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Making Work Work for the Highly Sensitive Person

Barrie Jaeger (Goodreads Author)

3.77 · Rating details · 332 ratings · 37 reviews

A practical guide to coping at work

Making Work Work for the Highly Sensitive Person builds on Elaine Aron's groundbreaking bestseller The Highly Sensitive Person.

This new book, which includes a Foreword by Aron, gives highly sensitive persons (HSPs) strategies to build confidence, combat stress, and find work that is emotionally, financially, and creatively rewarding

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Hardcover, 238 pages

Published 2004 by McGraw-Hill

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Lists with This Book

The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N. Aron

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Average rating 3.77 ·

Rating details

· 332 ratings · 37 reviews

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Aug 17, 2011 Maria Ramos rated it really liked it

Other reviewers on Amazon said that this book was short on solutions, that is, how to find the particular work that suits a highly sensitive person. I would agree with this--there was no methodology offered for figuring this out for yourself. However, I found the framework of her ideas very useful. I found myself completely described, from the need for an emotionally supportive workplace, the need for stimulation but not too much. That every few years, I lose interest in what I am doing and have ...more

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Dec 12, 2013 Emily rated it really liked it

Shelves: crazy

Don't judge me for reading this. Actually, judge away because I found this book quite helpful. I fit the profile of a 'Highly Sensitive Person' to a tee and have been unhappy in every job I've ever had. I read this weeks after having been forced to resign from a job that made me very unhappy (to the point it was affecting my physical/mental/emotional/spiritual health) and as I have been preparing to start a job that is effectively one step away from being self-employed.

When I was in grad school ...more

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Oct 23, 2010 Meg rated it it was ok

Shelves: health

This book was disappointing. I kind of liked the section about how to state your needs as a strength rather than a weakness, but other than that I didn't get much out of it. The writing was not very good. The author's framework (Drudgery, Craft, and Calling) was not useful for me, and I found it to be very one-dimensional. Apparently the One True Way for highly sensitive people is to follow your "calling" and be self-employed. Anything else just won't be good enough for you. How does the author ...more

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May 09, 2012 Sheyna Galyan rated it really liked it

I would really have liked to read more about HSPs and self-employment. Maybe a second book?

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Dec 12, 2014 Susan rated it it was ok

So glad that I finally "kind of" finished this book. I skipped through half of it because it was boring me to death. One thing this book helped me with? Realizing that this will be the last self help book I will ever read. I really do despise them. Such useless, negative information. ...more

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Jun 14, 2020 Leigh Anne rated it liked it

Excellent theory, problematic praxis.

I'd actually read this book when it was first published, and wanted to see how it was holding up. Libraries get in the fashionable habit of weeding things simply because they are "old" without bothering to check and see if the contents are still relevant. This is a horrible idea, and if your libray does it, you should be ashamed.

Based on the scientific research of Elaine Aron, Jaeger's book takes the concept of the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and applies it Excellent theory, problematic praxis.

I'd actually read this book when it was first published, and wanted to see how it was holding up. Libraries get in the fashionable habit of weeding things simply because they are "old" without bothering to check and see if the contents are still relevant. This is a horrible idea, and if your libray does it, you should be ashamed.

Based on the scientific research of Elaine Aron, Jaeger's book takes the concept of the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and applies it to surviving in the workplace. It is not, however, a how-to book in the strictest sense, in that it's not going to specifically tell you how to rearrange your office, or what industry you should be working in, etc. Instead -- and this is really helpful for people who don't know they're HSPs -- it gives you a way to reframe the qualities that have, for years, had people writing you off as "too sensitive," or "melodramatic," or "too much," or whatever epithets folks use when they cannot deal with your special superpower.

Jaeger's main premise is that there are three kinds of work: Drudgery, Craft, and Calling. Everybody has bills to pay, but HSPs NEED to have a calling, either in their paid work, or somewhere else in their life. They literally cannot function without a career that fulfills their souls, and they suffer more than most in "pay the bills" jobs. All of the advice is geared toward how to spend as little time as possible in Drudgery and how to make your way to a Calling.

And herein lies the major problem time has caused: this book was written in 2004, a time in American economic history when it was VERY easy to walk away from a misery-inducing job, because there were plenty of other places to go. Flash forward to 2020 and this is much less plausible, especially for BIPOC MaGes, who are often struggling to survive in the first place. The idea of having, and pursuing, a calling has become a privileged endeavor, and that's depressing as hell.

