The Stress-to-Income Ratio: Finding Balance in Your Career

Is there a link between your workplace stress and income level? According to a recent survey conducted by LinkedIn, more income leads to more stress. In their survey, 68% of people making over $200k reported feeling stressed, while only 34% of people making between $51k and $75k reported job stress. And 52% of all men and women surveyed reported feeling stressed in their role at work, meaning there was no difference between the amount of stress felt by gender.?

Whether a new promotion is in the cards for you, or the stress you feel daily from your job is starting to get to you, these 3 questions can help you navigate the next steps in your career to find a balance while keeping the stress-to-income ratio in mind.?

Does this job/position align with my overall career goals??

Maybe you are being offered a promotion with a pay raise. Before you say yes, ask yourself if this position is a step in the right direction for where you want your career to go. If so, it might make sense to take the promotion or a new job. But be aware that taking on more responsibilities could lead to more job-related stress.?

Moving up the job ladder is exciting, especially when you have worked hard to earn it. But if you consistently feel overwhelmed and stressed in your current position, think about it carefully before accepting a new level of responsibility. The additional responsibilities and expectations that you will face moving forward could be really straining if you already feel maxed out at work.?

If you are happy with your current position and it is in line with your greater goals, there may be no reason to accept a promotion.?

If money is a big factor in your decision to take on another role, it’s time to ask yourself the next question…

How much do I need to make to live comfortably??

Take a look at your financials to understand the minimum amount you need to make to cover expenses. Financial stress is just as real as work-related stress. According to a survey by DebtBusters, 73% of women reported feeling stressed about finances versus 65% of men. This is very personalized and depends on a lot of factors, and there is no wrong answer. But if you can, avoid sacrificing your well-being and happiness for a bigger paycheck.

Of course, high-paying jobs don’t always mean an increase in your stress level. But in order to prevent stress, there is a lot more to consider than just the pay. This leads to the final important question to ask yourself.?

How can I effectively manage my stress at work??

Moments of stress at work are inevitable. Therefore, it is vital that you have your own process for keeping yourself from burning out and experiencing chronic stress. But it’s important to remember that a one-time event does not “treat” chronic stress. Find little actions that you can take daily, fitting them into your busy schedule when necessary, to help reduce your stress in the moment. One thing I definitely recommend you do to maintain your well-being is to set boundaries. Boundaries provide physical and emotional limits, helping us recharge when it’s time to rest, and stay focused when it’s time to work. I know that is easier said than done, so check out this article for help if you are struggling with boundaries.

Another important factor in managing stress at work is the company’s working environment. Not all organizations are created equal. A toxic workplace that consists of gaslighting, lack of communication, and bullying will further contribute to your stress levels. That type of environment is also unlikely to change, so for the sake of your own well-being, move on from that company. Instead, look for organizations that make mental health a priority and openly talk about the programs and support they offer. This article can give you examples of how businesses can better support you: How Businesses Can Better Support their Female Employees' Mental Well-being.

Stress is undeniably a prevalent issue in today’s workplace. And ignoring chronic stress can lead to serious consequences- such as decreases in productivity, increases in turnover, and declines in mental wellness. While higher-paying jobs are associated with higher reported job stress, there are exceptions to this. Before accepting a higher-paying position, look for a combination of a healthy workplace and strong stress management skills to make it healthier for you to be in that role.?

What else should someone consider when evaluating their stress-to-income ratio? Drop a note - I might write another article on this! Job-related stress is real and I’d love to help others find healthy ways to manage it while thriving in their career.?

Thanks for reading this article! I'm Velera Wilson, a global speaker, author, and consultant on a mission to help women own their worth and increase workplace confidence so they advance their careers and thrive as leaders. Submit speaking inquiries, get a copy of my book, You're Absolutely Worth It, Women’s Workplace Confidence report, or connect with me on Twitter.