Paul Guess explores how work stress can strain relationships and shares his advice on protecting your personal life from the impact of professional pressures

Being on top of your tasks all the time sounds like a good thing. However, if you're glued to emails, drowning in deadlines and thinking about work 24/7, your relationship might be paying the price.

In today’s fast-paced world, our careers can quickly spill over into our personal lives. In fact, 71 percent of people report that work stress has led to a relationship breakdown or divorce, demonstrating the potentially devasting consequences of demanding jobs. 

Long hours, constant pressure and the mental strain of high-stress careers in professions such as accounting can push relationships to breaking point. 

Recognise the warning signs

We’ve all been there—juggling work deadlines, emails and endless tasks—but when that stress begins to creep into your relationships, the warning signs can be hard to ignore.

You might tell yourself, “It’s fine, I’m just busy,” but this can create an emotional distance between you and your partner which can build over time. 

In a recent report on burnout published by the Chartered Accountants’ Benevolent Association (CABA), more than half (54%) of respondents reported that feelings of burnout were affecting their ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance.  

Burnout can make you feel more irritable, anxious or even detached, leading to more tension and miscommunication with your partner. Conversations become harder and you may just feel disconnected altogether.  

For a busy accountant, there are often short periods of high stress, but when this pressure is prolonged over a period of months, the impact it can have on a relationship becomes evident.

If you find your love life suffering because of work pressures, there are ways to keep things in check.   

• Set clear boundaries: It’s important to carve out time during your day when work can’t take over. Set boundaries at work and stick to them. Protecting your downtime is crucial for your mental health and your relationship. 

• Prioritise quality time with your partner:  It can be tough, but even small gestures like cooking dinner together, going for a walk or just talking about your day, can help you reconnect. It’s all about finding that balance between work and your personal life. 

• Practice open communication: If work is stressing you out, don’t keep it to yourself. Be open with your partner about what’s going on and how it’s affecting you. This way, they are not left in the dark, and they can offer support when you need it most. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed, the first step is to acknowledge it and then talk to someone.

Whether it’s talking to family and friends, or seeking professional support, relying on others can make a huge difference.  

Next, see if you can implement helpful strategies, such as managing your workload or giving yourself small treats like going for a walk, or watching some football, for example.

By setting boundaries, prioritising quality time with your partner and asking for help when you need it, you can make sure work stress doesn’t take over your life.

Take proactive steps to protect both your career and your relationship—you’ll be better for it in the long run. 

Paul Guess is a mental wellbeing expert at CABA