Career Decisions with RSD
12 min read
RSD can significantly influence career choices - sometimes helpfully, sometimes not. Understanding how your sensitivity affects work decisions helps you build a career that supports your wellbeing.
How RSD Shapes Career Choices
Avoiding Leadership
Turning down promotions that involve giving feedback or making unpopular decisions.
Staying Too Long
Remaining in wrong-fit jobs because job searching feels like asking for rejection.
Perfectionism Paralysis
Not applying for jobs unless you meet 100% of requirements.
Undervaluing Yourself
Accepting lower salaries or titles because advocating feels vulnerable.
Frequent Job Changes
Leaving after conflict or criticism rather than working through it.
Playing Safe
Choosing "safe" careers over passion projects due to fear of failure.
Work Environments That Support RSD
Look For:
- Regular, structured feedback (not surprises)
- Supportive management style
- Collaborative rather than competitive culture
- Clear expectations and success metrics
- Psychological safety to make mistakes
- Flexibility in how work gets done
- Recognition of good work
- Written communication over verbal-only
Watch Out For:
- ×High-pressure sales targets
- ×Ranked performance systems
- ×Public criticism or shaming
- ×Ambiguous expectations
- ×Harsh or absent management
- ×Highly competitive peer dynamics
- ×"Sink or swim" onboarding
- ×Heavy reliance on cold calling/pitching
Career Paths to Consider
These aren't guarantees, but roles where people with RSD often thrive:
Creative Fields
- • Writing / Content Creation
- • Graphic Design
- • Video Production
- • Music / Audio
- • Photography
Often allows independent work and clear portfolio-based evaluation.
Technical Roles
- • Software Development
- • Data Analysis
- • IT Support
- • Quality Assurance
- • Research
Clear success metrics, often remote-friendly, less interpersonal conflict.
Helping Professions
- • Counselling / Therapy
- • Teaching
- • Social Work
- • Healthcare
- • Coaching
RSD empathy becomes a superpower when helping others.
Important: Don't limit yourself based on this list. With the right support and accommodations, people with RSD succeed in every field - including sales, management, and public-facing roles. It's about finding the right fit within any field.
Surviving Job Search with RSD
Reframe rejection
A "no" isn't about your worth. It means that role wasn't the right fit. You're looking for alignment, not approval.
Limit applications per day
Applying to too many jobs increases exposure to rejection. Quality over quantity protects your mental health.
Build in recovery time
After interviews or rejections, schedule something restorative. Don't stack stressful events.
Track your wins
Keep a log of positive responses, compliments, and progress. Review it when RSD hits.
Prepare for ghosting
Many companies don't respond. Set expectations low for responses. No news isn't personal.
Have a support system
Share your job search with someone who can offer perspective when rejection stings.
Making Career Decisions with RSD
Am I leaving because of RSD or because this genuinely isn't right?
Wait until you're calm to decide. If the same issues keep recurring across jobs, it might be RSD. If this environment is uniquely problematic, leaving makes sense.
Am I staying because I'm scared of rejection in job searching?
Fear of change isn't a reason to stay in a harmful environment. Get support for the search process rather than avoiding it.
Am I avoiding this opportunity because of fear or intuition?
Ask yourself: "What would I do if I knew rejection wouldn't hurt?" If you'd go for it, your fear is the problem, not the opportunity.
Am I undervaluing myself in negotiations?
Research market rates. Practice your ask with someone supportive. Remember: negotiating isn't asking to be liked, it's advocating for your value.
Your Sensitivity Is Not a Career Liability
People with RSD often become incredibly attuned to others, deeply committed to excellence, and highly motivated to succeed. With the right environment and strategies, your sensitivity becomes a professional superpower.