Addressing Workplace Stress and Appreciation: Lessons From a Ph.D. Candidate
Do you feel appreciated as an employee at your workplace? It's a question that many of us ponder, especially when faced with challenging situations and intense workloads. In this article, I will share my experience as a Ph.D. candidate and how I navigated through a period of high-pressure work, leading to a deeper understanding of workplace dynamics and the importance of expressing appreciation.
Previously, I had a lingering feeling of unappreciation at my workplace. My boss did not seem to respect or value my contributions, and I often felt like I was carrying the weight of the team. My job was to manage a difficult classroom, and even when I left for a few days, the task became even more challenging for the other teacher. However, it was not just my boss who missed the mark – the new crop of young teachers on staff took over initiatives that had been in development for years.
Health Scare and Realizations
A health scare widened the chasm between my expectations and reality. While working on a code for a project, I suddenly felt unwell. My heart rate soared above 130 beats per minute, and I felt a bit light-headed. Recognizing the potential seriousness of these symptoms, I promptly sought medical attention. After a series of tests, my cardiologist reassured me that there was nothing physically wrong. Instead, the tests highlighted the severe level of stress hormones and a reassuringly diagnosed panic attack.
While stress had always been a part of my life, including my rigorous combat sports and racing hobbies, the last few months had piled on an additional layer of pressure. The culmination of these factors led to a significant realization: I had been pushed too far in a high-stakes environment, both professionally and personally. My cardiologist emphasized the need to manage stress levels and set boundaries around my workload.
Support and Change
After sharing my concerns with my academic advisor and principal investigators (PIs), I was pleasantly surprised by the support and understanding. Instead of a backlash, I received a wave of encouragement and practical advice. Streamlining my research projects and sharing responsibilities led to a new equilibrium. I noticed a notable shift in both productivity and the quality of my work. Instead of the usual 60–70-hour workweeks, my new routine allowed me to maintain a more manageable schedule, even while consulting for startups.
This period of introspection taught me valuable lessons about workplace dynamics. Initially, I believed that my contributions were undervalued, but the experience highlighted that my contributions were indeed important. More often than not, when a task is perceived as critical, more responsibilities are assigned to ensure its completion. This realization underscored the importance of recognizing and valuing contributions, both from others and oneself.
Conclusion
Do I feel appreciated now? Absolutely. The experience of feeling underappreciated has made me more aware of the importance of expressing appreciation for the contributions of others in the workplace. As I move forward, I am committed to not only presenting my own value more clearly but also to acknowledging and praising the efforts of those around me.
By fostering a culture of appreciation, we can create healthier, more productive work environments where everyone feels valued and supported.