What could rescue the book, at this point, is if Jaeger released an updated edition that focused on how HSPs can cultivate resilence when stuck in Drudgery or Craft. Resilience is no substitute for societal overhaul, but it is MUCH easier to do your "pay-the-bills" shit job when it's perceived as a means to a greater end, and a resilient mindset can help HSPs survive while they're figuring out how to thrive in this weird, fucked-up timeline we're currently on.

So, should you weed it? Probably Unless it's still circulating well, which tells you something about your patrons. Put it in the book sale, and I guarantee someone will snap it up. Aron's original research and the many books that have sprung from it are well-known and sound, so you may want to replace this with a more contemporary title.

And please stop to consider the possibility that someone you work with may have this particular type of neurodivergence. Your HSP colleagues are not "too much," "too sensitive," "drama queens," or whatever other dismissive trash you write them and their gifts off with. They could actually be the folks who get you to the next level, if you're open to their way of thinking.

Not exactly recommended, but don't weed it without critical assessment either. Your mileage will definitely vary, as this is one of those titles where the librarian's professional tie-breaker opinion is called for. ...more

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Dec 09, 2016 Anne rated it liked it

I flipped through this fairly quickly over a few days and discovered that I am no longer an HSP! Yay! I am now a NSP (normally sensitive person). Or maybe I'm an HSP who has grown a thicker skin....yes that's it. Anyway, most of the book didn't really apply to me; it would have been more relevant to me earlier in my career, when I was younger. I would have given it a higher rating back then. Right now I need career books that are more next-level....still searching.....

BUT for anyone who is an HS ...more

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May 24, 2019 Lori Galaske rated it it was amazing

Contrary to what you might think, a "highly sensitive person" is NOT someone who is easily offended. An HSP has sensory processing sensitivities (SPS) to external stimuli (similar to what some would define as an introvert).

A work environment can be very difficult for someone with SPS. I found this book extremely informative, encouraging, supportive, and directive. Even those who do not grapple with SPS can find the information on Drudgery jobs, Craft, and Calling helpful. ...more

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Sep 13, 2018 Tammy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: non-fiction

This title builds on Elaine Aron's bestseller, The Highly Sensitive Person and includes a foreword by her.

People who are highly sensitive are often creative, intelligent and dedicated workers. But to be successful, they need to have work that they are passionate about and develop skills to build confidence, combat stress and the over-stimulation that comes with many workplaces.

This book can help anyone who is a highly sensitive person find out if their job is the right one for them, learn how ...more

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Dec 12, 2020 Eron rated it it was amazing

Shelves: at-library, career, giftedness, self-knowledge

The last ten pages blew me away. She saves the purest definition of calling for the end. I was finding useful tidbits here and there, and enjoying the book fairly well. I was kind of blowing through the end of the book to narrow down my currently-reading list. But the last ten pages or so...it perfectly encapsulated what I am searching for. Everything else feels like a vague theory built around that core truth. Jaeger is certain many HSPs cannot live full lives without finding their calling and ...more

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Jan 07, 2019 Kim rated it it was amazing

Shelves: health-well-being, 2018-reading-challenge

I’m sharing a quote from this book, which I found to be incredibly practical and philosophical at the same time, which is rare.

“No book can tell you how to find your way: it can at best catalyze and awaken the way within you. You can paint by numbers, but you’ll never produce a masterpiece like that. A masterpiece requires the soul and inspiration of an artist. To paint the masterpiece of your life, you need more than forms and systems. You need a heroic commitment to your best self. Born in you ...more

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Aug 08, 2018 Megan rated it liked it

her most interesting point was that you need to become yourself and your calling will find you. yes, it's that vague, but I suppose good advice. not as much practical, concrete steps to take, but nice read to feel comforted about the struggles HSPs face in the work place on a regular basis. gave words to my pain of work, ie drudgery, and helped inspire to change and fit better suited work for me. author is very sympathetic to HSPs, which is nice to read for a few pages but can also make reader f ...more

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May 31, 2017 Jennifer rated it liked it

I got some good information out of this book but there were certain parts that got pretty boring. Because of that I only gave it three stars.

