Making Work Work for Highly Sensitive People

If you are an HSP, this book is required reading. It's that good. This has been a life-changing book for me. There is so much good information and advice here. This book describes me exactly, and the advice it gives seems right on. I am now working on implementing the author's advice in my life. This book has given me great understanding and hope. I can't recommend this highly enough. Unfortunately, I originally ignored this book because of a review I saw here where someone said the book boiled down to just "HSPs need to work for themselves." This person could not have read this book. This books is much more than that. It shows you how to grow toward finding work that you like, and even love. Looking back again over the reviews here, it seems to me many of the negative reviewers did not understand the main points in this book. There is no quick fix, although this book does give invaluable guidance. The author's point is that you need to grow in order to progress from Drudgery, to Craft, to Calling. This book explains the areas you will need to grow in, especially areas particular to HSPs, in order to progress to finding work that works for you. I sense that many HSPs have almost given up on finding work that works for them. I can completely understand this, I've been there. But I think if HSPs will give this book a chance, it can provide a framework to build on. There is hope. You can find your path in this world that works for you.

This is an excellent book, and the only one of its kind that I have seen. As a very sensitive person, I have struggled all my life to find work that I can enjoy, yet which does not overwhelm me. The realities of office politics, long hours, and other demands have drained my energy and left me feeling low or depressed about work in general.In this book, Dr. Jaeger addresses all of this. What makes for a good job fit for YOU? How does one go about determining that? What does it mean to have a drudgery job, yet to feel that in some way, one has a "Calling"? Or, is your job one that is "okay", yet some aspect is not all you'd like it to be; and what might you do about that? What constitutes "balance" for a sensitive person? Is a regular job a waste, or should I try self-employment? How do I handle noise, bullying, and excessive demands on the job? And how do I take care of my sensitive self, even if I am not emotionally sensitive; so that I have energy and zest for work AND life? I highly recommend this book. It has helped me to understand my needs & my situation a lot. It's one of the best out there for those of us who know we have gifts, but have had a hard time figuring out exactly how to share them with the world, in a way that works for us. I'm enriched for having read this book.

I liked this book because the author provides a useful framework for understanding our relationship to work. All jobs land somewhere on a continuum from drudgery to calling, with craft at the middle being a blend of the two. Moving upscale on the continuum requires personal growth, and that takes courage, intention, and [yes] hard work. But I also found tidbits that I could put to immediate use, like how our mistakes often sabotage us and land us in drudgery. In that regard, the author recounts her own experiences in pizza delivery after finishing work on her Ph.D., and how the work was neither easy nor restful. I waited a long time for this book. I only wish it was available years ago.

HSPs and non HSPs can benefit from this wonderfully written (hand)book on creating meaninful and soul enriching work...but it is, in my opinion, a must-read for HSPs. Considering that we spend the majority of our waking hours at work, where and how we spend this time is crucial for our happiness, and, yes, even survival. Dr. Jaeger's style is comfortable and encouraging, in a "journey" telling format that is full of practical advice and true-life stories. I truly envy the young HSPs having this insightful book available to help them make early career choices (and changes!!) to enrich their HSP souls. Thanks, Barrie! S.W.

Dr. Jaeger has provided a clear, concise and highly readable book for those who have been told they're "way too sensitive." As someone who heard these words my entire life, I found this book validating that my ability to be in-tune with those around me, creative, curious, and an information sponge interested in new things is NOT a fatal flaw. Rather, these attributes are strengths, and ones that the world of work can and does need from me. Dr. Jaeger's book helped me see specific techniques for thriving in a business world where my sensitivity is an asset.