High stress jobs

[susan silva]

Does your job cause you stress?  If so, can you share why and how you deal with it.   Would you prefer a job that pays well but has high stress or a job that isn't as challenging but isn't as stressful.

[Atlanta Z3]

I think all jobs have some level of stress.  Mine can have busy times which I just power through, other times are slow.  In some ways I think the slow times are more stressful trying to find something meaningful to accomplish.  After five years in the same position I would like to think most of the surprises are over!

[Cozwaz]

My job has NO stress.  It gets very very busy but certainly isn't stressful and it has many challenges.   Perhaps I have just been very very lucky.

[tIvana]

I will definatelly consider a less paid job for less hours and less stress. I reached a level where my children and their wellbeing is more important and would like to support them and be part of the precious moments. I have a very bossy (almost harassing) manager, no 1 hour break for lunch (actually everyone is expected to sit in the office to take the calls and be avaialble even when eating their lunch at the desk). If you express a wish to get out even for 30 minutes this is a black point for your. If you leave the building at 17:00 (although it is said specificly in your contract) the others (no kids, no family) are throwing disapproving looks at you.
At the end of the day I feel exhaused, nervous and with no energy for anything. Quite discouraging, isn't it? There are opportunities here for future career grow, but I will rather go part time.

[jennika]

tIvana, do you work with me? :-)  You aren't alone and I can't afford to leave.

[claudiamag]

I think we all have our own definition of stress.

My job times when I am VERY busy and others where I have literally nothing to do.  To me the down times are the most stressful.

My boss is very demanding and impatient, he also tends to yell a lot.  To others, this is very stressful and I don't  blame them, but I've learn to manage him well so I don't stress over this.

Most of my tasks demand high concentration and everything is urgent so I am under a lot of pressure.  However, I have to say I am nicely compensated precisely for this reason, so that definitely makes things easier 

[tIvana]

Jennika, we might work at the same place or at least sounds like it. I am still at the same job.

Claudiamag, I support a team and all of it including the tenants are extremely demanding. I am not competing and comparing but we do not have quite periods. Nothing to do - I don't know what this is.
I would like to manage my yelling and pushy peers ...I think the best is if you can stay cool and not allow the stress to overcome you.

I do not show this at work and try to be calm, but it affects my private life and family. So rather prefer something quiter and less stressful and am happy to be less paid.

[claudiamag]

tIvana like I said, we all have a different definition and level of stress tolerance.  What stresses me about my job might not seem like a big deal to you and vice-versa   

I was in a situation a couple of years ago where my job was just so completely stressful that it actually made me physically sick    It wasn't that I was overworked or under a lot of time pressure, but rather it had a lot to do with the people I worked with.  They are perfectly wonderful people, very kind and understand.  What was the problem?  They embraced me a little too much.  It is a family-owned business and I became part of their family.  I am not a real warm and fuzzy person; I fully embrace the fact that I am actually rather cold and standoffish.  So by involving me in their family dynamics they actually caused me (unintentionally) a lot of stress.  It really wasn't their fault, it's their company and they have every right to run it as they see fit or how best suits their needs.  It was just not for me.  It took me a while to realize this.  I hate quiting anything and I felt I HAD to make it work, especially because I really am fond of these folks - I just don't want to work with them.  I finally made change and landed at a place MUCH better suited to my personality.  I am under a lot more pressure and a lot is expected of me, but my stress level has decreased tremendously and I am much happier.

Right now it sounds like your job is really taking a toll on you and affecting your personal life.  That's really awful.  I hope you find a way to remedy the situation soon.  We all deserve to be happy and our jobs are a big part of it.  I wish you the best of luck 

[tIvana]

Claudiamag,you are very right by saying this, it is different for every personality and environment. I always liked challenging jobs that are demanding and provide you with useful experience but I landed in a male job sort of. Have to deal with stuff that is not really interesting at all on a daily basis and people who do not really understand that you really cannot stay after 17:00 if you did not have lunch break (daily). This is why I decided that I need to make this change in order to be happier and more relaxed. As you mentioned, this reflects on my physical health: my lips started flaking, I wake up in the middle of the night with the thought of unmet deadline and cannot fall asleep any more or I am transferring my emotions on to my family. Also,. coming to work with chest infection because no one else will complete your job and the deadlines are crucial.
When speaking with my line manager the response is: we are all under stress and this is why you are getting paid ?!
This is definitely not right and I feel I have to action.

[claudiamag]

Oh my goodness, it does sound like a terrible situation.  I'm glad you decided to make a change and wish you the best of luck.  No job is worth our health and mental wellbeing.  I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!