Job Stress and Work Stress - What to do about it

Do you wake up each morning and want to throw the alarm clock across the room? Are you frustrated before you even get to your desk? Are you a working mom and upset because you never seem to have enough time with your  family?

Yes, you have job stress and it's time to make some changes.

Commitment is key

The very first thing you need to do is make a commitment to yourself to do something about your job stress. It will take some planning on your part, changes don't come easy, but it is 100% worth it. By taking control of your work, you're taking control of your job stress and your life.  

" this is a problem that I am going  to deal with and I will succeed"

What do you want to do?

Make a list of what  you want.. What would make you most happy in your job? It could be specific duties, hours,  more money, location, environment, dress code...etc? List them all as they come to your mind. Make a list of the things you like about your job and the things you hate. Look at your "hate" list and think about alternatives. For example, can you do that extra work from home so you can get to your child's karate class on time? Would your boss be open to this or would you have to look for another job?

" I am clear what I want and what will make me happy"

Build your plan of attack

Once you have written down your list it's time to build support for your plan. The first thing you need to do is to identify what benefits your employer will get as a result of the changes you want. For example; if you want to telecommute, this will allow you to work at any hour necessary. If it is a raise you want, then offer to take on projects that are not getting done (lighten your boss' work load). Perhaps a half day on Friday would reduce your stress, flextime would allow for the phone lines to be open for additional hours. etc. You need to brain storm here. The second thing is find out what other employees in other departments are dong. Ask other managers if they have heard of related changes in other departments and how they were working. Check with people you work with that know more about the company.

If you still need ammunition, look at other companies like yours. You can make phone calls to their human resource departments and find out what they are doing.

Next, pinpoint the reasons that this change will allow you to do a better job for the company. Your boss will undoubtedly want to hear how these changes will make you a better employee.

Lastly, your plan can't have any holes in it. You need be prepared to answer all concerns related to your proposal. Again, brainstorm here list all the objectives you may get, then come up with answers to all of them. If you need help ask a friend or partner. You want to have answers that diminish the concerns. Squash the objectives.

" I believe that my plan and I am prepared

Communicate your plan

This is the hardest step for most women. You need to put your sales cap on and sell your plan, you're selling benefits now. First, seek out another trusting manager and "generally" tell them about your plan, ask for suggestions and feedback, listen to what they say, you may get some good advice. 

Now it is time to meet with your boss, tell your boss that you would like to schedule a meeting to talk about your position and some desired changes. Make sure you schedule enough time, you don't want to be interrupted.

When you meet with your boss, dress nicely and professionally, smile, feel your confidence and most of all believe in your plan. If you are doing it so you can spend more time with your family, picture your family in your mind this will give you strength.

Expect questions and objections, just be prepared and answer questions with confidence. Never become defensive, that will get you no where. Don't expect acceptance of your plan in this meeting, your boss will probably have to do some thinking. At the end of the meeting thank your boss for their time and ask when they will be able to give you an answer.

" I am confident and believe in the changes that I want"

Celebrate

Remember that whatever happens you have proven that you have the ability to take control of your life.

"I am proud and I am in control"

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