Do you know what job stress is? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, job stress happens when the job requirements don’t align with the worker’s needs, capabilities, or resources.
So, job stress doesn’t refer to normal stress that might come with facing a challenge. It points to unrealistic expectations that can weigh workers down and negatively impact their well-being. That’s one reason you must understand the job description, research the corporate culture, and assess your skills before signing on the dotted line for any job.
Whether or not a job is too stressful for you will depend on various factors — and on the company and colleagues. Keep reading to see five of the most stressful professions or jobs. The list could easily be longer, but the ones here rank high when considering stress.
1. Doctor
Doctors have a lot on their plates. They shoulder substantial responsibilities in caring for people of all ages. In addition to working long hours in stressful environments, doctors make life-and-death decisions, explain medical options, and comfort the families of patients under their care. Doctors often struggle to achieve a good work-life balance due to long hours on the job.
2. Lawyer
Another stressful profession is the law field, specifically the role of a lawyer. One of the primary reasons for stress in the profession is the constant pressure to perform at an elite level.
“Any criminal defense attorney will tell you that the high-stakes nature of the profession is one of the biggest sources of stress,” according to the attorneys at SBBL Law. “The outcomes of criminal cases usually have major consequences for clients — ranging from substantial fines to lengthy prison terms. Other sources of stress include working long hours and managing client expectations when their prospects in the court or at the bargaining table are grim.”
3. Nurse
Nurses are a beloved group. Gallup’s 2023 Honesty and Ethics poll has nurses at the top of the list of the most trusted professions. Nurses work with doctors and other health professionals to care for patients and their families. It’s a job requiring long hours, stressful situations, and schedules that make finding a good work-life balance difficult. Many nurses struggle from burnout because of the physical and emotional impact of their jobs. They were among the professionals in many sectors that looked for greener pastures during the Great Resignation.
4. Soldier
It’s hard to imagine a more stressful job than an active-duty soldier. In addition to being away from home for long stretches at a time, soldiers deal with life-and-death situations in foreign lands. Many men and women who join the military struggle with physical, psychological, and mental stress that can adversely impact their overall well-being. And it’s clear why this is so.
It’s also hard for many soldiers to adjust to civilian life after returning home — and post-traumatic stress disorder isn’t uncommon among people who’ve served in the military. While serving one’s country is a noble and honorable endeavor, it’s also a job that comes with a lot of stress.
5. Police Officer
It should be no surprise to hear that police officers face stress on the job. A previous study shows that the psychological stress that police officers go through in their daily work increases their risk of suffering from strokes, diabetes, heart disease, and other physical and mental problems. The study adds that their suicide risks may also be higher. Police officers are tasked with enforcing the laws of the land and encounter stressful situations with life-and-death consequences.
These are some of the most stressful jobs. While some jobs are inherently more stressful than others, there are things you can do to avoid burnout. For one thing, ensure you understand the job duties before accepting a position. You can also take advantage of resources at work and get the help you need should the stress become overwhelming.
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