Mapping An Alternative to Hustle Culture
New Rules for Self-Employed HSPs 💫
Hello, Dear Readers.
One of the many responses I received via our subscriber survey provided excellent food for thought.
The respondent shared that they'd like me to: “[Provide] ways to think about how to bring creativity and sensitivity to how I run my business (less of the bro/hustle mentality and more of a light, flexible, authentic approach).”
In an effort to be as helpful as possible, I’ve started honing in on how to fulfill this request.
As most Highly Sensitive People know (or soon learn), we're not made for a world of noisy spaces, late night deadlines, corporate drama, bright office lights, and crusty clients.
The same sensibilities that allow us to be creative thinkers and come up with brave new ideas just don't gel with typical work environments.
The magic we bring to the table doesn't happen in unstable or chaotic spaces; we require certain conditions to be able to perform at our best. This doesn't mean we're prima donnas — it simply means that our physiology is wired differently than others.
For me, ideal working conditions involve:
Plenty of good quality sleep.
A bright, clean, organized and quiet work space with CBC Radio or brown noise in the background.
The opportunity to open a window and/or get outside during the day.
Professional clients who communicate well, pay fairly and on time, and stick to reasonable deadlines.
A pet or plants in my office space.
Time to think and recharge.
Beyond manifestation (which is certainty one tool in the toolbox), how can HSP Creatives make this situation happen — and maintain it?
Here are 5 Main Steps for Creative Self-Employed HSPs to Get Started:
Begin researching the tax and business laws in your region. For instance, in Ontario, HST (provincial tax) is paid quarterly or annually by any self-employed person making more than $30K/year.
Hone in on one or two skills that you embody and can offer as a service such as writing, design, strategy, illustration, event planning, or teaching.
Figure out what basic tools you need to get started and what clients you prefer to work with. Write this down in full.
Network regularly - both in person and online. Join associations & attend conferences. Relationships are key and HSPs tend to be good at building authentic relationships.
Ensure you have a professional portfolio developed and references/testimonials as part of your portfolio and on hand.
Following these five steps and maintaining HSP-friendly conditions at work will provide the foundation for what could be a peaceful & lucrative way to make a living as a Creative Highly Sensitive Person.
If you’re further along in your self-employment journey, are there other tips you’d add?
Until next time, Creative HSP - stay real.
Lisa
P.S. This new “remote writing jobs” Substack was just brought to my attention. It looks like a fantastic resource. Check it out!
Wonderful thoughts shared with us HSPs today.
For me, it’s all summed up in your image caption…
“As HSP Creatives, We Need to Design Our Own Path.”
It took me forever to come to this conclusion. Ever since, I’ve been trying to figure out how to make that work out. TY for the insights you share, Lisa!
Yes totally agree. I sometimes think about the way you describe this work style as a more feminine approach to work. The hard-edged bro approach worked when I was in corporate/consulting with corporate. When it became MY business I found myself longing for an approach that was more organic and flexible; that accounted for the messiness and uncertainty which comes along with being a solopreneur.
Not to mention my needs as an introverted HSP which you described.
Question for you Lisa: any networking communities you're a member of that your find nourishing and encouraging. I'm always on the lookout for connecting with like-minded, like-hearted people.