5 Reasons That Teleworking Is Great For Highly Sensitive People and Introverts
My own productivity has quadrupled since the elimination of outside the house work!
I have previously written about the trend of “bringing your whole self to work” and how this may not actually be healthy or positive, especially for Highly Sensitive People (HSP’s) and/or introverts. I briefly mentioned that teleworking may allow HSP’s/introverts to be a lot more successful, and this post expands on that idea. Here are five reasons that, if you’re an HSP and/or introvert, teleworking may be what you always needed to accomplish your career goals. (Note that not all HSP’s are introverts, but many are. Here’s a quiz to see if you’re an HSP and here’s one to see if you’re an introvert. You may also be an extroverted introvert, so read this too.)
You can take REAL breaks during the day. Introverts are definitionally people who recharge by being alone. Extroverts recharge by being with people. When you are around people all day, even on your breaks, this helps extroverts feel enthusiastic and energetic, but it makes introverts feel exhausted and drained. You cannot do your best work when you feel tired from constant engagement with other people. However, if you are able to recharge in a completely quiet way, without anyone else present, you often can get a second wind. This is particularly true for creative work or that which requires outside-the-box thinking. When you are depleted, it is hard to feel inspired.
You have more energy for family. Again, introverts are depleted by engaging with others, particularly small talk. After engaging constantly with people all day, it is hard to then be present with your partner and kids. Since the majority of people prize their family connections above those at work, it only makes sense to try to set up your work life so that it reflects these same priorities.
You can take care of your health. Many Highly Sensitive People suffer from depression, anxiety, and other issues that require steady, stable routines involving therapy, exercise, and doctor’s appointments. A more flexible work schedule allows you to do this, and to fit these activities in during the day or when you would have been commuting.
You can use your written skills to engage verbally instead of speaking. Many HSP’s and introverts are excellent verbal communicators, but only if they are not overwhelmed by social demands. Interacting via chat, Slack, or email allows many HSP’s or introverts to be their best selves. This is why so many of us meet partners online and/or have lasting friendships with people you know online only! Requiring in-person meetings for jobs that don’t themselves require in-person interaction seems foolish and unduly stressful. Examples are jobs in IT, writing, accounting/finance, research.
You can get more sleep. Staying on a routine that prioritizes sleep is much more important for HSP’s than introverts, and more important for women than men. Even 20 minutes more sleep can be very helpful in promoting overall wellbeing and mental/physical health, and you can get this more easily when you eliminate a morning commute.
Obviously, there are many benefits of teleworking for extroverts as well, which is why I deeply believe that everyone should be allowed to work in the modality that they choose. However, often, extroverts start to feel isolated and lonely when teleworking, which impedes their creativity and their productivity in exactly the inverse way as it promotes creativity and productivity in introverts. If this post spoke to you, think deeply about how you can start or continue teleworking, and how you could prioritize the need for telework in future career planning. And till we meet again, I remain, The Blogapist Who Said, Once An Introvert Teleworks, They Never Go Back.
For therapy, go here for Dr. Whiten and go here for other clinicians in her group practice Best Life Behavioral Health. For coaching with Dr. Whiten, go here. Order Dr. Whiten’s books, Couples You Meet in Counseling: 7 Common Relationship Dynamics That Sabotage Closeness, 52 Emails to Transform Your Marriage and How to Talk to Your Kids about Your Divorce: Healthy, Effective Communication Techniques for Your Changing Family, and listen to The Dr. Psych Mom Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts. Join The Dr. Psych Mom secret Facebook group for more discussion about these kinds of issues!
This blog is not intended as medical advice or diagnosis and should in no way replace consultation with a medical professional. If you try this advice and it does not work for you, you cannot sue me. This is only my opinion, based on my background, training, and experience as a therapist and person. Also, all examples involving people or clients are hypothetical amalgams, not actual people.