Stress is something that we all deal with on a daily basis; it can come from a variety of sources. For many people, their work life is the biggest source of stress! Deadlines, demanding bosses, and high-pressure situations can all lead to stress and anxiety. There are some professions that are naturally more stressful than others, but there are also those that take us by surprise.
Most people believe that their job is the most stressful one out there – but just how accurate is this belief? To find out, we looked at 30 of the most stressful jobs around the world. Here’s what we found!
Surgeon
Average Pay: $297800
Surgeons are responsible for operating on patients and treating their injuries; they must be able to make quick decisions in order to avoid any fatal errors. This can be extremely stressful, as even the slightest mistake could have dire consequences. As such, surgeons must be highly skilled and experienced in order to perform their job effectively!
Taxi Driver
Average Pay: $30050
There are a number of things that can make driving around all day quite stressful for taxi or Uber drivers, including rude and drunk passengers, rush-hour traffic, insane drivers, and extreme weather. Dealing with even just one of these problems can be frustrating, so imagine having to deal with multiple problems all at once! It’s no wonder that so many taxi and Uber drivers have such high levels of stress.
Bartender
Average Pay: $30340
Many people think that bartending is not a real job because it involves drinking and hanging out in bars; however, the reality is that the job can be stressful. Bartenders often have to deal with drunk customers who demand the first service, and they can spend hours on their feet. Further, bartenders may have to work late at night and then travel home.
Lawyer
Average Pay: $148030
Lawyers are often tough cookies who can handle added pressure and difficult personalities and situations. The long hours along with the pressure to win court cases can be highly demanding and will often leave people in this profession feeling overworked and burnt out at some stage in their careers. However, many lawyers are able to push through these tough times and come out victorious.
IT Manager
Average Pay: $162930
Most people believe that working in IT is a piece of cake, but those who are responsible for an entire company’s IT process know that it can be quite stressful. When something goes wrong, and the system crashes, leadership skills are put to the test as you must come up with quick and efficient solutions on the spot. Although it can be difficult at times, the role of an IT staffer is important for the company’s success.
Paramedic
Average Pay: $38830
A paramedic’s job is one of the most emotionally challenging and stressful ones out there – you never know what you’ll have to face when responding to emergency calls. According to the Guardian, an NHS paramedic says that out of the 30 paramedics at his station, 4 have had to take stress leave in the past few years. The long hours (14-15 hour shifts) were just too much for them to handle emotionally. This just goes to show how tough this job can be. If you’re considering becoming a paramedic, know that it’s not going to be easy, but it will be rewarding.
Mental Health Counselor
Average Pay: $53490
Being a mental health counselor can be stressful; you will often have to deal with patients who are suffering from mental and emotional disorders. It is important to have a calm nature in order to be successful in this job, as well as to be able to handle extreme workloads. This job can be very rewarding, as you will be helping your patients get better and improve their lives!
Social Worker
Average Pay: $63010
Social workers have one of the most important yet challenging jobs in society. They are responsible for caring for some of the most vulnerable members of our community, including the children, the elderly, and those with mental health problems. While the work can be demanding and often requires long hours, social workers find great satisfaction in knowing that they are making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Teacher
Average Pay: $65990
Teaching can be a very fulfilling job, with plenty of holidays, but it can also be quite hectic. They often have to work outside of normal hours to mark pupils’ work and complete lesson plans. Further, they even have to deal with disruptive students and a variety of different personalities. While the holidays are great, the work required to be a teacher can be challenging.
Telephone Operator
Average Pay: $39370
Many people think sitting behind a desk and talking to customers every day is one of the easiest jobs. However, when you have to manage angry customers and reach challenging monthly targets, it can be difficult to maintain a positive attitude. Some people do well in high-pressure work environments, but others may find it difficult to cope with the stress.
Truck Driver
Average Pay: $50340
Truck drivers have a more difficult job than most people realize. They not only have to drive long hours, but they also have to be aware of other vehicles and weather conditions on the road. Hauling a large vehicle can be tiring, especially when it’s done day in and day out. Drivers need to be careful and alert at all times to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
Sports Referee
Average Pay: $51710
Standing on the sidelines of a pitch and making decisions about penalties and winners can be incredibly stressful. Referees face constant verbal abuse from spectators and players and even death threats. In addition to the stress of the job, referees often have to travel to different venues for matches, which can be disruptive to their personal lives. All of this can lead to sleepless nights and a lot of anxiety.
