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With Mayo Clinic oncologist Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

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July 25, 2008

Midcareer change made to combat stress

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By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

I met a colleague who was in midcareer and on top of his game. A respected consultant; a beloved advisor; and acknowledged author. He easily commanded a six-figure income.

But, he was professionally miserable despite the trappings of "success" and as a consequence, developed multiple stress-related illnesses: high blood pressure, weight gain, and an obscure skin disorder undoubtedly due to tension.

He decided, with the support of his family, to embark upon a midcareer transition to go into a completely different discipline. What were the consequences of this decision?

Going from a six-figure income to far less compensation.
His "office" was now a cubicle under a stairwell rather than the posh office of his former profession.
He now had to report to colleagues less than half his age who were clueless about his former stature.
His decision to shift into another career was completely voluntary and that in itself was highly stressful.

I asked him how he was dealing with these transitions and he said, "For the next three years, I will just Zen-it." So, I asked him what he meant by that term and here is what I heard.

He explained that he was in a meditative state of surrender. By that he meant relinquishing control over many of the events in his life. If he did not accept and embrace some of these hardships, he would never survive this change. He made it clear that he was not in a state of resignation which by definition is an acceptance of despair or admitting defeat. So, what is the take home message for us?

For me, I heard the following:

When we are faced with situations over which we have no control, the concept of embracing the moment, staying with the feeling, and not complaining about our fate is profoundly useful.
If we struggle and demand firm answers and a clear vision of the future, this is in my humble view a proven recipe for a meltdown.
The notion of introspection, prayer, and meditation for our colleague and for many of us is powerfully resourceful.

So, let me hear your perceptions of this colleague who provided for me a very unique dimension on dealing with change.

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12 comments posted

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August 11, 2008 5:59 p.m.

After working in a "caring profession" all my working life (now early 50's) I finally gave my notice in. After change of management it became impossible to keep up with my work because of doing the work on the vacant posts.I had become quite ill with irritable bowel and finally started to be anxious and panicky for no reason, I don't suppose the "change of life" helped but I would say it was more the being unable to keep on top of my own work. I didn't have another job to go to because I felt I needed a short break. However, I am surprised to find I have immediately become depressed and tearful since leaving, life seems very bleak and empty, just when I thought I would enjoy doing all those things I never had time for before!

- Julia

July 30, 2008 5:55 p.m.

At 58 years of age, I graduated from college with an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Paralegal Studies. I had never been to college and I pursued my degree while working full-time. I managed to graduate with honors and a cumulative grade point average of 3.88. I did not attend college with the goal of leaving my job. However, after a new manager took over our department, I found myself under incredible stress and my health was being affected. After more than 16 years on the job and receiving consistent performance ratings of meets or exceeds performance expectations, I elected to leave - before she had a chance to build a file and fire me. I am now working in the legal field doing work that I find interesting and challenging. However, I am making less than 1/2 of my former salary. As a single woman, this is not easy for me. However, I am determined to be as successful as I can possibly be and learn as much as I possibly can. I am absolutely certain that I was on my way to a heart attack or worse and despite the fact that it is financially difficult for me, I take a great deal of pride in what I have been able to accomplish fairly late in my career.

- Sandy

July 30, 2008 12:11 p.m.

I know exactly what this fellow did, because I did it, too, at the age of 55. I was working in an IT environment, where I made good money, but I didn't really identify with my co-workers. I went back to school and graduated the same spring that two of my friends were retiring. I wondered at the time if I was crazy or had gone senile. However, I can report that nothing beats fulfillment! Nothing! My nature is to interact with people rather than machines, and that closeness was what I missed in my job. Now I work in a non-profit environment, and look forward to coming to work every day. What a huge difference just that feeling alone can make. Yes, I make less money, and yes, sometimes that is a problem. But the truth is, after you've made the absolute essentials to keep a roof over your head and food in the fridge, it's only money. It's not stress if I don't let it be. True stress is hating what you do for 40 of your waking hours every week, and dreading Monday morning, and Tuesday, and Wednesday, etc. How many lives has that type of stress taken over time, while people dream they were doing what they really love?

