"I'm really interested in emotional health, handling stress and work life balance so any thoughts in these areas would be particularly welcome. "

Well, Sooz, we have an annual company mandatory meeting that is one week at a location the company flies us to. This year it was in Seattle. There are awards, meetings, motivational speakers, etc. That is the only pep-talk to help us handle stress. The rest of the time, we are cold calling in person on people who are sometimes so mean you wonder what they would do if they could see a video of themselves. The stress of being away from home most of the year, working on straight commission, driving a lot... it's a tough job that few people can stick with for long. I have not had a vacation since I started the job 16 months ago. Because I don't get paid vacation and my income is based 100% on sales, I can't take time off yet. The health care plan will cover counseling, but not in the state I live in. My deductible is $1000. and our state doesn't have doctors on our company health provider list. Stress? Ah, yes.