Train Driver
Average Pay: $72940
If you want to work as a train driver, you must have perfect eyesight and be able to pay close attention to detail. It’s an exciting job, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Train drivers are in charge of making sure their passengers arrive at their destination with no problems and on time. It’s a big job, but someone has to do it!
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Average Pay: $69470
The job of an aircraft maintenance engineer is extremely technical and important, as they are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of aircraft engines. This pressure-filled job requires precision and a keen eye for detail in order to ensure the safety of the crew and passengers aboard the aircraft.
Construction Worker
Average Pay: $44130
Working in construction can be both physically and mentally demanding. Construction workers often have to work in difficult or challenging weather conditions and are usually given specific instructions on what needs to be done. The nature of the work itself – from building and digging – can take a toll on one’s body, making it a laborious and stressful occupation.
Chef
Average Pay: $56920
A chef’s job is extremely demanding and challenging, both mentally and physically. In a busy kitchen, you need to be able to cook orders perfectly and in a timely manner while also dealing with the added heat from hobs and ovens. It’s important to be able to stay calm and focused under pressure in order to avoid mistakes that could result in unhappy customers.
Financial Analyst
Average Pay: $103020
A financial analyst plays an important role in helping businesses make investment decisions; they analyze financial data and provide guidance on which investment opportunities are likely to be profitable. Although the job of evaluating financial data is not itself stressful, analysts can sometimes find themselves in difficult situations when clients are unhappy with market conditions. In such cases, they must be able to calm clients and offer sound advice.
Retail and Hospitality Sales Staff
Average Pay: $31920
This role often requires strong customer service skills, as retail and hospitality staff are often the first point of contact for customers. They may find themselves dealing with difficult customers or complaints; therefore, it’s important that they’re able to diffuse situations and handle customer concerns in a timely and professional manner. This ensures that customers always have a positive experience and are satisfied with the service they’ve received.
Personal Assistant
Average Pay: $66870
A personal assistant’s job can be quite stressful due to the numerous administrative tasks that need to be managed. In addition, you may take charge of running errands (including personal ones) for your employer, leaving little time for a break. Therefore, it is important to stay organized and efficient in order to keep up with the demands of the job.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Average Pay: $59660
As a relationship counselor, you will often find yourself in the midst of tense situations. It will be your responsibility to restore harmony and help couples settle their differences. This can be a very stressful job, but it is also extremely gratifying when you are able to help couples reconcile. Seeing the results of your hard work first-hand will make all of the tension worth it in the end.
Phlebotomist
Average Pay: $38450
Phlebotomists play a crucial role in the healthcare industry by collecting blood samples from patients for various tests, donations, or transfusions. The pressure of collecting samples and sending them for analysis, as well as handling difficult clients, can make this role quite stressful. Phlebotomists must be extremely careful to label all samples correctly, as a mistake could lead to a misdiagnosis for the patient. Despite the challenges, phlebotomists play an important role in ensuring that patients receive the proper care.
Air Traffic Controller
Average Pay: $127920
An air traffic controller plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft; they are responsible for monitoring the airspace and providing pilots with information and instructions to ensure that flights proceed smoothly and safely. In addition to their primary responsibilities, air traffic controllers must also be prepared to deal with any potential emergencies that may arise.
PR Executive
Average Pay: $73250
The role of a PR executive is to protect and enhance the reputation of the company or clients. They often work long hours to make sure their client gains positive media coverage and book appearances and deals that increase their visibility. Handling celebrities and other public figures can be challenging, as it requires maintaining good relationships to avoid any damage to their reputation.
Event Coordinator
Average Pay: $57850
As an event coordinator, you have the responsibility of ensuring that all aspects of someone’s big day or a large event run smoothly. This can be a very stressful task, as you need to pay meticulous attention to small details and be prepared to resolve any issues that may arise. To be successful in this industry, you need to be an excellent problem-solver and also have good connections. This cutthroat industry can be very challenging, but if you are up for the task, it can also be very rewarding.
