Most Americans work harder and longer hours than others areas of the world.
As a result they are also more stressed than their counterparts in other parts of the world. Add the almost non-existent wage increases and higher cost of living and people are reaching the end of their rope.
So what are the most stressful jobs?
There are many jobs that are more stressful by nature, so if you think you’ve got just about all the stress you can handle in your life, then you might want to avoid the top 10 most stressful jobs in America.
1. Senior Corporate Executives
Senior executives are responsible for making decisions that potentially affect hundreds to millions of people, whether those individuals are clients, investors, or employees.
They establish corporate policies, and strategies. Salary is approx. $162,000 annually.
2. Commercial Pilot
If you don’t think being a commercial pilot is stressful just look at the number of pilots, like Captain Sullenberger from the Hudson River landing and his heroic actions, or Captain Fareed Dean from Flight 523 in Georgetown Guyana who managed to stop his plane before going over a raven.
Not only must they get their flights to their destinations on time they must contend with weather and many obstacles. For this they get paid on average around $100,000.
3. Public Relations Officers
If there’s one thankless job, this just might be it. Public relations officers speak to the public after a disaster, or in an effort to avert an angry crowd or angry clients.
They are generally the messengers of bad news often attempting to put a positive spin on it. They handle press inquiries that are hostile, make speeches in front of large crowds, and have one of the most stressful jobs around. They earn around $90,000 a year.
4. Architect
At first glance the idea of creating and drawing up plans for new buildings would seem like a fun job, not to mention overseeing your creating coming to life.
However, the truth is being an architect is a very stressful job with tight deadlines, building code, design problems, and safety issues plaguing almost every project. Average salary is $73,000.
5. Advertising Executive
Advertising is a cut throat industry, and as the cost of expensive ads continues to climb convincing companies to spend their dollars takes sales skills, creativity, and a highly motivated individual.
This is an industry with a high burn out rate. Average salary is $70,000 a year.
6. Stockbroker
If ever you wanted a daily dose of stress a career as a stockbroker can definitely provide you with this.
Just think of those New York Stock Exchange stockbrokers shouting and waving madly as they watch a stock plummet losing millions of their client’s money. Average salary is $68,000 a year.
7. Real Estate Agent
While real estate agents drive nice cars, have an excellent wardrobe, and smile a lot, the truth is selling a house is very stressful.
Trying to meet the needs of clients, dealing with mortgages, and negotiating closing prices – if you hate sleep and like to have your phone ringing 24/7 you might make it as a real estate agent. Average earnings $60,000
8. Photojournalist
There’s no question a career as a photojournalist can be interesting and rewarding, but it also puts you directly in the line of danger.
You also face technical glitches and tight deadlines. Considering that the average salary is around $40,000 it begs to question whether the stress is worth it.
9. News Anchor
They always look great and you never see them sweat but with hundreds of thousands of viewers if not millions, news anchors know stress.
Average annual salary is $50,000.
10. EMT
EMT’s (emergency medical technicians) are usually the first to respond to emergencies and they are responsible for stabilizing those who are injured or ill.
Auto accidents, industrial accidents, and disasters such as Hurricane Katrina give you an idea of just how stressful this position can be, and with a salary of approx. $30,000 annually you don’t do this job for the pay.