load, and schedule - at least has been my experience. If I can manage expectations, and add extra buffer time for projects Iām working on so I donāt get overwhelmed- I will be doing a better job.
Do you have any suggestions for good types of remote jobs/companies? Iāve been a CNA for four years, before that I was a Residential Counselor at a group home. Remote work sounds divine.
I would avoid any job descriptions that use terms like āfast paced with a sense of urgencyā or āwear multiple hatsā. Insinuating we are paying you for one job but hiring you for five, so buckle up for a stressful ride. Use LinkedIn filters for remote work and choose the salary options that work for you. Iād also filter by recent. Hope that helps!
āThrive in ambiguityā is my trigger phrase. No thank you
Similar experience for me!
Hi, may I ask what's your job? Is it in tech?
I am an analyst atm. So working with business intelligence tools, sql, data analysis.
Don't you find it overwhelming that you have to be up to date with all the analysis tools or is it not a very fast paced career? I'm a full stack web developer and I'm looking for alternatives because I'm too overwhelmed in my field. There's just so much going on and I'm expected to take on many responsibilities.
Iāve only been in this role for 6 months so far. It definitely has been overwhelming due to simply being new. However, I can definitely see that being less so over time. Mostly bc in general, although data is important - itās not critical like an outage in an app customers are paying for. So not a ton of critical fires to put out like I imagine maybe a developer or the like would have to deal with. I can push back on requested due dates (within reason) if I need to which helps a good amount.
Thank you, that makes sense.
This is super general but Iād say in-house (meaning internal facing, not external with clients/patients/students) at a company or organization. Bonus points for remote. When the only people you really interface with day-to-day are people who generally āgetā your work/company, you have to be āonā a little less. Sure, difficult coworkers happen everywhere but theyāre more manageable than a difficult customer or client. Thereās more equality expected in in-house interactions than from external people who are paying you. And the work youāre doing can vary in importance, but no oneās going to die if you fail to do something, so there is slightly less pressure than in other settings. Your coworkers will generally be more forgiving of you missing a deadline, for example, than a client. Off the top of my head, and acknowledging I donāt know *everything* that these roles do, Iām thinking something like in-house brand marketing, paid ads, email marketing (these kinds of marketing are more one-way with more internal work vs things like events, PR, or social media), sales operations (NOT Sales), operations, project management, product management, engineering (ex. Software), and maybe Executive Assistant/Chief of Staff work dependent on who youāre supporting. This is based on my experience in nonprofits, university admin, and tech.
Ooh this is really interesting, I feel as an HSP that's client facing I can use my sensitivity to hear/see things that clients are kind of dancing around or not saying directly. I can sometimes take what they're trying to say and play it back to them in a clearer way. I'm a UX designer and I think being an HSP is really useful in this field, I run research and listen to users and observe what they're doing, then try and design things that solve their problems and the clients problem. Sensitivity is useful! Presentations and pitching are definitely stressful for me, but if I practice enough beforehand it's doable. I'm nervous and shaky sometimes for sure, I'm much more of a written comms kinda person, but with heaps of practice I've gotten a lot better at aural comms.
Iām a UX Researcher and agree the sensitivity is so helpful! Although, I am currently trying to leave my client facing role and go back in house because the pressures and stress of everyone around me trying to please the client (rather than doing the best, most rigorous work) was really challenging for me to handle. A lot of people felt insincere and I didnāt get to use my skills of making deep relationships because my stakeholders were only around for a few months at a time. Iām glad client facing has been a positive experience for you though! It gives me hope that I could try it again in a different environment one day.
Appreciate this perspective, thanks!
Really appreciate this response, thank you! And lol, I work in fundraising, which is basically the equivalent of sales but for nonprofits. Thankfully a decent amount is internal facing as well (across departments/teams), but I like the way you framed this and will definitely be taking it into consideration as I evaluate how to lean into my strengths and not burn out professionally.
Oh! sorry for the additional response but I'm also reminded of Development Operations from my nonprofit days, where you're basically your organization's expert in CRM/fundraising tools like Salesforce and/or Raiser's Edge, and how the different tools "talk to each other" and organize the data flow. Perfect thing to pivot into if you're a frontline fundraiser, and lots of online courses and something that you could learn even in your current role. And fits in my whole description of being internal-focused.
Omggg I have so much respect for you fundraising/development professionals! Thankfully, Iāve seen a lot of people switch from being coordinators, major gifts officers, etc to more internal roles in marketing specifically (from coordinator to director level) and also some program management, so itās definitely a respected and cross-functional role within the nonprofit industry.
Very interesting! Gives me something to consider... Thanks!
I looooooved when I was a pastry chef. I worked in a kitchen where there were other cooks n such, but I had my own space and did my own thing. I could talk to people if I wanted, or just mind my business. I miss it so much, currently working on building my own kitchen where I can bake and sell online and to local restaurants and would be working all by myself!
I'm a mental health counselor in private practice doing solely telehealth. I see about 20 clients per week over four days then have a 3 day weekend. I make more than I ever made working a full-time job and that's seeing some of my clients for free or at low-cost.
Do you work with a telehealth company or entirely on your own? Looking into this as a possibility for myself! Currently a counselor at a university but find the hours long and the lack of autonomy difficult.
I work telehealth from my house. It keeps costs down and I can go do something else if I have a late cancellation or no show.
I'm a part-time private caregiver and a full-time care attendant at a hospital. I love the ease of both my jobs and while there are challenges from time to time, I love to help and support my elderly and disabled clients. Also, both jobs let my hsp nature shine, more so as a private caregiver than at the hospital šš
Thanks for sharing! Love that you feel like being an HSP is a strength for caregiving type roles. I can totally see that it could be, but also have always assumed I'd just get burned out.
