Is your job is too stressful?

Stress is a part of life, but it’s important to realize what stresses are acceptable and which ones are not. Stress even comes with the good things: excitement about a promotion, the rush of bringing in new clients or the thrill of a presentation gone right.

But when the stress is excruciating and mostly negative, it’s time to reconsider your employment situation. Here are four signs your job has become too stressful, along with some advice on how to deal with that stress.

1. You’re having physical symptoms.

When your job is affecting your health, it’s time to look for another employer. Signs of job burnout or excessive stress include weight gain, heart problems, poor diet, high blood pressure, anxiety or depression, exhaustion and impairment of mental functions. If your body is going downhill faster than age alone can explain, then stress and fatigue are likely the causes.

2. You’re having emotional symptoms.

It’s sometimes easier to ignore emotional symptoms because they seem less “real.” But symptoms like a lack of motivation, constant feelings of frustration, a cynical attitude and a short attention span are as real as it comes. If you notice that you lack the spark you once had or your attitude about your career has shifted from positive to negative, it’s a good sign your job is sapping the life out of you. There are jobs out there that do offer fulfilment, satisfaction and growth opportunities, along with a good pay check.

3. Management creates a toxic environment.

Sometimes it’s easier to see the signals outside of you than those inside, such as a toxic management environment. Do you get upset just because your manager walks into the room? Does the manager always focus on the negative and neglect to add anything positive? Signs of a toxic manager are disrespecting subordinates, being mistrustful of others, looking down on the employees and only being concerned about their own agendas.

Many people stick with a stressful situation until they’ve lost all their passion for the career they love. Don’t let this happen to you. If your job is stressing you to the point that it’s damaging your health, emotional balance, relationships or the enthusiasm you have for the industry, it’s time to move on. Fortunately, the labour force is full of promising companies, many of which are already looking for talented, ambitious, skilled and passionate workers just like you.