Here’s a list of the 10 most stressful jobs and the 10 least stressful jobs. See your job anywhere on either of those lists?
So what do the 10 most stressful jobs have in common? Either you have someone’s life in your hands or you’re in a high pressure-time sensitive environment.
What about the least stressful? Oddly enough, they tend to be data intensive, relying on software and calculations to make choices. They also are not time sensitive (and not people intensive).
So did your job make either list? Mine didn’t and I’m sure yours didn’t either. However, most of us would probably describe ourselves as being stressed at work at some point. Some of us thrive on stressful environments, some of us crumble, but either way some stress in a job is healthy and normal!
Here are some ways I try to reduce my own stress level….
1) get some perspective – your job does probably not have anyone’s life in your hands or is a matter of national security – remember this
2) learn to laugh – working with people is crazy because people are crazy. the more you can learn to chuckle at nutty coworkers (not to their face) the easier you will feel
3) find a confidant – sometimes just complaining to someone about a stressful situation can help. seek advice. this should not be from someone you work with.
4) are you taking on too much? – i know we all like to be the hero, but seriously when you’re feeling stressed out, try to consider whether all that you’re worried about is necessary to your job completion
5) focus on the mission – sometimes getting down to a simple theme will help you to calm down. in my job, the focus is on serving the student as customer and educating the student. as long as you’re doing this, you’re not venturing off the reservation!
6) if it really gets too bad, quit – it’s not worth your health and your happiness to stay at your job if it’s making your miserable