Airline Pilot
Average Pay: $198190
Becoming an airline pilot is a highly coveted position that many people dream of. However, what many people don’t realize is the great responsibility that comes with being a pilot. Not only is it your responsibility to get the passengers to their destination safely, but you also have to deal with the stress of flying in bad weather conditions. On top of that, last-minute schedule changes can further add to your stress, as you know that your passengers will get frustrated more and more.
911 Dispatcher
Average Pay: $47030
Being a 911 dispatcher is a very important and stressful job. You have to be able to answer emergency calls and talk to police officers as well as other emergency responders. Further, you have to be able to handle the stress of the job and remain calm so that you can help the person who is calling. Some of the calls can be very traumatic, so it is important to be able to handle them in a professional and calm manner.
Healthcare Worker
Average Pay: $33330
Healthcare workers go above and beyond to ensure the health and safety of others, often putting their own lives at risk. This was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when many healthcare professionals worked tirelessly in high-stress environments with a shortage of staff and resources. Despite the dangers, they continued to show up for work every day, dedicating themselves to helping others. This commitment is a testament to the courage and selflessness of healthcare workers everywhere.
Firefighter
Average Pay: $55290
Firefighters are constantly exposed to emotionally and mentally challenging situations – not only do they have to deal with the stress of the job itself, but they also often have to deal with last-minute shift changes that can disrupt their personal lives. These challenges can take a toll on their emotional well-being, and it is important for them to find ways to cope with the stress of the job.
Enlisted Military Personnel
Average Pay: $31060
A job in the military is one of the most stressful occupations. In addition to staying away from home for long periods of time, military personnel often have to work in dangerous and traumatic war zones. The fear of being injured or killed, as well as the loss of dear ones, can lead to high levels of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. These mental health issues can be extremely difficult to deal with!
Police Officer
Average Pay: $70750
Working as a police officer can be risky and dangerous, especially when responding to emergency situations like armed robberies or violent abuse. In these circumstances, officers may have to deal with dangerous criminals in order to make an arrest. This can obviously lead to a great deal of stress as well as other health issues.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are many stress factors associated with different types of jobs; however, the benefits of these jobs usually outweigh the disadvantages. If you are experiencing extreme stress or mental health issues, you should speak to a professional for help. If you work in any of the roles mentioned above, comment below and let us know what stresses you out the most!
FAQs
Why are these jobs so stressful?
These jobs are so stressful because of the high levels of pressure and responsibility that come with them – they can also be demanding and have long hours, which can take a toll on employees. Further, many of these jobs offer little or no job security, which can add to the stress.
Can people escape the stress of their job?
Some people do find ways to escape the stress of their jobs, either through hobbies or other activities they enjoy outside of work; others may seek out support from friends or family members or turn to therapy to help them deal with job-related stress. However, not everyone is able to find an escape from their job, and for some people, the stress can be overwhelming!
How do people cope with the stress of their job?
People cope with the stress of their job in different ways – some people may drink or smoke to relieve the stress, while others may try to take time for themselves outside of work to relax. Some people may also use exercise or meditation to help relieve the stress from their job!
Who is at risk for developing stress from their job?
People who are at risk for developing stress from their job include those who have low control over their work, experience high levels of conflict with others at work, or have an unpredictable work schedule. Additionally, people in service-oriented jobs (e.g., health care workers, social workers) and those in jobs that are constantly changing (e.g., salespeople) are more likely to experience job-related stress.
What are some solutions for reducing stress from work?
There are many ways to reduce stress from work – some people find that taking breaks throughout the day helps, while others find that working out or spending time outside helps them relax. Further, it’s important to make sure you’re communicating effectively with your boss and colleagues and setting realistic goals for yourself. Finally, try to find a job that you enjoy – this will make it much easier to reduce stress in your life!
Why is it important to manage stress?
Chronic stress can have serious negative consequences on our health, including an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes – it can also lead to problems such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, it’s important to manage stress levels through activities such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and meditation.
How can people tell if they are experiencing job-related stress?
There are a few key ways to tell if you’re experiencing job-related stress; one is that you feel like you can’t do anything right. You may also feel like you’re constantly on edge and have trouble concentrating or sleeping. If your job is causing problems in your personal life, such as with your relationships or your health, that’s another sign that you’re stressed out.
