Working Well Under Pressure: A Relic of the Past?
The Pressure to Perform
Early in my career, when looking to change jobs (mostly to climb the salary ladder), I kept coming across the same phrase in job adverts and interviews:
“Must work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.”
At the time, I didn’t think much of it. It was just part of the deal—if you wanted a better-paying job, you had to prove you could handle the pressure, take on the heavy workload, and push yourself beyond the limit. Employers made it clear: they needed someone who could perform under relentless demands, often meaning late nights, stress-filled weeks, and an unspoken expectation of doing more than what you were paid for.
Where Has It Gone?
Fast forward to today, and that phrase seems to have faded into the background. I rarely see it in job descriptions anymore. Has something changed? Could this be a reflection of the mental health movement, the push for fairer pay, and the growing emphasis on employee well-being?
The workplace culture has definitely shifted. Employers are now under more scrutiny when it comes to looking after their staff. With increased awareness around burnout, stress-related illnesses, and work-life balance, companies can no longer openly advertise a role by saying, “You’ll be overworked and pushed to your limit”. The “hustle culture” mentality still exists, but it’s not as openly accepted as it once was.
The Reality of “Handling Pressure”
Back then, we agreed to anything in interviews because we needed the job. We wanted the pay rise, the career growth, the opportunity to prove ourselves. But what followed?
- Unhappiness in the role—Realizing that “pressure” often meant excessive workloads and little appreciation.
- Diminished enthusiasm—Feeling exhausted by unrealistic demands, leaving you disengaged.
- The endless cycle—Leaving the job, only to repeat the process somewhere else.
Many of us accepted this as just part of the job, but in hindsight, was it really worth it?
A Shift in Priorities
The professional world is slowly learning that working well under pressure doesn’t mean pushing people beyond their limits. Companies are starting to realize that happy employees are productive employees. Mental health awareness, workplace fairness, and a stronger voice for employees have played a big role in this shift.
Does that mean the pressure is gone completely? Not at all. But now, there’s a stronger sense of balance—at least in most workplaces. More people are standing up for fair expectations, questioning unpaid overtime, and prioritizing their well-being.
Looking back, I wish I had questioned those job descriptions more. If “working well under pressure” just meant being underpaid and overworked, was it really worth saying yes?
“I have done it! What a feeling, I have achieved something today, this week, this year. I have blogged today.”
Thanks for stopping by – Have a good day!
The Depressed Accountant™