8 of the Best Career Paths for Empathic Women

An empathic person is able to sense and absorb what others are feeling, which enables them to connect with people on an incredibly deep level. This trait can be both a blessing and a curse. It can be emotionally draining to be affected by the many emotions of all the different people we come into contact with. If this sounds like you, it’s likely that you find it difficult to spend long periods of time in the company of others without taking a ride on an emotional rollercoaster at the same time. For this reason, you need to choose your career path carefully for the sake of your mental health.

While some may view their career as a means to an end, for many people it’s crucial that they find a path which both enriches their life, makes a difference to others and uses their talents. Your empathy could be of real benefit to you and others if you use it in the right way. Whether you’re taking your first steps in the world of work or are looking to change careers to something more suited to your personality, this guide includes some great ideas to consider.

Which careers suit empathic people?

The most obvious career path for empathic people is a caring or healing role which enables them to use their emotional intuition to help others. Generally speaking, empaths are also fulfilled when able to pursue their passion and natural creativity. This why many empaths are best suited to careers which provide this freedom, such as being self-employed in a creative discipline. Professions which involve being outside in the natural world are also positive for empaths.

Empaths can find success in a wide range of industries, but here are eight of the best careers for empathic people.

1. Psychologist or Therapist

Psychologists and therapists are also caregivers but for people suffering from mental illness or recovering from psychological trauma. If you can listen to others and understand their suffering, you will be far more effective and insightful in your treatment. In this role, you would be helping patients in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and mental health centers.

2. Nurse

Giving care to others is a natural impulse for empathic people, so it makes sense that a career in the healthcare industry would be a great fit. While doctors are caring for patients, it is nurses who are more heavily involved in the day to day care of people who need help. Nurses can work in hospitals, private clinics, nursing homes, or hospices providing care and emotional support for patients and their families. There are also excellent prospects if you pursue a career as a family nursing practitioner, as in many states, you have as much medical responsibility as a doctor. The FNP scope of practice is much more varied as you would be working with patients of all ages, from children to the elderly.

3. Writer, Artist or Musician

Self-expression is essential for empathic people as they need an outlet for all the complex emotions they are feeling. Creativity through words, art, or music is the ideal way to do this and release the valve on what could otherwise become a pressure cooker. If words are your passion, you can work as a freelance writer for a range of publications or companies or you could write for a magazine. Artists and musicians may find it more difficult to find paid work for their creativity, but it is absolutely possible to do so. If your career does not give you an opportunity to be creative, you should still practice writing, creating art or writing, or performing music in your free time.

4. Veterinarian

The world is full of not only humans who need help but also animals. For empathic people, seeing any living creature in pain or trauma can be devastating. A career as either a vet or veterinary assistant or technician gives you the chance to care for animals and comfort their owners when needed.

5. Teacher, Guidance Counselor or Life Coach

Teachers and guidance counselors are responsible for supporting and guiding young people as they travel through the education system, choose a future path, and discover their talents and passions. A life coach fulfills a very similar role but for adults who may need guidance at crucial moments in their life. These careers will enable you to use your empathic nature to help others in a very real way as you help others to realize their goals.

7. Social Worker

Social work is an industry focused on the well-being of individuals, communities, and wider society. This career may be challenging for empaths who find it difficult to cope with conflict, but they will be ideally placed to understand the needs of their clients, support them and reach the best resolution for all involved.

8. Working for a Non-Profit

Non-profit organizations are operating for the good of a cause, primarily funded by charitable donations and often don’t offer their employees particularly high salaries for understandable reasons. However, this field of work is perfect for people who aren’t motivated by money but simply want to make a difference in the world.

Which careers should empaths avoid?

Although it may seem an odd suggestion given an empath’s natural compulsion to help others, a career as a firefighter or police officer may not be the best choice. This is because they are regularly exposed to emotional and psychological stress and traumatic events. Empathic people may find this difficult to cope with the level of emotional resilience required when they are faced with angry, hurt, abused, or sad people every day.

In a similar vein (but obviously to a lesser extent) a career in customer service or sales which involved dealing with angry and upset customers could be too draining. In addition, because empathic people pick up on the emotions of others so easily, fast-paced and hectic work environments with crowds of people may also be too intense. For example, working in sales, politics, journalism, or public relations requires a level of extroversion, competitiveness, and even aggression. Creative empaths may also struggle in large organizations which need a specific way of thinking and don’t value individualism.

In conclusion

While this article has provided some food for thought for empaths, obviously no career path is entirely out of bounds if you understand your own limitations. You should never let stress consume your life and need to learn to recognize when they are taking on the emotions of others. Regular breaks and relaxation techniques such as meditation can help empaths to refresh their minds and shake off what they don’t need to carry around with them. With self-awareness and the right coping mechanisms, empaths can use their talents and skills to succeed in whatever they set their mind to.

Thanks to Ellie