Here’s an interview that I had done with Grace Kerina in 2009:

I would imagine that working in the pest control industry would be difficult for a highly sensitive person for a variety of reasons, such as being around pesticides and killing insects and rodents. Is it? If so, how do you manage?

I’ve been in the pest control industry for over thirty years. I first became involved with the industry when I started working in my father’s business. I eventually started my own company and have been self-employed for twenty-nine years. I didn’t have a great desire to start my own business, but I realized that it was the best way for me to “survive” and sustain myself. I didn’t know that I was a HSP at the time, but my instincts told me I needed to be in a situation where I could control my work environment at my own pace. I would strongly suggest to your readers that they might be happier and more productive in their own business or in a position where they have a lot of independence.

My pest control work involves taking care of insect and rodent problems in homes and businesses. I truly feel that I’m in a helping profession. We HSPs are very helpful people! I help people by protecting them from the diseases that some insects and rodents can cause and also by protecting their properties from damage. The first thing I do is make recommendations for preventing pest problems, such as making repairs or checking for infested food products. I don’t indiscriminately use pesticides or rodenticides. I’m certified by the State of New Jersey and only use products that are approved by The Environmental Protection Agency. I see myself as an environmentalist. (more…)

I recently read an article by Kathleen O’Brien that suggests that if you want to feel less stressed, you should spend more time at work.

At first thought, this seems to be a contradiction. Doesn’t working too much cause stress?

Penn State University researchers measured people’s levels of cortisol, a major indicator of stress, and found employees have significantly lower levels of stress at work than at home. (more…)

Are you living your purpose? This question is especially important to highly sensitive people. We need a “purpose”, regardless of what stage of life that we’re in. Our deep thinking capabilities compel us to ask ourselves this question and come up with answers. It’s essential that our lives have meaning.

Our purpose can take many forms. It could mean being a good parent, friend, spouse, son, daughter, etc. Having a meaningful way of earning a living is a common goal for us all. Volunteer work can make our lives more meaningful. Hobbies and pet ownership can make our lives joyful. Learning a new skill can be fulfilling and give us increased self-esteem. Perhaps it’s a combination of all of these. (more…)