The Top 6 Low-Stress Jobs for Career Satisfaction
You already know job stress is bad — but do you know just how bad? According to a report issued by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, one quarter of workers viewed their job as the most intense stressor in their lives. Over 40 percent of workers felt their jobs were extremely stressful, while 26 percent of workers said they had reached a point of burnout.
But there’s more. Ongoing job stress is associated with physical ailments such as back pain, headaches, muscular aches, exhaustion, depression, and even heart disease and high blood pressure. Companies in the United States lose billions of dollars annually due to absenteeism, high turnover, employee accidents, medical costs, and decreased productivity — and it’s all thanks to stress.
Escape Stress with a New Degree
Are you ready to take control of your stress level? Career training for a new job can put you on the path to a position that you love — and the change can work wonders on your outlook. While most jobs aren’t completely stress-free, doing something you love can make you look at job stress in an entirely new light. If you’re looking for less stress on the job, consider these careers:
Chef
Does working with food lower your blood pressure while it whets your appetite? Becoming a chef can turn your favorite hobby into a steady paycheck. While busy restaurant kitchens are often fast-paced during peak times, if you love to cook, you’ll take it all in stride. If you’re the ambitious kind, get your bachelor’s degree in culinary arts and become an executive chef. If you prefer a more intimate atmosphere, consider becoming a private chef. Either way, you will unleash your creative side.
Dental Hygienist
More than half of all dental hygienists work part-time, which gives you plenty of opportunities for relaxation off the clock. The fact that you can have your certificate or associate’s degree in two years makes the job even sweeter. Job prospects for dental hygienists are very good and quickly growing, which equals less stress in finding a good position.
Radiographer
As a radiology technician, you will meet interesting new people while helping doctors determine which treatments are required. While any job in health care has the potential to be stressful, radiology technicians often enjoy a steady pace. The job can be yours with an associate’s degree, though certificate programs are available. A bachelor’s degree could lead to better job prospects and supervisory positions.
Counselor
Do you love helping kids handle the issues that come along with growing up? Becoming a counselor can allow you to help children while making a nice paycheck. Listening to kids’ problems can be stressful at times, but by remaining calm and relaxed you can teach them valuable coping skills. A master’s degree in psychology or education is usually required; however, some employers will accept a bachelor’s degree if the appropriate counseling courses have been completed.
Graphic Designer
Creativity abounds for the graphic designer, and that can open doors to fun and relaxation even while you are hard at work. About 25 percent of graphic designers are freelancers, and even those who work in large firms often have ample room to let their talents shine.
Bookkeeper
If you’re great with numbers, becoming a bookkeeper might be your ticket to a low-stress job. Bookkeepers are needed in every industry, and as such, the job opportunities are vast. Many positions require an associate’s degree in accounting, and career training on the job is ongoing.
Education for Low-Stress Careers
Even the education for your future career can be low-stress if you opt for online courses. Whether you choose to pursue an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, or aim for an even higher level of education, there is an online course that can meet your needs.