work/career

When it comes to work and careers for people with the trait of high sensitivity we recommend, whenever possible, to select a job that doesn't run counter to their trait of high sensitivity. And, if it is your partner who is highly sensitive, support them in finding an appropriate job or career that is suitable for their trait and temperament. One suggestion regarding work for highly sensitive people is to find a job where there isn't someone looking over their shoulder all the time, because HSP seem to work much better when they are given a project and then are left pretty much alone to accomplish it.

Because of their trait, highly sensitive person's nature is to be very conscientious and productive. They are by their nature very "project" oriented. However, when highly sensitive people are being closely observed or supervised they can become very uncomfortable and do not perform as well as they would if left more on their own. Some HSP may even begin to sweat, shake and become far less productive and efficient than when they're not being scrutinized.

Jim HallowesIf you are an employer and think one or more of your employees may have the trait of high sensitivity, we hope you'll learn to work with them in a way that will be most beneficial to everyone. As we've mentioned, highly sensitive people are usually very intelligent and are known for being extremely hard workers and make very loyal employees, particularly when their trait and temperament is understood and appreciated.

We realize this concept of people with a trait of highly sensitivity may meet with some skepticism and resistance. In fact, some employers may even want to dismiss it because it doesn't fit comfortably into their conventional thinking. This is unfortunate, but that seems to be the way it is right now and until the trait of high sensitivity is better known, accepted, understood and embraced by employers for all of its benefits, it may stay this way for awhile.

For actors and others in the creative fields, there are unique challenges and opportunities that face the highly sensitive person, and some of these are touched upon in the new Jim Hallowes interview about the trait of high sensitivity conducted by Douglas Eby of Talent Development Resources. Mr. Eby is famous for his many interviews with the likes of Patch Adams, M.D., Jodie Foster, William Hurt, Judith Orloff, M.D., Reese Witherspoon, James Woods, and others. You can listen to the recent 20-minute interview by clicking here: Douglas Eby interview with Jim Hallowes on the trait of high sensitivity.

Here are some suggestions that might help reduce stress on the job.

When you start to feel uncomfortable, stressed, or overwhelmed and feel you are losing control, as soon as possible move yourself into a different environment, even a short walk to the restroom can be very helpful.

When stressed or you start to feel overwhelmed, we suggest you do something...anything, because any physical activity, even just stretching your back or rolling you shoulders and taking a series of deep breaths, can give you a feeling of being more in control and help you work off negative energy.

Take care of yourself. Learn to say "No" when you don't have time to do something.

We have known highly sensitive people who have found that creating their own more comfortable "deadline" on a project can give them the psychological space and comfort zone they need to help reduce the pressure and stress and keep their bodies functioning effectively and efficiently.

Reduce large projects into "bite size" pieces. These new smaller units can be more comfortably handled one "bite" at a time.