[StrongerMan]

I recently left a job that was killing me mentally and physically due to the extreme focus on sales and profit over the welfare of the customers and employees. I find I simply do not fit in today's prevailing corporate environment and think this is due to my being an HSP. I am trying to avoid this same situation in my next job but am increasingly pessimistic. Can anyone else relate? Anybody currently have a job that affects them that way or one that better fits this personality type or cognitive style? Here is a link to what I am talking about.

http://innerreflections.homestead.com/hspwork.html

[madisgram]

i worked in upper corporate mgt. i experienced the same feelings of you. i eventually left that employment cause it violated my moral values. it's a dog eat dog world and imo, highly amoral. the bottom line is the profit margin. their end justify the means.
have you considered a not-for-profit job career?
hope this helps.

[likewater]

I worked in a job like that. People were always crying in bathroom. Sometimes right next to me on the floor. One girl told me it
Killed her soul.

[StrongerMan]

Corporate culture is really screwed up. You'd think healthcare would be better. But hospitals, rehab centers and nursing homes are about the bottom line as well. One nurse caring for 20 patients and so on. Trying to squeeze each employee dry before tossing them in the trash. No wonder on the job injuries are so prevalent.

I am trying to reinvent myself and find my calling or at least something close. Steve Jobs said to never give up on your dreams.....

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice, heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

Maybe you should look for something that's far away from the corporate environment? Would some type of self-employment work? If not, maybe some sort of skill? I'm a technical writer, and even though I work for a large company, I'm sort of off in the corner writing documents and tech manuals. I do specific work that keeps me away from most of the office politics, etc. Same goes for the computer programmers I work with a lot. As long as the specific job gets done, they kind of leave you alone. Since I'm an HSP, I stayed in this field for many years. It suits my personality. I can't think of any worse job for me than sales - it would drive me crazy

[StrongerMan]

Thanks... I have often thought of writing as a profession in some form or another but I have a hard time imagining how I can transition into the field. English was always my best subject but I was coerced into a business degree over journalism for the "money", lol. I have done some writing as part of web design. And then there is the writing I did in college 20 years ago, which usually got me A's. Back then I always thought I hated writing but that must have been because I was forced to do it on subjects that failed to hold my interest.

Originally Posted by StrongerMan

Thanks... I have often thought of writing as a profession in some form or another but I have a hard time imagining how I can transition into the field. English was always my best subject but I was coerced into a business degree over journalism for the "money", lol. I have done some writing as part of web design. And then there is the writing I did in college 20 years ago, which usually got me A's. Back then I always thought I hated writing but that must have been because I was forced to do it on subjects that failed to hold my interest.

You certainly write well in your posts. Would you enjoy writing more if it was about something that interests you? I'm not sure how to get started doing freelance writing, but I know there's a lot of info on the internet about it. Like your original post asked, I'd like to know what kind of work other HSP's have found that suits them. Good luck!

[elliemay]

Non-profits are certainly a good place to start looking. The ones I deal with on a continual basis can be quite bottom line driven however.

Money is always always a priority. However, at least you know the money is going toward something other than someone's pockets.

You also can usually see the direct benefit of the work.

It's very nice to have a larger, meaningful purpose of the work.

I've found that office politics are pretty much universal. No matter the work, people are people. When you put them together all kinds of conflict, personality issues, and perceived and real unfairness comes up.

I've also found that no matter the work you do, you always have a boss, AND you always end up selling something - whether it's a product, an idea, or a need.

That doesn't mean that work can't be intensely satisfying.

[StrongerMan]

16 tons... Got rid of the "company store". And... "Cain't no-a high-toned woman make me walk the line...." Got rid of the high-toned woman too.

So now I am left with no company paycheck and no warm body to wake up next to. But I am feeling richer and more loved every day.

[SpearOfTheLance]

OP : consider yourself lucky because YOU HAVE A SOUL AND YOU KNOW YOU HAVE A SOUL!

I work in the same situation - I even posted about my work related issues and my emotions, just check my previous posts, maybe those can help.

