The recent volatility in the stock markets is cranking up the stress level for those in the financial market. Investment bankers, traders, financial analysts alike are affected.

A global stress survey published in March by hereisthecity.com, a website for financial market professionals, showed that nearly two-thirds of over 3,000 respondents felt more stressed than they did six months ago.

In Growing Stress Takes Toll On Financial Workers, Michael Taylor quoted a psychologist in London, Michael Sinclair as saying, “A lot of underlying insecurities come to the surface, around self-esteem and self-worth, and - yes - there has been an increase in suicides.”

I believe this is the core of the issue. When the investment bankers and traders dedicate so much of their time to work, there is a tendency to identify themselves with their jobs. This means success at work equals success in life. So when their jobs and their standard of living are at stake, their self-esteem and self-worth are impacted. If they lose their jobs, they could lose their identity and become a failure in their own eyes.

It is important not to lose sight of the fact that your job is not all of who you are. You should not define yourself by an impermanent job or a fleeting compensation package in this cyclical and volatile financial industry. You are much more than that. That’s why it is important not to be consumed by your work and become disconnected with the bigger picture of who you are.

It’s only with hindsight that I understand that getting laid off was one of the best things that ever happened in my life. I invite you to read my 3 Life Lessons I Learned From My Layoff Experience: Acceptance, Appreciation and Adventure.

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