It’s common to hear from survivors looking to return to work after a cancer diagnosis the importance of finding less stressful work. Those of you feeling the same way may be wondering… But how can I tell how stressful a job may be solely based on the job description? Or the interview?
While job descriptions and interviews don’t provide a detailed picture of what awaits, they certainly provide glimpses of what the culture and work environment may look like. When looking for a new job, it can be helpful to be aware of red flags that may indicate a stressful work environment. A Glassdoor article, sheds light on some of these warning signs:
- Phrases like “must handle stress,” “fast-paced environment,” and “work under pressure”
- Conflating long hours with passion
- High turnover
- Bad leadership reviews on websites like Glassdoor
It’s important to remember that one negative aspect, whether that’s one bad interview or the use of one the phrases above, shouldn’t drive your decision-making process. But, as the article mentions, you shouldn’t ignore it either. While there are certainly no perfect work environments and it’s impossible to know exactly how things will be once you start the job, being aware of the nuances within the job-search process can help you ask specific questions during interviews to better understand the expectations and make informed choices.
For those looking for a new, less stressful job, our job search resources may be beneficial for you:
- Our Job Search Toolkit features advice on improving resumes, cover letters and Linkedln profiles; tips for interviewing and networking; guidance on exploring more meaningful and alternative career options and more!
- Our free Resume Review Service gives you access to a professional career coach who will provide feedback on your resume.
- The Looking for Work section on our website has articles, tools and resources on job-searching.
- Our Balancing Work & Cancer Webinar Series explores many topics related to work and cancer. Upcoming sessions include Marketing Yourself: Job Search and Beyond and Managing Long Term Stress.