27-05-2025
Carolyn Hax: Is the ‘meaningful' job worth the physical and mental consequences?
Adapted from an online discussion.
Hey, Carolyn: I'm in a stressful job I find meaningful. It's also a big part of my identity — think ER doctor, public defender, etc. There's a lot of community, which I really value.
But the stress takes a huge toll on my body and mental health, and my partner is pushing me to quit because of it. How do you know when the cost of something is too high, or when you're staying for reasons that aren't that logical? I worry about who I will be to myself if I leave this work.
