- #1
random_soldier
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I'm in nuclear engineering and things seem fairly laid back. Everyone comes of as a bit of a party animal and faculty don't seem to be in any particular rush to get things done.
Is Nuclear Engineering a Stress-Free Field?
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In summary, the primary stressor is the network being down, but it's manageable because I'm not in the on-call rotation and I can usually solve their little problems.
- #2
jbriggs444
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Speaking from where I sit, the stress is pretty managable (network engineer, late in career, pretty well burned out).
The primary stressor is:
Network is down. I'm the only guy who knows enough to get it back up. It's late friday, I'm not sure what's going on yet and the phone is ringing with folks asking for status updates, suggesting quick fixes or asking that I disprove theories that I'd already discarded half an hour ago.
The stress is manageable because 1. I'm not in the on-call rotation any more. 2. I can almost always solve their little problems. 3. Tricky problems with well-defined symptoms are a blast to solve. 4. I am well respected in my little community.
The primary stressor is:
Network is down. I'm the only guy who knows enough to get it back up. It's late friday, I'm not sure what's going on yet and the phone is ringing with folks asking for status updates, suggesting quick fixes or asking that I disprove theories that I'd already discarded half an hour ago.
The stress is manageable because 1. I'm not in the on-call rotation any more. 2. I can almost always solve their little problems. 3. Tricky problems with well-defined symptoms are a blast to solve. 4. I am well respected in my little community.
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berkeman
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random_soldier said:
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Klystron
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Job stress like beauty 'lies in the eye of the beholder'.
I was approached by a senior NASA manager after a particularly grueling series of wind tunnel tests. "How do you war veterans stay so calm during operations? Working with models must be much less stressful compared to real aircraft?" I agreed but actually had not experienced much stress, confident in our well tested code and team members. I enjoyed the challenges of capturing data in narrow windows.
Later in my career designing data centers I found that anticipating problems left me quite calm during stressful real-time operations such as switching clients to a new data center. Again, strong experienced crew members and adherence to standards increase peace-of-mind.
I was approached by a senior NASA manager after a particularly grueling series of wind tunnel tests. "How do you war veterans stay so calm during operations? Working with models must be much less stressful compared to real aircraft?" I agreed but actually had not experienced much stress, confident in our well tested code and team members. I enjoyed the challenges of capturing data in narrow windows.
Later in my career designing data centers I found that anticipating problems left me quite calm during stressful real-time operations such as switching clients to a new data center. Again, strong experienced crew members and adherence to standards increase peace-of-mind.
- #5
random_soldier
- 80
- 10
Klystron said:
True. Though perhaps workload would have been a better term? Again, in my field, it seems like workload is limited, so people can afford to party or whatever.
Klystron said:
Agreed.
- #6
Mondayman
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Unemployed student life, with rent and food paid for through savings, line of credit, etc., is probably the most carefree, low stress life one could ask for. I'll never have so much time on my hand and so few bill's as now, so I'm trying to fill my time by volunteering with the RCMP and learning a second language.
1. How does the level of stress in your field compare to other fields?
The level of stress in each field can vary greatly depending on many factors, such as job responsibilities, work environment, and individual coping mechanisms. However, studies have shown that the scientific research field tends to be more stressful due to factors such as tight deadlines, high pressure to produce results, and competition for funding and recognition.
2. What are the main sources of stress in the scientific research field?
Some common sources of stress in the scientific research field include tight deadlines, long working hours, high pressure to produce results, difficulty obtaining funding, and competition for publications and grants. Additionally, the ever-changing nature of scientific research and the need to constantly adapt and learn new techniques can also contribute to stress.
3. How do scientists cope with the stress in their field?
There are various coping mechanisms that scientists may use to manage stress in their field. Some may find it helpful to prioritize tasks and break them down into smaller, more manageable goals. Others may find stress relief through exercise, meditation, or talking to colleagues or mentors. It is important for scientists to find healthy and effective ways to cope with stress in order to maintain their mental and physical well-being.
4. Are there any steps being taken to reduce stress in the scientific research field?
Yes, there have been efforts to address and reduce stress in the scientific research field. Some institutions have implemented programs and resources for mental health support, stress management workshops, and flexible work policies. Additionally, there have been discussions and initiatives to promote a more collaborative and supportive research environment, rather than a competitive one.
5. Is the level of stress in the scientific research field impacting the quality of research?
There is ongoing debate about whether the high levels of stress in the scientific research field are impacting the quality of research. While some argue that stress can lead to increased productivity and drive, others argue that it can lead to burnout and mistakes. It is important for scientists to find a balance and manage their stress levels to maintain the quality and integrity of their research.
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