Want a less stressful job. Any ideas?

[NameChange30]

I realise I might be looking for something that doesn't exist... all interesting jobs are stressful at times, right?! But I've been working in communications and marketing for the last few years and my current job is very stressful all the time. For the sake of my own well being, I don't want to do it for ever. I've been thinking about a career change for a while; maybe starting my own business (which could be very rewarding but is likely to take more time and be more stressful, not less) or working freelance, as a translator for example (but I worry that might be a lonely job!)

I'm intelligent and capable but have recently been getting overwhelmed with everything on my "to do" list. I'd like something that allows me to be more creative and work with people. Preferably something I could do part time if/when I have children. Any ideas of where to start? Does anyone have a job they LOVE (or know someone who does) that they would recommend?!

It's really hard to get the work/life thing right.

I was in your position 3 years ago but have been able to change things completely and now have far less stress. Unfortunately, I doubt I'm happier, just more bored. I think we need some stress to get us out of bed in the morning, it's finding less damaging ways to deal with it that we really need ( but I have no idea how to achieve that)

I agree with Explored. I've stepped off the ladder to do something else but am going back to my previous work as I am bored.

Not sure what to suggest. I'm sure your current job would be fine if it wasn't so crackers. Seems like everyone is in the same boat.

Thanks both... do you mind sharing what your previous/current jobs are? I'd be interested to know what you switched from/to!

Maybe it's not about a career change, maybe it's changing my work schedule and habits to manage the workload and stress better. e.g. Getting better at saying no to things, taking a proper lunch break, and leaving on time for things like yoga! So hard though when there's far too much on.

:(

1. Do take a long hard look at your working habits. The hours you have to work, the hours you choose to work; the pressures you are under - what are they and where do they come from? What is easy to change that's within your control? What's not under your control - can you influence anybody to make changes to help you? Can you delegate anything? Are you a closet control freak? I can identify with a lot of your post and having taken a long hard look at myself, and listened to other people's perceptions of me, I have started making changes like you have: taking a lunch break, going for a walk at lunchtime; a Pilates class. Next I will try to cut back my hours.

1. You must have many portable skills: working to deadlines, being decisive, excellent communication skills, spelling / proofreading, creativity, report writing, minute taking, design skills, writing for different audiences, presentation skills, people skills, influencing / negotiating skills - whatever. I suspect your job is more pressured than mine - I'm in admin. May sound dull to some, but it's actually very varied, there are plenty of 'challenges' to keep me on my toes, I am constantly reviewing priorities, I have staff to manage as well [sceptical]. There's never a dull day.

But I think if you are the stressy type you'll find it whatever your job is ...

I think communications roles are intrinsically stressful because you are working to so many deadlines. And marketing is intrinsically stressful because it's about so much money.

(Can you tell I don't know very much about either?)

Are there parts of your job that are less stressful? Or do you think it might be partly the industry you work in? What about a sideways move e.g. to public sector communications (looks nightmarishly stressful to me but perhaps I have the wrong end of the stick)?

How realistic is starting your own business/freelancing? My dh found it more stressful as he had nobody to back him up if deadlines were missed etc (he's never missed a deadline in his life but that's because he's so terrified of doing it).