Barret
Working a job can be stressful, what do you think are important aspects of self-care.
I believe I can speak for a lot of people in that people my age believe that there will be no jobs in the market by the time we graduate. It's probable that recent graduates may have to work in a job outside of the field they studied in while they look for a job in the field they want. What do you think would be important self-care tips in order to avoid burnout? What steps would you take to keep the hope that you will one day work in the field of your choice despite adversity? #burnout #mentalhealth #selfcare
6 answers
Victoria German
Victoria’s Answer
This is a really great question.
The key to your question is finding areas of interest that you enjoy and are rewarding to you. When you work at something you love, you go home at the end of the day more energized than when you started.
There are 9 million jobs right now that are unfilled in the area of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). There will be even more in the future because of the incredible innovations going on right now in all fields. The key is that you need to find areas of study that interest you and that feed your curiosity because when you find a field that you really enjoy or you are passionate about you build a career that opens new doors. You don't burnout because you are so intrigued by the next part of your adventure.
So how do you find that career? Start a journal: What do you find interesting? what makes you feel recharged when you do that kind of work? Is there a specific group of people you like working with? Do you like working outside? Are you an introvert or an extravert? What is your dream job? Who does that job? Start making a list of all the things you like or enjoy. Cut our articles, bookmark links, create a giant wall that shows you all the areas that are important to you. Keep adding to it.
Then start reading about careers online, watch TED talks, talk to teachers, friends, mentors and people doing those jobs. Visit your local community college or college and walk around. Or look up some online colleges and read about their courses. Start by talking to your teachers and joining some activities or clubs that seem interesting to you. Take a tour of Stephen F. Austin State College. Maybe consider volunteering at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. There are some incredibly rewarding careers in healthcare. You can write your own ticket as a doctor/nurse, a respiratory therapist, an occupational therapist, or a physical therapist.
If you are interested in business, consider finding a job at a local store or company like Pilgrim's Pride or the City of Nacogdoches. Many employers have tuition assistance programs.
Texas also has made a very important contribution to the military. There are many opportunities to use STEM skills in the armed forces, the coast guard, and national guard. Explore these areas and determine if there are fields that are interesting to you. Even national restaurant chains like McDonalds and Starbucks have tuition assistance and management training. The key is to look, talk to people, and make decisions.
Churches and civic organizations often have great programs and opportunities as well. Consider volunteering at one of these organizations because you will help other people and learn more about yourself, career opportunities, and define you future. Habitat for Humanity builds houses, it is so interesting and fun to build a house from the ground up. Volunteering teaches you skills, introduces you to new people, and gives back to your community. What are you passionate about and how can you get involved? Add these experiences to your journal.
There is no one right way to find a career and sometimes you have to work at a job or several jobs on your journey to finding your career. As your working a job that isn't in your chosen field, it's important to keep volunteering in your chosen field in order to figure out how to bring the two interests together. Most people will have 5 - 8 jobs during a lifetime; and some careers haven't even been invented yet. You could literally create your own career. The important thing is to be a life long learner, to figure out your talents and interests, and to find a career or a variety of careers that you enjoy. Keep me posted on your journey.
stem, healthcare, business, nonprofits
Rachel Resnick
Rachel’s Answer
You will need to focus on stress and time management. In order to manage stress you have to manage your time wisely. <span style="background-color: transparent;">You have to set a routine for yourself and stick to it for the most part. Once you get into the groove of a routine it will be much easier for you to manage your time and have enough time for everything you need to do (including relaxing). Make yourself to-do lists on a weekly basis, use Google calendar or a planner to keep track of events, deadlines, and due dates. In addition to setting a routine and sticking to it, plan out relaxing activities into your day. Or set aside a time, after everything is done for the day, that you can have "me" time. I have also personally found it essential to not only find time for myself but also make use of that time in a way that is best for me and my holistic wellness. I have found the HeadSpace app to be an essential tool in helping me relax and generally feel more relaxed throughout the day, Guided meditation, even if you have a busy schedule, will make you feel more at ease and relaxed throughout the day as a whole (not just when you have the time to relax and focus on that "me" time).</span>
<span style="background-color: transparent;">Set a routine.Use Google Calendar.Set aside Me TimeWrite weekly to-do lists and use a planner.Find a peaceful and restful activity that will help you feel relaxed.</span>
Scott Foster
Scott’s Answer
Lastly, I will say that it appears companies are becoming aware of this and have started to focus efforts on preventing burnout. This is great to see and hopefully more companies continue to put emphasis on well being!
Hanya Ansari
Hanya’s Answer
Antoine Andrews
Antoine’s Answer
- your standard work hours
- will you take calls or do work during your personal time
- if you work outside of work hours, set a time limit (i.e., I'm working for an hour)
- Let people at work know when you're unavailable
Setting boundaries help to minimize stress at work.
Decker Hinckley
Decker’s Answer
Self-care is a matter of perspective to each individual.
Some individuals may be of the mindset that 'my end-of-day' is my end-of-work-day. I am not distracted by emails, direct messages etc post a specific time of day. they are mentally prepared to take on any thing past that specific time of day on the next start of work day.
Other individuals may be more attentive post the end-of-day work schedule because they do not like the surprise at the next start of day. A simple response to an email or direct message will save heart ache the next start of day.
Self care is doing what you as an individual practice to ensure you are not burning out from the work you are doing. Self-care may or may not be relevant to work but in the end should absolutely not be a contributor to stress related to work.