Are you an Empath or HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) that feels a bond with nature… on a whole other level than most people?

I’m guessing the natural world feels soothing to your nervous system, probably sparks creativity & inspiration, and evokes a deep, deep sense of connection. And if this is you - you might be wondering how you can turn this incredible passion of yours into your career…

What do ya think - did I nail it?!

Welcome, kindred spirit!

My name’s Taylor. I’m a Nature-Connected Coach & Guide and I’m here to help you THRIVE in a nature-filled career that’s perfectly aligned for you. I fully believe that your connection and love for nature is the Earth calling you, and I’m dedicated to helping you answer (and sustain) that call.

In this article, I’ve highlighted some of the key milestones you’ll want to consider as you lean further into that call to transform from nature lover to a career in nature.

Let Yourself Dream

The first step in turning your passion for nature into a career is to let yourself dream. This is such a juicy beginning. Carve out an hour, grab your colored markers and give your brain permission to take a break from trying to logic it all out.

In this exercise - allow yourself to write down all the things that light you up about nature. Words, phrases, feelings, moments you’ve had, people who’ve inspired you.

Some prompts to think about:

How do you feel when you’re in nature?
WHY do you want to help the earth?
What gifts do you have to offer the world (hint: you have many)?
What leaders inspire you? Why?
Is there anyone doing what you really want to be doing? Or do you have a dream or vision of something different?
What could the impact be of you saying YES to working with nature? For yourself, for your loved ones, for the planet?

Encourage yourself to dream big, bigger and even BIGGER. Without an edit. The stars are the limit.

Identify What You DON’T Like

Sometimes when there are endless possibilities - it can be easier to narrow down by pulling out what you DON’T like or want to do.

Are there certain professions you know you wouldn’t like? Maybe you’re a total people person and sitting behind a desk all day wouldn’t work for you. Or, you love animals, but needles make you woozy, so vet work is out. Perhaps you really want to work in conservation, but aren’t excited about collecting community signatures.

You get the point - start to think about things you don’t enjoy. No judgment for yourself here - clarity in what you don’t like is incredibly valuable information for you.

Do You Need Additional Education?

This one will come once you’re down to a few options. And I hold this with caution as a career coach. Some of us amazing perfectionists can get stuck here. It’s a way of staying safe by not actually starting… by never feeling like you’ll be ready and needing another degree or certification (looking lovingly at my 1 lines in Human Design here).

Sure, you may decide you do need additional formal training, but it’s also more likely you don’t. This is where a Nature Career Exploration Session with me can really, really support you. I love to help discern what level of education and expertise you really need before jumping in.

How Can You Leverage Your Experience?

You have SO much experience already! Even if this is your first job… you have a lifetime of experience with nature. In our society, we tend to over-value “paper” experience and forget about life experience which is just as valuable if not more. What are you gifted at? Do you know all the trees in your neighborhood? Or maybe you worked a customer service job in the past? What about any intuitive gifts you have? Or the way you can naturally bring people together?

This is a step that’s tempting to overlook, but I promise you won’t want to do that. Dig deep, ask others who know you well and take the time to pull out the incredible knowledge and experience you ALREADY have.

Determine What’s Important: Time, Money, Energy

When you’re talking about a job - you’re talking about an exchange. You’re providing something in exchange for something. In the work that I do with HSPs and careers, I like to think of it in three types of commodities:

Time, Money and Energy.

Which of these is most important to you? Take some time here to really dive in and journal about it.

Time: If time is most important to you, you are looking at a job that has flexible hours and scheduling.
Money: If money is most important to you, you’re looking at a higher-paying job opportunity and may have to give in more working hours or the energy you give.
Energy: This is a highly overlooked commodity for HSPs (and something I teach you to master)... your energy. If your energy is the most important commodity for you - you’re looking at a place that has a balance of work/life, you can shut off work when you’re done and a job that is fulfilling rather than draining.

Start A Business or Work for Someone Else?

Careers in nature will look different for everyone. And it will look different for you at different stages of your life. When my son was younger - I had less time because I was driving him around places and focused on him. As he’s gotten older, he’s off doing his own thing, leaving me with more time.

That being said, I’m confident there’s a business model that’s perfect for you. Each and every option has pros and cons. And it’s up to you to decide which one suits you best… right now.

Will you start your own business, work for a company, start it as a hobby or part-time job or maybe you’d like to start off volunteering?

There’s no wrong answer - and something the Nature Career Exploration Session will help you decide.

Balance the Head & The Heart

As a nature-connected HSP, you’re heart-connected and beautifully led that way. When it comes to career decisions, especially purposeful work - it’s important to balance the heart with the head. Allowing yourself to flow in the heart space of visioning & dreaming… and then refining with that beautiful head of yours. Adding in structure, pricing, details and action steps. This is the art and science of nature-connected work. A dance. An ebb and flow.

You will need both in this line of work and something that I’m here to help you grow your roots in.

Choose Your Investments

Here’s where I lean into my Sagitarrius tell-ya-like-it-is love… These type of life decisions require support… and monetary investments. Two things here:

I see way too many Empaths continuously trying to do it all on their own. And with that, you’ll burnout faster than you started. Or stay in analysis paralysis for years and never get into this work your soul is reaching for.
There are ENDLESS amazing ways to invest in support for your career. A level of discernment is important here. I have worked with some incredible coaches, teachers and leaders in my nature career and honestly, I wish I took more time discerning where I invested my money and energy more.

Investing in your career is not only necessary, but an important practice to start working on. You will need to invest in yourself. It’s a good thing to have this conversation with yourself and/or your partner. Start putting some numbers down and see what you’re willing to invest.

Take Action

After you’ve gone through these steps - the BIGGEST STEP that’s never made… is taking action. Believe me when I say this as a Coach… this is the place most people never make it past.

I’m begging you - PLEASE don’t let this be you. The Earth has called you to help - I fully believe it. Taking action towards answering the call is the biggest life gift you can give to not only yourself, but your loved ones and of course the Earth herself.

And with that, my friend, this is the step where partnering with me as a Coach will become the most valuable. The clients I work with TAKE ACTION… and they soar. Simple as that. I’d be honored to support you on your journey.

Schedule a Coaching Discovery Call with me (free 30 minute no obligation chat).

Book Nature Career Exploration Session with me (90 minute deep dive 1:1 session).

Know Your Gifts Are Needed

There is a reason you have this connection to nature. And it’s unique to you. The world needs your gifts. You are here for more. Trust that. Know that. Believe that. Yes, you absolutely can. This is the community to support you in doing it. I can’t wait to watch you soar.

To Your Vibrancy,

Taylor

About the Author:

Taylor Short of Harmonious Return, is a Nature-Connected Coach & Guide. As a HSP herself, she’s here to help other nature-connected empaths step IN to the work they’re called to do in helping the planet. She weaves in her background in career coaching, nature coaching and Human Design to help you find the aligned path perfectly made for you.

Schedule a Discovery Call to see how she can support your journey.

Book your Nature Career Exploration Session here.