Stress Should Not be a Job Requirement
If you opt to become a police officer, a fire department person,
or work with explosives, you probably expect that stress in some
form will come with the job. However, in other types of jobs
stress can come from many sources. 1. Overload. With too much
work and too little time, stress is inevitable. This may be
either a permanent or temporary situation. If temporary, you can
probably cope with it. If permanent, tell your supervisor it is
too much. If that doesn't bring results, consider looking for
another job, as stress builds with repetition.
2. Noise. Few jobs are located next to a junk yard or a sound
stage where bands with strange-sounding names are rehearsing. If
you are unlucky enough to work in such a deafening environment,
stress can be unbearable.
3. A messy environment. If you were raised in a normal
environment but your workplace reminds you of the city dump, it
can be stressful. The toilet is plugged up, the broken window
hasn't been replaced and you have to avoid puddles wherever you
walk.
4. Obsolete equipment. Some small companies have been doing the
same job the same way forever. They are resistant to change or
modernizing. The secretary is still using a typewriter instead
of a word processor. The carpenter is denied even an electric
screw driver. This makes the job longer and harder, which causes
frustration, which causes stress.
5. Cranky boss. One of the most common sources of job stress is
a mean boss. He or she belittles the employees under them,
ignores their complaints and has no compassion for their
problems or their well being. This type of job stress can range
from indifference to harassment. 6. Obnoxious co-worker. The
obnoxious co-worker is usually loud, with a raucous sense of
humor. He or she sees humor in ordinary situations and laughs
inappropriately.
Another type of co-worker who causes stress is the one who takes
credit for your successes and blames you for their mistakes.
Unfortunately, most of these sources of job stress are not
apparent before you are hired, but come with the job. They
usually catch you by surprise and turn what you thought would be
a great job into a nightmare.
Copyright 2006 Robert