Reams of books and magazines are published with well-intentioned advice helping to define the acceptable point of compromise between career and quality of life. The constant pressure may result in neither demand being met very well. The resulting sense of exhaustion and failure contribute to low self-esteem and decreased job performance and personal satisfaction. It is important to be able to recognize our personal and professional limits from a realistic point of view. Coping with change due to the rapid advance of technology and the continued globalization of many organizations is another component of stress.
Many people find it difficult to keep up with the pace and demand for new skills.
Given the explosion of technology and software, new skills are in demand. Often, change is involuntarily forced on us with little warning or preparation, resulting in high levels of insecurity, frustration, anger and resistance. Jobs can be redefined or eliminated in relatively short periods of time by advancements in electronic processes. For example, if John from the warehouse is unable to use a barcode scanner that replaced his system of manually filling out inventory count tickets, he may not be able to keep his present position. If his training issues are not quickly resolved, he may no longer be able to make the adjustments necessary to survive in the workplace.