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Nov 30, 2017 Susan C Lance rated it really liked it

Now it all makes sense. Avoid Drudgery

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Apr 17, 2018 Chantelle rated it really liked it

Decent book, but expected more "real life" tips for those of us unable to make the leap to self-employment. ...more

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Jan 01, 2020 K M Laume rated it liked it

Interesting, insightful in parts but yet a bit lacking. Would be good to back it up with more science and resources. And more practical solutions would be good.

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Aug 10, 2008 Laurel Bradshaw rated it liked it

Shelves: psychology

From the back cover:
If you feel drained and debilitated at work, or your work doesn't fulfill your creativity, you may be among the 20 percent of the population who are overwhelmed by job pressures. The Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is often intelligent, imaginative, empathetic, and hyper-aware of surroundings. This sensitivity is part of being passionate about work. But it can also make being in the work force a painful trial.

Based on cutting-edge research and extensive interviews with hundreds ...more

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Aug 07, 2014 Elaine rated it it was ok

Shelves: nonfiction

I was disappointed with this book. I felt that the author had some important things to say but had a really hard time conveying them. He used a lot of long winded metaphors and talking in circles which seemed to go no where and would make suggestions but not fully explain them. For example, in chapter 4 he presents a figure of a daily log idea which seems helpful but no description or tips for using it. His whole book was based on the concept of three types of work Drudgery, craft, and calling, ...more

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Mar 28, 2014 Amber Jacobs rated it really liked it

This was a great book for highly sensitive people who are looking to understand where they fit in the working world. I had many "ah-ha" moments while reading this. The author was clear and direct and it wasn't full of "fluff" as a lot of self-help books can be. The author outlines three different categories as to where one may sit in their current job. She also touches on self employment and how it is often a common route for HSP's due to the nature of being able to control the stimulation in th ...more

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Jun 25, 2014 Clelia rated it really liked it

Very helpful and compassionate book. There were a lot of distracting typos, but that's a petty complaint... I'm just extremely glad that there was a book written on this topic.

Another small thing: I thought that the issue of class and financial mobility was not adequately addressed. The author advocates quitting unsatisfying jobs, but does not discuss options for those for whom this would not be feasible. Luckily I did not read this from that vantage point, but I still thought it would have been ...more

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May 06, 2013 Lauren rated it really liked it

Shelves: non-fiction, psychology, self-help, business, health

A very enjoyable read. The framework, Jaeger developed using Drudgery, Craft, and Calling is very helpful to me in thinking about my own past hiring situations. The book did have one or two problems. Jaeger's writing style uses very broad strokes, some of which I wish she'd been a little more careful with. The book can also be at different moments contradictory, usually in its descriptions of the three states of work. That said, life is contradictory, and this wasn't written as an academic text. ...more

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Sep 21, 2013 Michel rated it it was amazing

Eyes have been opened. More spelling errors than I'd prefer, but this book is at the level of, if not at a higher level than, Aron's work. A different area than love and general HSP-ness but still groundbreaking. Always a pleasure to read and be understood, hated the times I had to put the book down to do something else. Very well done. Now to continue discovering and exploring... :D ...more

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Mar 02, 2014 Steve Garvin rated it it was amazing

Shelves: psychology, career-discovery

Very good book with lots of examples and clear language. Helped me to conceptualize what I knew about myself but didn't have the words to convey. Working on transitioning into a more conducive environment for my highly-sensitive, high-sensation self. I recommend this book to others who feel they are missing something in their careers. ...more

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Dec 10, 2015 Jennifer rated it really liked it

This was really helpful for where I'm at in my life/career right now. He speaks to some very specific things HSPs encounter in their career quest, which was really validating and encouraging. A few of the chapters are really fluffy and don't have much substance but the ones that do are gems. ...more

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May 28, 2008 Betsy rated it it was amazing

Great book for anyone who can't seem to feel settled or content with any job... which is certainly me! ...more

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Aug 09, 2008 Caroline rated it it was amazing

So great- this book is an instruction manual for sensitive people who tend to get caught up in their work. How to stay grounded.

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Feb 05, 2011 Jamie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

It did provide some helpful suggestions and practices that I can use. But I'd still like to find a good resource for jobs that an HSP like me would most enjoy and be comfortable with. ...more

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