5 answers
Savanna
Student
Columbia
1
Question
Updated
381 views
Does everything stop being so overwhelming? #Spring25
After school is finished, what comes next and how is that transition from stressing over school to stressing about work; does it ever end? #Spring25
Login to comment
5 answers
Du Bui
Equipment Engineering
2
Answers
Richardson, Texas
Updated
Du’s Answer
Hello Savanna,
It's true that stress is an inherent part of any job, but our approach to managing it can significantly impact our overall experience. Often, it’s beneficial to avoid dwelling on factors beyond our control.
On the other hand, work can be incredibly rewarding, particularly when there's strong collaboration within your team or across different groups. These positive interactions not only foster good working relationships but can also lead to genuine friendships outside of the workplace.
It's true that stress is an inherent part of any job, but our approach to managing it can significantly impact our overall experience. Often, it’s beneficial to avoid dwelling on factors beyond our control.
On the other hand, work can be incredibly rewarding, particularly when there's strong collaboration within your team or across different groups. These positive interactions not only foster good working relationships but can also lead to genuine friendships outside of the workplace.
Thank you, Du. I need to practice managing it more.
Savanna
Nancy (Savelyev) Parenteau
Principal Engineer
3
Answers
West Newbury, Massachusetts
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
HI there! While stress is a thing that may always be there I think its best to learn what to do when you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Find things that relax you and that you enjoy doing. At your job or even school find a group of friends that you can chat with. Its helpful if you are in the same major or working similar job. I also think if you find yourself being stressed remember this quote: "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it"
Thank you, Nancy. I do enjoy doing yoga, that calms my stress, but sometimes when I feel extremely overwhelmed, I don't feel like doing anything. I will try to keep this in mind more often.
Savanna
Dan Wiora
Director of Customer Success
1
Answer
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Stress is a part of every career, but you can learn to manage it well. The shift from school to a job can be refreshing, especially with a structured 9-5 schedule. It's important to set clear boundaries between work and personal time, even when there's pressure to work after hours. Work might seem overwhelming at times, but keeping a balanced life is key. Try to prioritize activities outside of work. Instead of just watching Netflix or YouTube after work, spend time with friends and family or go outside. These habits will help you create a healthy balance and reduce work stress.
Thank you, Dan. I think it's important I start creating my boundaries now as a student.
Savanna
Mary Ann Faue
Communications, Training, and People Development
45
Answers
Hayward, California
Updated
Mary Ann’s Answer
Hi Savanna,
I know this is going to sound weird, but stress can be a good thing. There are different kinds of stress. There's the kind of stress that feels overwhelming and can cause you to be scared or worried (I think this is what you're talking about). And there's the kind of stress that feels a little exciting and motivates you to try something new (you want this kind of stress in your life).
As you are still in school, you are still learning about yourself and how you navigate different situations. The more life experiences you have, the more you start to say "Oh, I know what to do in this situation. I've done it before". For those kinds of things, they seem easy. You don't get overwhelmed by those things, right? As you learn new things, it's going to take a little more time and a little more practice before you feel comfortable doing things. But initially, it might feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you are learning a lot of new things at the same time.
Let's try this as an example. Think about a baby learning to walk. First, they pull themselves up on some piece of furniture and hold on tight while they get their balance just to stand. Then, they take a few steps holding on to the furniture. Eventually, they let go of the furniture and take a few steps. They probably fall down. But, they get back up and try again. Then, they start walking in that wobbly way babies walk. Then, they are walking without thinking about it and then running around the house with their parents chasing them saying "come back here". So, for you, just like the baby, you're going to try new things and you're going to be a little bit wobbly at first but then, with a little practice, you won't even think about what you're doing.
This not thinking about what your doing comes from practice and building self-confidence. Think about something you do well today. Did you always feel this confident doing that thing? Probably not, but you do now. As you take on new tasks or situations, think about how many things you've already done where you've been successful. You know how to do things. The things you know, especially the way you approach new situations, applies to every new thing you take on.
If you happen to be in a situation and you're feeling overwhelmed, stop and ask yourself, "what's causing me to feel this way?". If you can identify the thing that's causing you to feel overwhelmed, address that thing. And, if you can't identify the 'thing', stop and get organized. Take what you do know and put things in an order that makes sense to you. And if you're not sure where to start, just pick something. Because making progress on something is better than just looking at stuff .
I know this is going to sound weird, but stress can be a good thing. There are different kinds of stress. There's the kind of stress that feels overwhelming and can cause you to be scared or worried (I think this is what you're talking about). And there's the kind of stress that feels a little exciting and motivates you to try something new (you want this kind of stress in your life).
As you are still in school, you are still learning about yourself and how you navigate different situations. The more life experiences you have, the more you start to say "Oh, I know what to do in this situation. I've done it before". For those kinds of things, they seem easy. You don't get overwhelmed by those things, right? As you learn new things, it's going to take a little more time and a little more practice before you feel comfortable doing things. But initially, it might feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you are learning a lot of new things at the same time.
Let's try this as an example. Think about a baby learning to walk. First, they pull themselves up on some piece of furniture and hold on tight while they get their balance just to stand. Then, they take a few steps holding on to the furniture. Eventually, they let go of the furniture and take a few steps. They probably fall down. But, they get back up and try again. Then, they start walking in that wobbly way babies walk. Then, they are walking without thinking about it and then running around the house with their parents chasing them saying "come back here". So, for you, just like the baby, you're going to try new things and you're going to be a little bit wobbly at first but then, with a little practice, you won't even think about what you're doing.
This not thinking about what your doing comes from practice and building self-confidence. Think about something you do well today. Did you always feel this confident doing that thing? Probably not, but you do now. As you take on new tasks or situations, think about how many things you've already done where you've been successful. You know how to do things. The things you know, especially the way you approach new situations, applies to every new thing you take on.
If you happen to be in a situation and you're feeling overwhelmed, stop and ask yourself, "what's causing me to feel this way?". If you can identify the thing that's causing you to feel overwhelmed, address that thing. And, if you can't identify the 'thing', stop and get organized. Take what you do know and put things in an order that makes sense to you. And if you're not sure where to start, just pick something. Because making progress on something is better than just looking at stuff .
Wow, Mary Ann, this was amazing. Thank you so much for your words they really make sense, and I feel I can now apply this to my life. I just have to practice and practice, thank you so much I appreciate it!
Savanna
MB W
Auditor
2
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
MB’s Answer
Hi Savanna,
Hang in there. In the current climate, it's likely that you'll always have a certain numbers of "balls in the air," as you are stepping out of scholastic endeavors and entering the workforce. I've heard before that some balls are made of plastic and some balls are made of glass. This helps me to prioritize and that focus alone helps the stress fall away. I can't imagine you'll be able to avoid stress altogether, but keep looking for ways to embrace changes and the unknown. Remember that our reaction to stressful situations is normal! It's okay to feel tired of change. It's okay to feel a bit overwhelmed. But change isn't going to stop happening - try to embrace it and you'll be better off for it.
Hang in there. In the current climate, it's likely that you'll always have a certain numbers of "balls in the air," as you are stepping out of scholastic endeavors and entering the workforce. I've heard before that some balls are made of plastic and some balls are made of glass. This helps me to prioritize and that focus alone helps the stress fall away. I can't imagine you'll be able to avoid stress altogether, but keep looking for ways to embrace changes and the unknown. Remember that our reaction to stressful situations is normal! It's okay to feel tired of change. It's okay to feel a bit overwhelmed. But change isn't going to stop happening - try to embrace it and you'll be better off for it.