IT Careers Are Stressful but Satisfying

By Dennis McCafferty | Posted 2014-06-12

TEKsystems' "IT Stress & Pride Survey" presents a classic good news/bad news picture when it comes to technology professionals and stress. First the bad news: A significant number of IT workers surveyed said their current stress level is higher than ever. The good news: These professionals take great pride in their work, and—even if they could start all over again—they'd still opt for a career in technology. "While the majority of IT professionals are proud they chose a career in IT, [there is] the potential of a trend toward dissatisfaction or disengagement that organizations need to monitor," says Jason Hayman, market research manager for TEKsystems. "The shift so far is slight. But if it continues, and organizations do not prepare for and adjust their talent management and workforce strategies accordingly, they could face even greater turnover—possibly causing even more stress and increased workloads for those employees that stick around." TEKsystems provides IT staffing solutions, talent management expertise and services. Nearly 225 technology professionals took part in the research.

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High Anxiety

31% of IT professionals surveyed said the work they're currently doing is the most stressful of their career.
Stressful Aspects of Being an IT Pro

Keeping up with requests/workload: 31%, Keeping up with technology: 28%, Impact on work-life balance: 23%
Total Access

36% said they're expected to be available 24/7 during a work week, and 23% are expected to provide the same availability while on vacation.
Exploring Options

74% of these professionals said that a stressful experience at work has motivated them to seek employment elsewhere.
Fair Trade-Off

58% have at least considered taking a new job that would pay less in order to escape their current stress level.
Thumbs Up

40% of these IT pros said their current work is the most satisfying of their career.
Professional Pride

60% said they're proud they chose IT as a career and are also proud of their current role, assignments and responsibilities.
Groundhog Day

77% of these professionals said that even if they could start over, they'd still choose IT as a career.
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