Jean Pierre works as an air-trafc controller at a large international airport. Every day, thousands of people’s lives depend on the quality of his work. Almost every day there is a near-accident. To prevent a disaster you have to think quickly and remain calm. Now that he is over 30, he is one of the oldest people in the control tower.

Tere are few air-trafc controllers over 40, so he knows he has only a few years of service left. He has tensions in his private life, too. He is going through a protracted divorce. A medical check-up has discovered a stomach ulcer. Furthermore, he has high blood pressure. He has recently been fantasising about the possibility of starting a business with a friend. But he no longer wishes to work with other people.

a What stress factors of a personal and organisational nature do you recognise in this situation?

b Is there a bufer efect here?

c What strategies can Jean Pierre use to handle stress?

d What opportunities does he have to become less stressed in his work situation?