In general I agree with you. However, I think that the "deadlines and time pressure are completely made up" aspect can actually make things more stressful. An example would be managers not understanding that they're being unrealistic. If you want to get a 100-tonne object from X to Y there are pretty clear parameters and it's easier to push back in understandable terms. If you want to refactor a codebase so you can do Z, not so much. I'm lucky in that I run my own business and generally get to choose my clients, but I've worked in large organisations before and I know how that kind of bureaucracy can complete crush people.