Feeling uncomfortable is something that many people, especially those in the workforce, are used to. High-stress jobs, public speaking and lots of responsibilities can all make workers feel uncomfortable during business hours, but this feeling does not have to be a negative thing. In fact, many employees can use these instances as an opportunity to step out of their comfort zone in an effort to advance their careers.
Age Groups Manage Stress Differently
While it may be beneficial to step outside of a personal comfort zone in order to find opportunities for success, many workers are focusing on managing their perceived stress. According to a recent survey from Ipsos Reid, more than 90 percent of workers aged 18 to 24 reported feeling overwhelmed with regard to their job and career.
Many young people are dealing with student loans and debt, as well as a tough job market, which are key sources of stress. However, others argue that young workers may not be more stressed than their older counterparts, and are instead accustomed to lighter levels of everyday anxiety. Individuals today may be more stress-conscious than in previous generations, but what really separates the two groups is their reactions to stress. Whereas older workers may view the difficult work as something that they must go along with, younger employees see it as too high of a demand to be reasonable.
Use Uncomfortable Situations to Expand Horizons
Workers who chose to attack the situation head-on and combat their stress may find that these experiences are just the thing to help a career. Pushing boundaries with respect to workload, jobs and other work-related situations can open up potential opportunities for advancement.
"Doing something that makes you uncomfortable may not come as second nature, but it isn't enough reason to keep yourself out of the fray," Barbara Moses wrote in the Globe and Mail. "I would like to see more people, especially those in their 20s, do something that makes them feel slightly ill at ease. People lose their edge when they are too absorbed with being comfortable. Self-satisfaction is not a recipe for success."
Students interested in finding a career in the oil industry can start by enrolling in programs like Oil and Gas Administrative Assistant or Office Administration at Reeves College. To find out more information, fill out the form on the right.