Workplace stress. A venting and a call for action!!

katematt313

Lately, work has been really stressful for me (more stressful than usual). I think that stress hits me a bit harder now that I am post-op. I feel more tired, less refreshed in the morning, and dealing with that difficult person in the office actually makes me queasy (and makes eating harder).

Maybe I am more confident too, because suddenly, I'm done. Just done.

I am no longer willing to tolerate my working situation, and have decided to do something about it.

So, I sent out three resumes last week. I have an interview this week (the call came gratifyingly quickly). Last week, a headhunter I worked with previously called me, out of the blue, about a fantastic job opportunity, which is double my current salary, and about 20 minutes closer to home. It couldn't have come at a better time.

It feels good. Even if it doesn't go anywhere, it feels good to be doing something about my situation, or at least putting my toes in the water. It is empowering.

I need to achieve some sort of balance. I am never going to be a Zen master, but I have to try. Working on the things that I can change (my surroundings) is just one good step in the right direction.

Suggestions would be SO appreciated. Thanks!

pawoodhull

Sounds like you don't need much in the way of advice. What you've written sounds like you have decided a change is in order and are looking at making that happen in an adult, professional and rational/logical manner. As a person who worked in HR and as a supervisor, I would say that as long as you aren't making your decision to leave in anger, and it doesn't sound like you are, then good luck with your job hunt and I hope the next job is everything you hope it will be.

rpyle111

Lately, work has been really stressful for me (more stressful than usual). I think that stress hits me a bit harder now that I am post-op. I feel more tired, less refreshed in the morning, and dealing with that difficult person in the office actually makes me queasy (and makes eating harder).

I need to achieve some sort of balance. I am never going to be a Zen master, but I have to try. Working on the things that I can change (my surroundings) is just one good step in the right direction.

Suggestions would be SO appreciated. Thanks!

Not sure what business you are in, but here is my take from an engineering perspective. I supervise a group of engineers (and have my own sources of stress) so sometimes it seems like 60% of my job is dealing withe stress side of the business. I have a few thoughts:

1) Internal confidence. If you know you are good at what you do and are doing your tasks better than the average bear, then even if the project has issues, you can stay above the stress because your part was done well. Maintaining a good task list and keeping on top of your work goes a long way toward an inner calm in stressful times. I have often told people that I am happy to be overruled by my bosses, but this is my position.

2) Be able to ask yourself "what more can I do to help the situation". If the answer is "nothing" again, calm can prevail. If the answer is "I can do X, Y or Z" then do it, or at least talk with your boss about the options. If they get added to your plate, do them well.

3) Organizational tension. I think this is a big one. We intentionally have activities with different priorities and force them to work with each other, knowing that there will be tension between activities. In our area, we have application engineers who have to deliver cost and timing, and we have a core group who are responsible for product standards and approving deviations from tests and requirements. The two groups are in conflict a lot of the time and often the choice is between a retest which takes a lot of time or a redesign, versus accepting the part as is and making the engineering judgement that it will be OK. Putting smart people together to find a compromise makes better solutions, although it really stresses some people out.

I am sure there is organizational tension in your business and once you recognize it, it can reduce a lot of the stress. It can also cause people problems, because some people love the give and take confrontational stuff, and some people hate it.

4) Trying to see the other person's view. It is very tempting to assume that the person acting (in your view) irrationally as an idiot. I try to understand if the person is acting because of different priorities (organizational tension), is unaware of some aspect of the project that makes their actions incorrect, or if they really are idiots. In my opinion, it is rarely that last option. It is usually a different set of priorities. Either outcome, it should not stress you out that you have a disagreement with someone because it is often both intentional, *and* it will result in a better solution.

tl:dr - try not to get stressed out if you are doing a good job and try to see others motivations, they are usually not as bad or misguided as they first seem.

Congrats on the new potential job!

Rob

stroynaya

My only advice is look before you leap. Every job has its stressors, so just make sure that the new job is truly one you want and can deal with, not just an escape from the job you no longer want. Other than that, it seems like you know what you want (and what you don't) and are on the path to getting it. Good Luck!