Is Your Job Making You Sick?

The American Psychological Association reported in 2007 that work was the leading cause of stress for Americans. Three-quarters of those surveyed felt their stress was significant, an increase of 59% from 2006.

I had no benefits, never knew how long my jobs would last and the industry was sometimes unstable. I accepted this because I loved the work I did. There were perks such as working in many interesting cities and having time off to spend with family.
               
Having spent most of my adult life in corporate America, I am very aware of how jobs are breeding grounds for tension. Today we have so many things that are supposed to make our lives easier but it seems we are more overworked. Workers trying to balance work and family feel they are pulled in two directions and can not give their best to either.
             
Those of my generation grew up with strong work ethics. But I sometimes wonder if we didn't pay a price for our long hours at work. Working hard and working long hours should be a choice. Just because I want to do it, doesn't mean my team members want to do it. Often we are made to feel guilty for leaving after putting in a good full eight hours.
                
Vacation requests and time off is denied because it is not convenient for our jobs.
             
It is my belief that our life is more important than our jobs. A well-rested, relaxed employee, is a better employee. When we take care of ourselves we have more to give to our companies. The needs of the family should come before the needs of work. Many workers are now part of the sandwich generation. Those still raising a family while also caring for an elderly parent. If there is a problem at home it does affect your work. What is really alarming is that employees have been fired for taking time off to handle family issues.
             
As a life coach, I work with individuals in transition. This involves a lot of souls searching on their part. The answer to a stressful job situation is not always finding another job. The key is in discovering what it is that you really want to do. It is true that if you love your work it will not seem like work at all. Sometimes we stay in bad jobs or bad relationships just because we do not want to make a change. Why would someone stay in an unhappy, stressful situation when there are other options?
             
As you discover what it is you really want to do also examine your priorities. Do you want to work 60 hours a week or would you rather have more time to spend with your family? Sometimes we get stuck in jobs just to pay our bills. To keep up appearances and to acquire more stuff, we often accumulate so much debt that we are forced to stay on a job we do not like.
           

We spend a good portion of our waking hours at work. Studies show that many Americans do not like their jobs, which is obviously one of the reasons they are stressed. I ask again why would you stay somewhere that you did not like? Life is to be enjoyed not tolerated.
           
Before becoming a Life Coach, I worked for 14 years as a contractor in the mortgage business. I had no benefits, never knew how long my jobs would last and the industry was sometimes unstable. I accepted this because I loved the work I did. There were perks such as working in many interesting cities and having time off to spend with family. Most days I woke up excited about going to work.
             
My husband, on the other hand, has worked as an automobile mechanic for 19 years with a union automobile dealership. He has hated every day of his job for 19 years. Yet he decided to stay because of the benefits, union retirement, and his child support payments. He probably hits the snooze button four or five-time every morning because he hates the thought of having to get up and go to work.
             
If the stress of your job is making you sick, now might be the time to evaluate why you are doing that job. Is it what you really want to do or are you just settling? Review your priorities. Maybe it is time to fit your job around your life. We are living longer than ever and having to wait longer to draw social security if it is still there. We need to do a better job of taking care of the one body we have. Stress leads to many illnesses which can reduce our life expectancy and quality of life. If jobs are the major cause of our stress, it is time for us to take a major look at our jobs.