According to a study published in the journal Brain and Behavior, 20 percent of the population is considered highly sensitive. If you’re a highly sensitive person (HSP), you’re biologically wired to be more sensitive and responsive to the world around you. Being an HSP effects lots of parts of your life, including the types of job environments you thrive in. Here, four types of careers that suit your personality best.
CREATIVE FIELDS
One of an HSPs greatest gifts? Creativity. Jobs that tap into your artistic talents—whether that’s writing and graphic design or acting and singing—are creatively fulfilling and often allow you to work independently while letting you share your gifts with an audience.
HEALTHCARE
HSPs are typically highly intuitive and empathetic, meaning they’re great with patients in a one-on-one setting. Not all healthcare professions are suited to HSPs (high-stakes surgery, for example, is likely too stressful), but sensitive folks can thrive as hospice workers, counselors or physical therapists—just as long as you’re able to maintain a healthy separation from clients.
BUSINESS
A common misconception when it comes to HSPs: they can’t be leaders. While an HSP isn’t likely to ruthlessly claw his or her way to the top of the corporate ladder, that doesn’t mean they can’t head up a team effectively. Detail-oriented HSPs can thrive as small-business owners, since they’ll likely create a welcoming, nurturing atmosphere for employees.
FREELANCE
OK, so this one’s broad, but self-employment is a no-brainer for an HSP. The ability to set your own schedule and work on your own terms sounds pretty lovely, no? Plus, since you’re probably pretty diligent and detail-oriented, you’ll thrive at self-motivating and keeping track of different projects you’re working on for different clients.
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