How do we determine which jobs rate as the most and least stressful? Stress, as measured in this study, covers many elements (see the complete 2010 Jobs Rated report Methodology), but there are three "Mega Factors" that have the largest impact on office anxiety: work environment, job competitiveness and risk. Competition among Advertising Executives and Real Estate Agents, for example, has increased exponentially as the economy has worsened, while Police Officers, Highway Patrol Officers and Firefighters regularly risk their lives and work in extremely dangerous environments. While not always as important, a long workday tends to make the impact of these mega factors even worse.
Even if you aren't a firefighter or senior corporate executive, however, it's likely that some of the same mega factors from the 10 most stressful jobs list also apply to your job. Of course, while high levels of stress are known to have an adverse effect on health and well-being, it's also true that worrying is a fundamental human condition. Perhaps we will always have to endure at least a moderate level of anxiety, no matter how many books we read or relaxation techniques we try. And considering that studies have also shown that without stress, many employees don't give their jobs a 100% effort (and thus become targets for layoffs), perhaps a moderate stress level is an acceptable compromise.
However, if peace of mind is more important to you than excitement or glamour, it may be time to find a profession that's easier on the nerves.
Keep reading to check out the 10 Least Stressful Jobs for 2010.
Check out the Least and Most Stressful Jobs for 2011.
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