Stressful Jobs + Crohns

[redstar3313]

I recently graduated university, got sick in the fall after graduation but I'm more or less ready to start working. I'm currently trying to break into a finance career (Sales and Trading), the problem is this career path is quite stressful and I'm not completely certain how it will affect me. The job usually involves long hours and a fair amount of eating/going out. Stress usually makes my symptoms worse.

This is definitely what I want to be doing as a career and I don't see myself settling for something else.

Of course, most jobs are stressful, but does anyone still manage to hold down a job in a high stress career while having crohns and making it work somehow?

Thanks for reading

 

[Entchen]

Hi: Yes, many of us do! If it's what you want to do, then I think you might risk being more unhappy if you are not doing the job. There is positive stress ("eustress") and negative stress ("distress"), and if you are enjoying what you are doing then likely you will be experiencing positive stress. Sure, it all adds up, but wouldn't it be more stressful to be in a career path that you feel is not right for you?

 

[MisB]

I completely agree with Kelly . Remember to take your breaks and don't eat lunch at your desk. You need those breathers to maintain your sanity and practice calming techniques. I notice you mentioned eating out. I have found that even fast food offers grilled chicken and most places will accommadate special orders. You would be surprised what you can find on menus if you break down the contents. One thing I did discover is if you are at a higher-end restaurant, ask that your food be prepared plain. Some of the herb, spices, and seasonings they sneak into their special sauces can cause problems. Another trick I learned is if you are on the road in-between meetings, stop in a grocery store, grab a yogurt and run by the deli for a spoon. You just have to learn to be a little creative. I wish you the best and keep us posted.

 

[gibby]

yup, i am in a pretty stressful job, work as nurse in intensive care so there is always something going on. generally i am alright, have learned to adapt my thinking to alot of different situations so it doesnt upset me as much, and i agree with misB and Kelly that you need to take breaks when you can and get out of the office, get some you time to reacclimatise yourself. eat well, and its ok to be fussy with your food, alot of your clients and colleagues will be too but for other reasons, so dont think that your different because you are ordering a different sauce, you just dont like the sauce that it comes with! you dont need to explain unless you want to. i have been working in my current unit for nearly 6 years, and really its only been in the last 2 years i have told people about my IBD and really the last 6 months i took my first sick time off work. you can always work round things and nothing is a closed door, you just need to find a different way to open it tis all
good luck!

 

[Crohn's 35]

Welcome Redstar!!! There seems to be alot of Canadians coming on board and not surprising as Crohns is the prevalent in Canada, with the highest incidence.

Stress is very hard on a Crohnie, it isn't what causes Crohns but it sure can aggrivate the gut. Some people can do your type of job,but it depends on how severe your Crohns is.

Congrats on your recent graduation.. you are still young and if need be to redirect your chosen career, now is the time to rethink it.

What kind of meds are you on? Do you have a good GI? Welcome aboard! Lots of support here!

 

[belle1999]

I think you just have to know how much you can handle. If you feel like you are getting overwhelmed, you just have to talk to your superiors about it. I was offered a promotion this year as well as some extra assignments. I had to just tell my boss what exactly I felt I can handle at this point.

 

[semicolon306]

I work in the medical field as a director of operations. I can say that honestly I enjoy the stress, I feed off of it. I find that if I have a lot going on my mind it takes my mind off me and puts it on other things.

I know some people might that this is crazy, but works for me and my life style.

 

[Lisa]

I too have worked in the medical fireld - became and Emergency Medical Technician back in 1991-ish.....joined my first fire department in 1990.....became a police dispatcher for a BUSY department (60k calls/year plus!)......then transferred over to Fire/EMS dispatch.......I currently work for what is basically the State Fire Marshals' Office - I am detailed at the NYS Capitol Fire Safety Detail - talk about stress! ...

I do find that at higher stress times, it can effect what is going on in my gut - but I've learned to deal with most of it, and take time when I need it (like today) - BEFORE it gets to the point of going out of control.......