Focus

Don't let the stress and work pressures get to you, say veterans

By Wang Wen (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-06-11 07:57

Regular exercises turn out to be a good method to alleviate pressure and anxiety. CHEN XIAOGEN / FOR CHINA DAILY

While many new employees complain about the pressure at work and the amount of stress they are under, veteran office workers are urging them to keep a positive attitude and try to see beyond short-term hardships.

And, instead of complaining to friends or colleagues or bottling up the frustration, older office workers are calling on their younger peers to realize that no job is perfect and that each one will have its trade-offs.

"Young employees seem to complain about being under pressure but there is no point in that. There will be no response from employers after the complaints," said Shirley Wang, 39, a white-collar worker who has been with foreign enterprises for almost two decades.

Wang said bosses at the foreign companies are also putting in long hours and working to tight deadlines.

"Bosses need to see results," she said. "They don't care how much pain you are going through so stop complaining about the pressure."

Wang said she had been determined to work for a foreign firm when she graduated from the missile control department at a technological institute in Shaanxi province. The Shanghai native then worked her way up from a foreign-invested hotel in provincial capital, Xi'an, before moving to Beijing to fulfill her career goal two years later.

The veteran said she has experienced all the things younger workers complain about during her career. But she said the effort was worth it because she is happy now in her work.

Today, Wang is the chief membership consultant at the Beijing Hong Kong Jockey Club in the capital.

"Each work experience offers a learning opportunity for young people," she said. "They should not let upsets in their jobs along the way sidetrack them from their dream."

Vivien Xie, a partner in the Chinese office of a leading international human resources consulting firm, also called on young employees to stay grounded during times of global financial difficulties for foreign-invested enterprises.

"If you run into any uneasiness in your work at a company, stay open to advice and communicate with others, including your bosses," she said.

Xie, who started working eight years ago for the company as an associate consultant at the most basic level, also suggested young employees be cautious about expressing negative feelings at work.

"Losing direction at work will affect every aspect of your job. You need to focus on the good things about your job and try not to be too concerned about money and job titles."

Xie said young people are inclined to ignore their knowledge gaps and look for excuses for their failings instead of taking advice and fixing them.

"At least, young office workers need to show some commitment in their jobs. They need to take some challenges to test themselves to get over their learning curve or they will learn nothing in the end," she added.

The women agreed that the domestic job market is an open one and said people are likely to change jobs very often, but they said it is crucial to find a direction for your career.

"Stability is an important part of a career," said Xie. "You need to realize that a good platform with a well-known brand and a solid training system will help you overcome your negative feelings. If you work hard, you will make your own luck in the end."