As a little kid, I used to pass the time in church, praying for the other people in the pews. I would imagine what challenges they might be facing and silently send my support. It was my deep, sensitive self-emerging early on.

I wondered about the meaning and purpose of my life—not in young adulthood but, rather, again as a child. I was a raw nerve, responding to the people and feelings around me. I was a sponge without coping skills.

About 20% of the general population is identified as highly sensitive. It’s nice to have a term for it now, but it was unavailable in my formative years. Frankly, it was both emotionally painful and exhausting. If you happen to be a highly sensitive person, you know what I’m talking about.

When it was time for me to pick a major in college and prepare for a career, I was lost. I was interested in interpersonal relationships and personal growth. I also loved to read and write. I tried studying psychology, but the courses I took focused on Pavlovian responses and boring studies.

Additionally, I feared that I was too sensitive to help other people. I would be heartbroken by every tragedy others would face.

 In a moment of foolishness, during college, I told my Mom I thought I wanted to be a counselor of some sort. She looked at me like I had two heads and asked, “Why would you want to sit around all day and listen to other people’s problems?"

In the end, I was lucky and found a way to employ my sensitivity. In fact, I think it’s the key to any success I’ve had. As a career coach, I listen deeply and hear both what is said and unsaid. I’ve learned how to be both compassionate and set boundaries, not taking on the pain that belongs to others.

I have a number of clients right now that are highly sensitive. They can all (eventually) articulate an interest in coaching or therapy as a career, but vacillate because of the time it takes to get trained or the cost. They know the demand for both career coaches and therapists is sky high, but still, they resist.

I’m reaching out to you today to encourage you to take the bold step to become a career coach if you’re heart is telling you this is a perfect fit. The next cohort of the Career Coach Entrepreneur Academy is enrolling now. Check out the information on the Academy website and set up a time to get your questions answered.



I love training career coaches, and I love highly sensitive people!