- Karla

July 30, 2008 11:39 a.m.

I admire the courage and resolve of this colleague to have taken the actions that he did. The successful salary alone is enough to keep people in misery in their careers despite the physical ailments associated with from the stress. The supportive family, I'm sure, was significant factor. Without that support he may have not taken that step. Being miserable in a job/career not only affects you physically, but also mentally and socially (relationships). More people should evaluate their situation and decide what is more important in their lives. I know I have made similar decisions based on how a job was affecting me and other areas of my life.

- nora

July 30, 2008 10:16 a.m.

I was in a similar situation - suffering from burnout from a carreer I had gone back to school to achieve and the added stress of 2 family illnesses. I atempted to press on and wound up paralyzed by anxiety for several months while still being a caregiver. I returned to work in more juniour capacity and had to remind myself daily that it was my choice to do so. Certainly introspection, meditation and accepting that I cannot control everything has served me well. I had a few sessions with a life coach. I had to learn that what I do is not as important as who I am. Unforunately the bigger world still has not caught up with this philosophy, so we still have to deal daily with judgements from others and remember that in the big scheme of things those judgements mean nothing.

- Mary Angela

July 30, 2008 9:51 a.m.

I attempted to just "press on" through a convergence of several huge stressors : losses through death of both my parents with loss of close friend (died) and long time neighbour (died), loss of job due to "poor fit" over an ethical / legal dispute, and poor health (as yet unrecognized sleep disorder. And believe it or not there is more - all occuring over about 14 months. The loss of job was the last straw I'd been cling to. The emotional stress was massive. I was passionate about my work and took pride in it. About a year later I started a part time job as a store clerk - a Mom and Pop operation where these people treated me with respect and acknowledged my contributions. Being treated as a human being by people I respected gave me back my confidence in people again. I had had multiple blows to my identity and underlying beliefs about my personal strengths and values. Meanwhile,a family member recognized my sleep apnea. - I went onto a wait list then was formally tested, diagnosed and started on treatment. Now another year later I think I have found another employer - in my profession - whom I can respect. So now - with better health and a renewed trust in people - I will try again.

- Ash

July 30, 2008 8:15 a.m.

I am a fifty five year old African American female working toward a doctorate in psychology. My favorite job so far was working in a church kindergarden.(smile) I am moving forward and I call on a higher power and meditation several times a day. What I will face in the future will be over qualification, as well as discrimination. I have compassion burnout on top of all. I press forward and I deeply understand his decsion. I deeply understand and I admire him.

- Judy

July 29, 2008 3:50 p.m.

This sounds like what once was called "Burn Out." Educators take a sabbatical. Doctors go golfing. Businessmen go fishing. Others may try a new line of work they find more relaxing. "Money can't buy happiness."

- Roberta S.

July 28, 2008 2:49 p.m.

I am stressed because I cannot find the proper medical treatment for a vocal issue. I have had chronic laryngitis for 7 months with no successful diagnosis or treatment. I need help as my profession require that I have my speech and no physician seems to care about this. Why has the medical community changed so much? Today I am really sad and stressed about this.

- Mil

July 28, 2008 10:42 a.m.

I think your friend made a wise choice for him, however, others may choose to stay in their work and shift the way they relate to it.This can make a huge difference. In this day and age where there is more and more to pay attention to and it seems like responsibilities are mounting, bringing the practice of mindfulness and attention management into their work and home life can change the reactive stress cycle between the mind and body that often exponentially escalates a stress reaction. This often turns into more of a state of being with high stress jobs. I have recently written about this in my own blog, feel free to check it out. http://mindful-healing.aliveworld.com/ . Just click on member blogs once you arrive, it should be at the top.

- Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D.