But you are not alone. I cannot stand heartless SOBs that seem to propagate into our work environments.

What do I do? I fight!! That's my advice to you. I learned the hard way to fight, not just let it pass. Does this also make me a SOB, no, because I fight only these heartless SOBs and stick up for the regular people like me, sort of like a corporate robin hood.

Your Name here is 'StrongerMan' right!! Start being one! Stand up to these jerks! You'll be surprised. most of these people never have anyone tell them how it is and put them in their place. Once you do, they go into shock. Because they have fragile ego's, and everyone kissing their butt makes their ego's so inflated, they get a sense that they are above everything and everyone and emotions of others don't matter. Deflate their balloon! You'll see they act like big cowards then.

[alwaysrejoice]

Yup, I'm on short term disability right now and I can't imagine how I'm going to go back to work. They cut my pay and added more responsibilities. The "must do" task list keep growing larger and payroll smaller. I feel like on days I worked there was no drive to do anything else once I was done working. And when i was at work i felt like i was running around in circles not getting anything done!

[BetterMeInProgress]

I stumbled upon this thread yesterday morning as I was getting ready to head out the door to work after having been on a medical leave due to my psychological state the last eight weeks or so. Things have been increasingly stressful for all of us at my employer for the last few years and it seems like all their "improvements" are making the situation worse. One would think that the staggering number of employees out due to stress and related issues in our territory alone would make upper management wonder at least a little, but they seem to be unaware and just keep pushing harder and harder.

SpearOfTheLance I think you hit on a very good point with your statement

Stand up to these jerks! You'll be surprised. most of these people never have anyone tell them how it is and put them in their place. Once you do, they go into shock. Because they have fragile ego's, and everyone kissing their butt makes their ego's so inflated, they get a sense that they are above everything and everyone and emotions of others don't matter. Deflate their balloon! You'll see they act like big cowards then.

The reality of it is most companies are ruling by fear these days. They are using the economic situation to make their employees feel like they have to walk on eggshells for fear of losing their job, but the reality of it is, they need us just as much as we need them. "Everyone is replaceable" seems to be the corporate theme of the year, but they seem to be forgetting one major point, word of mouth truly is the best/worst advertizing one can get and it not only affects the profitability of your company, but the quality of the employee you attract as well. If your employees are unhappy your customers/clients are going to sense it and where do you think your employee base comes from, why the public of course. Why would anyone of true quality apply for a job at a place where they know the employees are not happy?

I've seen this first hand in my location. In the last year and a half we have lost several wonderful employees, either from actually leaving the company or (as is often the case) because they have just given up and don't care anymore. (To be brutally honest, I myself fall into the latter category.) Out of the 50 or so applications we have received (extremely low considering how many people in our area are looking for work) only two hires have actually worked out, and of the half dozen or so other appealing applicants, not a one has even entertained the offer made to them.

I personally took my time off from work very seriously and chose to do some very deep soul searching. With the help of a wonderful counselor through my county's mental health services I was able to identify the sources of most of my difficulties and the steps I need to take to create a better situation for myself and my children. I am going back to school in two weeks and have set a goal for myself of being in my new, and completely unrelated field, within two years.

[mala]

I think Elliemay poohbah reply is really apt, it doesnt matter where you work - people are people. Im a hsp and have a personality disorder. I think you may need work that is helping or caring. That can be overwhelming if you are very sensitive or fragile, so think about what you can do practically. You may love to do a particular work but it may not be suitable for you psychologically, emotionally etc. Im trying to get out of my mind as I dont live there, not sure who the person is in my mind and occasionally have a glimpse of reality that its because of my mental illness. I have to work very hard to be semi acceptable (mature, stable ) and it wouldnt take much for this to disintergrate. Not sure what else to say. There is a book on HSPs.
Love
mala

[Junerain]

I am highly sensitive, and have found the only profession I can handle is dealing with the sweet innocence of children, I play games with them each afternoon in our afterschool program, feed them snack, listen to things that have happened in their precious lives, are there for them. This warms my heart. I cannot wait to get to work each day.