Ask HN: Being Highly Sensitive (HSP), can I find fulfilling work in tech?

6 pointsstbn7y ago9 comments

»A highly sensitive person (HSP) experiences the world differently than others. Due to a biological difference that they’re born with, highly sensitive people are more aware of subtleties and process information deeply. This means they tend to be creative, insightful, and empathetic, but it also means they’re more prone to stress and overwhelm. Although being highly sensitive is completely normal — meaning, it’s not a disease or a disorder — it’s often misunderstood, because only 15 to 20 percent of the population are HSPs.« [0]

»Do you get rattled when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time? (...) Do you make it a high priority to arrange your life to avoid upsetting or overwhelming situations? (...) If you notice everything, you are naturally going to be overstimulated when things are too intense, complex, chaotic, or novel for a long time.« [1]

After my studies I have worked for 2 years in one of The Big Five. I take this as a proof that I have sufficient intellect for the field, but the time has also pretty much burned me out and badly damaged my professional confidence. Because I'm accurate but also kinda slow, sorting through the load of corporate e-mail alone I found overwhelming. Add a demanding environment, with time pressure, peer reviews and the like, and you have enough to brake me. Later, I co-founded a start-up and participated in another, both as a tech lead, and I enjoyed that time and role — but both companies failed. Since then, I have the occasional freelance work and earn a ridiculously little amount of money. I find it depressing that I tried different types of work (corp., start-ups and freelancing), and none seem to be able to provide a sane environment combined with appropriate income.

Now I wonder whether I have chosen the right industry. As an HSP, can one be a good fit for the tech world? If yes, what would be a fitting environment or role?