Last week there was a local talk show on. One of the co-hosts on it was talking about an article she had read, which listed the jobs that cause the highest rates of severe depression.
This list might surprise you…but it might also include your particular career.
First on the list were those who work in nursing homes and childcare centers or homes. Taking care of the elderly and the very young comes with a great deal of responsibility, yet the pay doesn’t match it.
I can attest to this, since I used to work as a preschool teacher in a childcare center. I was expected to nurture, teach, potty train, feed, clothe, entertain and well, the list goes on. And it wasn’t just the children I was responsible for; there were other “housekeeping” duties on top of it.
It’s not just the responsibilities and low pay that can make these fields depressing; it is also the lack of positive feedback. In fact, often times all you hear are complaining or other types of negative feedback.
Second on the list was food service staff. These are waiters and waitresses.
Third on the list were social workers, which is no surprise. I was a foster mother at one time and so I got a firsthand account of what this world is about.
Fourth on the list were healthcare workers. This includes doctors, nurses and the like. And this is mostly due to the sickness and death that they deal with on a constant basis.
I was quite surprised to see my job listed as number five…or perhaps I shouldn’t have been.
Fifth on the list were artists, entertainers and writers. In fact, those who work in these fields show higher rates of bipolar disorder.
Some of this is attributed to how most don’t receive a regular paycheck and the work you receive can be irregular. Hmmm…I can relate to that as well.
When I first started out, I was making literally cents on my work. Now I am doing much better but even so, my work isn’t always regular and in fact, I never know what to expect from one week to the next.
But is my work depressing? I’m not so sure. If there is one thing that can bring about the blues, I would think it is the isolation you can sometimes feel.
So is your job one of the top five most depressing careers to have?
Related Articles:
Is the Grass Always Greener on the Other Side?
Combating Isolation When You Work from Home
When Your Passion Becomes Your Job
Working from Home Doesn’t Mean I Have It Easy
Working from Home Does Have Challenges
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