8 Proven Ways to Manage Stress as a Software Testing Professional

Within the context of this article, we will explore 8 reliable strategies that software testing professionals can utilize to handle stress successfully. It’s time to begin, so let’s get started right away.

We live in an era where we have become slaves to the clock. Hence, it’s not that easy to stay away from problems.

While making a coffee for yourself in the morning, we are mentally creating a timetable for the day. We then run around the whole day to achieve those tasks.

Stress has become an inevitable part of everyone’s life. Nowadays, everyone is stressed because of one reason or another. Instead of attempting any extravagant methods to alleviate stress, take a moment to reflect on why our grandparents didn’t seem to have this issue. Then you may get the answers to most of your questions.

Stress Management as a QA Professional

Being a software testing professional, we learn how to manage stress because the role itself needs patience, communication tactics, and investigation abilities. But sometimes when stress at the workplace

In this article, I have tried to pen down some of the most common stress factors for testing professionals, along with a few proven remedies as well.

Common Reasons For Stress in Tester’s Life

#1) Stress Factor: Time Pressure

As we all know, unfortunately, in many cases, software testing is ranked last for prioritizing tasks in the software development life cycle. In most cases (although there may be exceptions), the testing hours are often the aspect that can be adjusted, regardless of the model being used.

Therefore, most of the time, a tester struggles while meeting deadlines and getting testing coverage.

Example: When you are asked to do a round of testing for an application that involves complex calculations within the next 2 hours, as the application is expected to go live by evening. If you find yourself in a stress-free state during this situation, then there is no need for you to read this article.

#2) Stress Factor: No recognition at work

It’s a well-known truth that a tester needs more time to create credibility because the effort he/she is putting in daily is not recognized the way it should be. The reason might be the nature of the job, where one has to find faults in the work of others.

Although ultimately testers help to improve quality, they are the ones who work as quality guards and no one likes any guard because he/she reserves the right to allow/disallow the entry.

Example: For the latest project release success, the project manager had specifically written a thank you note to each developer and business development team member, but did not include you. When asked about it, the manager may say he just forgot. Does this situation demotivate you? For me, it can be a great stress factor.

#3) Stress Factor: Less pay

Whether accepted or not, this is the bitter truth. The scenario is changing gradually, but it will definitely take time to change completely.

Example: When you come to know that your friend, with whom you studied computers, has been offered a 2X package. Would you regret being in software testing by passion? If yes, then surely you are feeling stressed.

#4) Stress Factor: The Need for Continuous Learning

It’s a matter of fact for every profession, but it is the most important stress factor for tester, but why?

Example: If you are seeing a manual tester struggling to learn automation to get the next career break, you can understand what constant learning means and why it is important. Once you have acquired proficiency in a specific technology, you are well-equipped and it becomes necessary to continuously upgrade your skills.

But for being a tester, he/she never enjoys that kind of “career honeymoon” period where he can settle with whatever he knows because he is required to work on any project and is expected to understand and implement the relevant tools accordingly.

Also Read => How to Improve Your Testing Skills And 10 Tips to Survive and Progress in the Field of Software Testing

If you have made it this far in reading, take a moment to relax and treat yourself to a comforting cup of coffee. Now, let’s shift our focus to the positive aspects of life and explore effective strategies for managing the stress factors we mentioned earlier.

Let’s begin.

How to Manage Stress as a Software Testing Professional

Method #1: Understand Priorities

A login page with a seemingly critical bug is more important to test than checking the spelling of web page content. I am not saying something is less important, but priority matters here. If you have multiple tasks to perform, then don’t jump in and start everything because it will only result in a mess. Start with one task by defining priorities and when that is done, take the other task in hand.

The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule but to schedule your priorities- Stephen Covey

Method #2: Learn to Say NO

You are a human being and not a machine. You cannot do everything and the person asking you to do so should also understand that. If not, learn to say NO. You don’t have to try to please everyone by accepting all the tasks and burdening yourself with an overwhelming workload. Be aware of your priorities and the time available. Make others understand why you are saying “NO” to them.

It’s only by saying “NO” that you can concentrate on the things that are really important – Steve Jobs

Method #3: Emotional Intelligence

This is expected from every professional. If you are just crying out after a heated debate with the manager on a defect that was missed by you, you need to learn emotional intelligence. It’s not about just controlling your emotions, but diverting them positively.

Every professional needs to learn it in their career, if he/she wants to survive. Do not allow someone to hurt you easily.

People with high emotional intelligence are often more successful than people with high intelligence – Anonymous

Method #4: Take care of yourself

Everything else will be taken care of automatically if you are fit physically and mentally. Eat right, sleep tight. Look after yourself, both physically and emotionally. You can work properly only when your body, along with your mind, is capable of doing it.

Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live in. – Anonymous.

Method #5: Talk it out

Sometimes it’s better to clarify matters than to assume and build perceptions. If you think your work is not appreciated, talk about it. If you think an issue needs to be addressed, talk it out. If you think you will face a time crunch, talk it out. The only thing that needs to be taken care of is to talk about it positively.

A lot of problems in the world would disappear if we would talk to each other, instead of about each other – Alisa Michelle

Method #6: Understand that work is part of life and not life

Yes, checking work-related e-mails 5 times over the weekend proves you are replacing your personal life with work. Understand that life also needs other things like fun, family time, recreation activities and sometimes just a simple laugh.

Believe me, while your mind is busy thinking about your customer’s reaction, you will lose out and not enjoy a tasty recipe prepared for you by your loved ones. Try and unplug yourself from technology for some time and then you will see the difference. Disconnect your mind from work once you leave the office and enjoy time with your family and friends.

Sometimes it’s important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it’s essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow – Douglas Pagels

Method #7: Delegate

Always remember that you achieve nothing when you are trying to do everything on your own. Learn to delegate. Mentor people. Teach yourself the importance of assignments. Yes, always take responsibility, but don’t execute everything on your own.

Focus on your strength and delegate your weaknesses – Anonymous.

Method #8: Hang out with like-minded

You become who you surround yourself with. It is important to be selective for companionship. Don’t gossip or on any other thing which is not important. Have a few friends, colleagues or a group of people who would help you positively whenever needed.

Discussion with like-minded people can help to recharge you. It can give you a new perspective, new ideas to implement, and it corrects you from being diverted to the wrong track.

Surround yourself with people that reflect who you want to be and how you want to feel, energies are contagious – Anonymous

Conclusion

And finally, I would like to conclude the post with a world famous quote from Teddy Roosevelt:

Do what you can, where you are with what you have and forget the rest.

About the Author: This awesome article was written by STH team member Bhumika M. She is a project lead, carrying 10+ years of software testing experience. She is totally into testing and loves to test everything that exists.

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