Stress in the workplace is a major problem in today’s society, and it is not uncommon to find workers hoping to find a less stressful job. Stress is a serious problem, and it has been linked to a host of medical problems ranging from depression to heart disease. Fortunately, there are still jobs available to those in search of a bit more peaceful environment. If you are ready to make the switch to a more serene work setting, take a look at the following list of low stress jobs and accompanying advice.
9 Low Stress Jobs
Avoid stress and still make money with one of these great job options.
1. Data Scientist
If you are seeking low stress jobs, you may want to consider becoming a data scientist. In today’s world, organizations of all types often grapple with an overwhelming amount of data. These organizations are in need of someone who can take massive amounts of data and extrapolate important information. By sharing this relevant information and extrapolations, data scientists assist organizations by helping them solve complex problems and make important decisions.
Data scientists are often required to work closely with business leaders and stakeholders. They are often tasked with creating the predictive models and algorithms that will be used to extrapolate information. Data scientists may also be expected to:
- Store and integrate data
- Perform data investigation
- Apply data science techniques, such as statistical modeling, artificial intelligence, and machine learning
- Measure and improve upon results
- Present final results to various individuals and stakeholders
To work as a data scientist, you will more than likely need at least a bachelor’s degree. Many jobs require a master’s, and you will need to possess a strong understanding of mathematics and computer science-related concepts.
2. Dietician
Dieticians are professionals who know how to utilize food and nutrition in a way that helps individuals lead healthy lives. They are often tasked with conducting and planning nutritional programs for others. These professionals often evaluate the health and wellbeing of their clients using nutritional assessments as well as laboratory findings. Dieticians use their findings to advise clients on what foods should and shouldn’t be consumed to improve their overall health.
Dieticians are employed by a wide variety of companies and organizations, including hospitals, private health clinics, and fitness facilities. Some are self-employed, preferring to work with clients of their own choosing. Depending on the setting they are employed in, a dietician may also be responsible for:
- Helping clients develop healthier eating habits
- Monitoring and evaluating the effects of nutritional practices
- Creating educational materials
- Speaking to groups about the importance of healthy eating
- Documenting the progress of clients
In most cases, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition or a related area of study to become a dietician.
3. Librarian
Out of all the low stress jobs on this list, a librarian may be the most well-known. Librarians, as their name suggests, help individuals find information and books in libraries. They work in a wide variety of settings, and they are often employed by organizations, such as academic institutions. Public librarians may be employed by the city, state, or federal government. Some librarians work for private companies, performing the same tasks as those employed by academic institutions and public governments.
The setting a librarian is employed in will usually determine what type of duties they are required to carry out. Librarians don’t just help individuals find books. They may also be responsible for:
- Creating and using library databases
- Supervising and training library support staff, assistants, technicians, and volunteers
- Organizing reading materials so they are easy to find
- Selecting new videos, books, and other materials for purchase
- Conducting classes about information resources
Libraries are famously quiet, so there is no need for individuals in this chosen field to worry about a loud or distracting work environment. To work as a librarian, you will need at least a master’s degree in library science. Such degree programs typically take one to two years to complete.
4. Museum Curator
As a museum curator, you will work to manage, catalog, and organize exhibits within a museum or gallery. The job of a curator may not be the easiest, but it can be rewarding and it is relatively stress-free. Curators may also be tasked with restoring and maintaining artifacts and collectibles so they will be presentable to the general public. Working as a curator can be extremely interesting, especially if you don’t mind having to frequently compile information and research various topics.
If you have a strong interest in history or science, working as a curator may be a wise decision. Although you may not directly interact with the public regularly, you may be charged with hiring other museum staff members and raising funds for the museum you work for. Curators may also be responsible for:
- Conducting and planning special research projects
- Attend civic events and meetings to promote the museum
- Choose the design and theme of exhibits
- Conduct workshops and tours
- Acquire or seek out new artifacts for exhibits
Curators often work closely with archivists, conservators, and museum technicians, so reasonable social skills are required.
5. Economist
If you have a strong interest in analyzing data, history, and/or mathematics, you may want to consider working as an economist. Economists are responsible for studying the distribution and production of goods, services, and resources by collecting and analyzing data. They also provide input regarding economic policies and trends, and they are employed in a wide range of settings and sectors. Many economists publish their work and findings in various journals, newspapers, and academic publications.
