The most stressful entry level jobs

Entry-level jobs can be a great way to gain experience, but they can also be incredibly stressful. Many of these jobs require a lot of responsibility, yet provide less experience and fewer resources to help you succeed. From long work hours in a retail job to meeting tight deadlines in a marketing job, there are a few entry-level jobs that lead the pack when it comes to stress. Whether you’re a recent graduate or just looking to change careers, understanding the most stressful entry-level jobs can help you make an informed decision about your next job.

What are entry-level jobs?

Entry level jobs are those that are appropriate for recent graduates or people with limited experience. They are often generalist in nature and provide a wide-range of skills that employees can use in many different fields. Entry level jobs are often entry-level wages and have high turnover rates, making them a great option for people who are looking for a short-term job to help them gain experience before moving on to a new position. Some examples of entry level jobs include administrative assistant, data analyst, sales associate, and engineering technician. Entry level jobs often do not require a college degree, but they do require some experience or training.

Common stressors of entry level jobs

Long hours - Entry level jobs often require long hours, especially those in retail and other fields with set schedules. When you’re new to a job, you may feel compelled to impress your boss by working extra hours. Hours can become even longer if you’re trying to learn the ropes while your co-workers are off on vacation.

Tight deadlines - While some entry level jobs do not have strict deadlines, others are notorious for having their employees work against the clock. Marketing and advertising jobs, for example, often have a set launch date for a product that must be promoted in an aggressive way.

Low pay - Many entry level jobs pay low wages, especially when compared to the high stress levels of the job. Some entry level jobs pay so little that employees are forced to take on a second job just to make ends meet. Other entry level jobs pay below average wages for the industry, which can cause financial stress for employees.

Unclear expectations - Certain entry level jobs come with a lot of responsibility and few expectations for the employee’s future career. These jobs require a lot of on-the-job training, with an unclear path for advancement or the opportunity for advancement.

Types of entry-level jobs with high-stress levels

Marketing and Advertising - Marketing and advertising jobs are notorious for their high-stress levels. Many of these positions require employees to create a campaign that meets a strict deadline while generating buzz and sales.

PR, social media, and customer service - Customer service jobs often have high-stress levels. These jobs require employees to handle difficult situations while meeting strict timelines.

Sales - Entry-level sales jobs are often high-stress, requiring employees to meet aggressive sales goals.

Management - While management is often a great entry-level job, it requires a lot of responsibility and long hours.

Journalism - Entry-level journalism jobs often require deadlines to meet, and they can be very competitive.

Teaching - Teaching is a high-stress entry-level job, especially when you’re an early-career teacher who has little experience.

The most stressful entry-level jobs

The most stressful entry-level jobs vary across industries and job types, but there are a few that stand out. PR, social media, and customer service are known for their high stress levels, but teaching and journalism are also high on the list.

Teaching - While teaching is a rewarding career, many teachers find the profession stressful. These pressures come from standardized testing and students from all walks of life who may speak English as a second language. Teachers also often work with less-experienced colleagues — sometimes, even a faculty member with less than five years of experience.

Journalism - Journalism is a high-stress profession, with deadlines to meet and pressure to break news stories. With the rise of fake news, journalists are also under more scrutiny than ever before. Journalism is a competitive field, and the path to success is often unclear. Entry-level journalists often have little idea of what the future holds.

PR - PR is an incredibly competitive field that requires employees to juggle multiple projects at once while meeting strict deadlines. PR professionals often work long hours, and they may also be expected to work on weekends or holidays.

The effects of stress on entry-level job performance

While entry-level jobs often come with higher stress levels, research suggests that the negative impact of stress on performance is not inevitable. Instead, how a person responds to stress is what truly matters. If you find yourself in an entry-level job with high-stress levels, there are a few strategies you can use to manage your performance and avoid the negative effects of stress.

• Take care of yourself - Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity when dealing with high-stress levels. This could include getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet so that you have the energy to tackle your stressful job. Exercise can be a great way to relieve stress and boost your energy and focus.
• Set clear boundaries - While you may be eager to impress your boss and gain a reputation as a go-getter, it’s important to set clear boundaries between work and home life. Stay focused on work while you’re at work, and stay focused on your personal life during your off time.
• Ask for help - Not everything can be solved with the right amount of sleep and a few hours of exercise. In some cases, it’s important to ask for help. Let your boss know when you’re feeling stressed, and ask for a break when you’ve reached your limit.

Strategies to manage stress in entry-level jobs

Journaling - Journaling can be a great way to let off some steam and get clarity on your feelings. Journaling can help you process your feelings and work through the challenges you face in your current job.

Meditation - Meditation can help you approach difficult challenges, like your stressful job, with a clear and calm mind. Meditation can also help you sleep better, which can be helpful for those who are overworked or stressed out.

Connecting with others - Being around supportive and helpful people can be incredibly helpful when dealing with stress. Find a group of like-minded colleagues to talk to about your struggles, or join a professional organization to meet other people in your field.

Benefits of having a stressful entry-level job

There are a few benefits to having a stressful entry level job. First, you’ll probably learn a lot about your field. Working in a high-pressure job can provide you with a valuable education about what it’s like to work in your industry. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to take on a leadership role if other employees are burnt out or overworked. If you experience a high level of stress in your job, it can be a good indicator that you’re in a job that is a good fit for you. While no job should be chronically stressful, a little bit of stress can be a sign that you’re in the right field and on the right track for success.

How to choose the right entry-level job for you

When choosing an entry-level job, it’s important to consider factors such as the work environment, the work itself, and your co-workers. If you want to avoid a stressful job, you may need to consider a few different fields or job types. Before you commit to a job, consider how you’ll feel about the work, how your co-workers will affect you, and the atmosphere at work. Keep in mind that a job may be stressful in the short term, but it may relax as you become more comfortable in your role. If you find yourself in a high-stress entry-level job, remember that stress will not last forever.

Preparing for a stressful entry-level job

If you know that you’re walking into a high-pressure job, there are a few things you can do to prepare. First, find a support system. Having a group of people you can rely on in times of need can be incredibly helpful when you’re inundated with stress. This support system can help you manage your work life while still maintaining your personal life.