A new phase of my life begins on Monday as I start a full-time job for the first time in 12 years. I'd worked sporadically during some of those years, but not full-time and not in stressful positions.

I've accepted a job with a young high tech company going through a tremendous growth spurt. The stress is palpable, but been there done that. Worked for a high tech start-up for 14 years. The good news? Wear whatever you please. Sit on whatever you want. One woman's chair is one of those big inflatable balls. I know I'll least be comfortable sitting at a desk all day again.

So suddenly I'll be dealing with work stress. On the other side of the coin, financial stress will go away. Health insurance stress will go away. I'm putting on my big girl pants and being a responsible adult again.

I never learned to deal with work stress well. Couldn't turn it off at night and couldn't not bring it home with him. I'm hoping age and perspective will help this go-round.