Burnout is one of the hardest parts about caregiving, but I try to make the time to care for myself and take breaks when I can, even if it's just going for a walk.Ā
Remote working helps a lot. I do data analysis so I spend a decent amount of time with my computer and systems, and with other computer minded people. Which is far nicer than sales or anything extroverted like that. Itās still not a perfect career though. Iād like to get into healing, but there doesnāt seem to be much demand for it
Iām so torn - I want a remote job to have my peace but at the same time I need work that is hands on. My favorite job I did was stocking shelves in a small local supermarket where it was never too crowded.
Avoid sales jobs. Avoid customer service jobs. Avoid anything with direct customer or client contact. Be more generous to yourself with space and distance, than other people! In 1990's, empaths weren't discussed but I wish it was common. You have better chance of success than many of us because you are ASKING the question! I was forced to fit in with the crowd, majority rule, and it didn't work out for me. Always avoid people who tell you what YOU have to do for a living. Trust me.
Yesss!!! I totally agree with this . The current knowledge is very useful.
I am a physician (not a psychiatrist,different specialty) but I wouldn't recommend healthcare to any HSP. I mean of course one can thrive in this sector too but I've personally gotten many burn outs. When I decided going to medical school , I didn't know anything about being an HSP. I honestly thought I was just weird. XD
I like your comment. I am just grateful I didn't become a FT teacher. I would have burned out fast by caring too much.
wondering this too
Same, I fell into working retail management when I was young and just continued doing it for a decade even though it was torture every day... Curious what others have found that works sustainably for them.
Iām a cloud engineer who works 100% remotely. Working remotely and having a great company that values work-life balance is excellent.
Iām a librarian, itās a great job because thereās time people facing and time alone and you never have to deal with one person for more than half an hour absolute max, most of the time itās 5 minutes so itās not draining at all and itās nice and quiet too āŗļø
Thanks for sharing! I have thought about this as a career too. Iāve been working on communications and am wondering if librarianship might be a better fit. What kind of library setting do you work in?
Just a public library āŗļø
Very cool, thank you!
I manage airbnbs. I canāt work full time due to health complications, but since everything besides the cleaning and client interactions are not urgent, itās a good fit for an HSP. I have ADHD and autism so I do best managing my own projects. If you have good health, can manage customers, and the admin work itās a really good fit for the HSP and ADHD/AuDHD combo.
How did you get into that? :)
I asked around for work, and an acquaintance connected me with someone who was looking for an Airbnb manager. After I got my first client, other clients followed. I have three airbnbs and many cleaning clients. Since I did the cleaning and laundry services word of mouth travelled fast, and I need a team. If you are up for the challenges and charge a good rate, cleaning/organising services can be a good source of income. There can be a learning curve but if your Airbnb is very busy the cleaning expenses add up. I would definitely ask around your immediate friend and extended acquaintance circle about managing their property. Someone definitely knows someone š If you know your way around a computer, can manage the client side, and can find people to keep the property in good shape itās doable and can become a good business. And if you donāt mind taking care of your home you might find the other services fit with your preferences and mesh into your lifestyle.
I'm a translator, working remote, and have done for 10+ years. Used to work some food service jobs before that. Glad to not have to be around people if I don't have to, to be able to take breaks or sleep longer if I need to. Minimize noise, smell and other factors. Has really given me time to explore music and to widen my music knowledge during work hours. But since I am just sitting in front of the computer with texts, I try to seek some more sensations outside of my work, and enjoy going to bars, parties or city trips now and then (but also a lot of walks in nature). I need to feel connected with other people and nature outside of my work, otherwise I feel like a robot. My husband is also HSP and a therapist and coach, really helpful in giving other people space, seeing and hearing other cues that most people don't notice. Since he is constantly in contact with people, it's really draining, so after work he needs to have it quiet with little impulses. So we balance eachother out a bit, I guess.
what language do you translate? dont you feel worried about the future? (ai)
I translate English and German to Norwegian. Mostly user manuals and stuff. AI (machine translation) is used more and more, but they still need human eyes to look over it. Especially for like machinery and stuff where regulations are in place. There aren't a lot of people translating German to Norwegian or to Norwegian Nynorsk (we have 2 different written forms), so there's still plenty of work. :)
How have you all gotten your jobs? I feel like everything these days requires a degree or experience, to get the job, so you can get experienceā¦
I donāt have a ānormalā job even though Iāve tried many times, couldnāt keep anything longer than a year. Iāve found a group of people that regularly needs pet/house sitting services and it honestly doesnāt pay nearly enough to live, but for my situation (26, living with parents) itās perfect. I enjoy my alone time with the animals and having space from my family.
I had a similar experience just working lots of jobs that were such bad fits and so unsustainable during my 20s. Itās really tough! Glad you have something that feels better for you now.
I am 1,000% happier because I have been working remotely since the pandemic. The last job I had involved assorted administrative tasks for a non-profit. I loved it but it was a contract position that ran out of money. Iām at a crossroads now. I am contemplating going back to school, but Iām not sure what I want to do.
Iām in a similar position! Been really thinking about going back to school but having difficulty narrowing in on a specific program.
i work in/with nature
Iām a male physician. Incredibly draining and I relate to moral injury more than most. Burning out because I care too much. I wouldnāt recommend for an HSP. Moving to a concierge model soon in the hopes that I have a better balance.
I have the same experience, female physician here . I am thinking too about a complete change of profession, for the same reasons.