Do You Have One of America’s 10 Least Stressful Jobs?
Feeling overworked and overwhelmed? Maybe it’s time for a career change to one of these 10 fields.
1. Biomedical Engineer: One would think developing products to detect cancer might make for a stressful environment, but many biomedical engineers embrace the fact that the tools they’re creating could save a life. Although busy, these pros also enjoy a lot of downtime while bacteria incubates or enzymes react, giving them flexible schedules and the chance to focus on other responsibilities.
70% of those job holders said their job is low-stress
2. Transportation Engineer: These workers get to deal with something many engineers avoid: people. Transportation engineers love what they do because they often interact with the folks that use the crosswalks or traffic systems that they develop. Plus, it helps that cities always tend to have more transportation projects on the docket, keeping down the stress of job loss.
69% of those job holders said their job is low-stress
3. Statistician: The nice balance between individual thought and group collaboration helps the day go by quickly for statisticians. But the opportunity to work in a variety of environments, while also developing solutions to complex problems, creates truly contented workers. Of course, a nice paycheck and job security doesn’t hurt either.
64% of those job holders said their job is low-stress
4. Web Developer: These professionals might work hard, but the job also offers fun and freedom. With deadlines weeks or months away, web developers often set their own schedule, only spending as much time as needed in the office. While this can include 50 to 60 hour weeks, companies tend to reward the website creators with parties and other freebies.
58% of those job holders said their job is low-stress
5. Geographic Information Systems Analyst: In emergencies, geographical analysts can experience a lot of stress. After all, tracking where an oil spill will spread could be one of their responsibilities. But that’s out of the ordinary. A more typical — and lower-stress — assignment might be suggesting ideal locations for stores or forecasting flood zones. The challenging environment allows for creative release, plus there’s decent job security.
55.6% of those job holders said their job is low-stress
6. Technical Writer: Technical writers have what many crave: autonomy. They often work as their own project manager while writing guidelines and instructions for new tools. Sometimes they even get to interact with the product during the development stages, assuring the instructions are easy to understand for the less tech-savvy. And with projects often started months out, the fear of a tight deadline is minimized.
55% of those job holders said their job is low-stress
7. Test Software Development Engineer: It’s easier to relax at your desk when your job mirrors what you would normally do for fun. For many software developers, that’s the case. Whether it’s coding new commands or testing for software bugs, the fact that engineers tend to enjoy those tasks makes pulling the occasional all-nighter nothing to get uptight about.
54% of those job holders said their job is low-stress
8. Marketing Consultant: As a consultant, these professionals enjoy independence and the flexibility to set their own schedule and even work from home. Sure, the need to line up jobs can be stressful. But that’s balanced by the chance to work with company leaders and dive into new businesses. That keeps things interesting.
53.5% of those job holders said their job is low-stress
9. Civil Engineer: Similar to traffic engineers, civil engineers help design infrastructure. And they say there’s no better feeling than seeing something you thought of — like a bridge or a highway — working just as you planned. What’s more, the chance to work anywhere — be it in government, private sector, or academia — and in any city of their choosing allows these engineers to handpick their assignments.
53.3% of those job holders said their job is low-stress
10. Optometrist: Options, that’s what optometrists have. If they want to work in a group setting, they can join an organization. If they want to set their own hours, they can open a solo practice. Plus, they have the opportunity teach, research or work as a consultant. And don’t forget the sense of accomplishment that comes from curing someone’s troubled eyesight.
53.1% of those job holders said their job is low-stress
Courtesy: PayScale.com