Many economists choose to focus on one particular topic, such as employment levels, inflation, exchange rates, health care, energy, or businesses, and those with advanced degrees often choose to work in academia. Depending on the setting they are employed in and their specialty, economists may also be tasked with:
- Conducting surveys and analyzing the results
- Presenting research in the form of charts, reports, and tables
- Advising governments, businesses, and public organizations
- Performing extensive research on certain economic subjects
- Forecasting and interpreting market trends
Working as an economist can also be quite lucrative — the average economist earns around $108,000 yearly. To become an economist, you will need a master’s in economics. A post-graduate degree may be required for some roles.
6. Astronomer
Out of all the low stress jobs on this list, astronomer may be the most interesting. Do you get a thrill from looking up at the night sky? Do you have a strong interest in science? If you answered yes to both of these questions, you may want to consider becoming an astronomer. Astronomers develop data and collect information based on the characteristics of planets, stars, and other heavenly bodies. They often work in teams with other researchers.
Astronomers may work for the federal government, private academic institutions, and occasionally, private companies. They may also be responsible for:
- Presenting research findings at lectures and conferences
- Applying for research funding and writing proposals
- Working to develop new scientific equipment
- Writing research papers for publication
- Planning and conducting various scientific experiments
Astronomers may work closely with other professionals, such as physicists or mathematicians. To work as an astronomer, you will need at least a master’s degree, but in most cases, a post-graduate degree will be required. It is not uncommon for experienced astronomers to earn six figures.
7. Software Developer
If you have a strong interest in computer programming and a yearning for a low-stress work environment, you should consider working as a software developer. Software developers are responsible for creating, maintaining, and testing software systems. They are employed in a wide range of professional settings. Experienced software developers often possess a strong understanding of multiple programming languages, including C++, Visual Basic, Java, Ruby, Python, etc.
Working as a software developer can be both exciting and fulfilling in a myriad of ways. Developers are often faced with real-life problems and challenges that need solving regularly. As a software developer, you may also be expected to:
- Update or expand existing software programs
- Repair faulty lines of computer code and test programs for errors
- Use code libraries to simplify existing lines of code
- Recommend software upgrades to customers
- Create diagrams and models for computer programmers
Software developers work closely with computer programmers and quality assurance analysts. To become a software developer, you will typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, but most employers prefer developers with a master’s degree.
8. Freelance Photographer
If you enjoy photography as well as being your own boss, you should consider becoming a freelance photographer. A freelance photographer utilizes his or her unique technical expertise to produce and preserve images that record an event or tell a story. Freelance photographers are hired by event hosts as well as businesses and startups. Since you will need to work with others and sell your photography skills, you will need a wealth of social skills.
Before becoming a freelance photographer, you will need to be prepared to spend quite a bit on high-tech cameras, photo editing software, and photo editing equipment. In other words, you must be ready to make a genuine investment in your business. If you can manage to acquire such an investment, your job may also require you to do the following:
- Utilize various lighting equipment and photographic techniques
- Maintain a digital portfolio to showcase work
- Manage and archive imagery
- Advertise and market photography services to attract businesses
- Plan and analyze the composition of photographs
If you do well, you could earn up to six figures. You will also be completely in control of your business and livelihood. No college degree is required for this job.
9. Food Technologist
Food technologists are responsible for analyzing and researching food to enhance preservation for better distribution and storage. They are also responsible for improving the taste of existing food products. Food technologists often work closely with other development and research professionals within the food industry. During working hours, they are tasked with maintaining sanitary regulations while balancing the nutrient content of the food they are responsible for.
If you are interested in the food industry, this may be the right job for you. The demand for food scientists is constant, so you will always be needed. In addition to helping improve the flavor of food, you may also be expected to:
- Assist food scientists with research, development, and quality control
- Test food, additives, and food containers
- Prepare charts, reports, and presentations describing testing results
- Analyze the chemical properties of food
Food technologists typically do not need a college degree.
How To Find Low Stress Jobs
Finding low stress jobs can be easier said than done. Many companies will intentionally attempt to market higher-stress jobs as low-stress, and it can be nearly impossible to tell the difference between the two when reading job postings. Fortunately, there are ways to find the right low stress job.
Before you can start your search for a new job, you will need to consider the industry you work in. Are there lower-stress roles available to you? If there aren’t, you may need to consider changing careers altogether. To do this, you may need to return to school or seek additional vocational training. Once you have a better idea of what you are looking for, you can start your career change.
At some point, you will inevitably start the interviewing process. This part of the job search is often the most important, so you will need to ask yourself and the interviewer the right type of questions. In other words, you will need to find out if the job you are applying for is really low-stress. To do this, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is there a proper work-life balance?
- Does the job offer benefits that promote a peaceful lifestyle?
- Would you truly enjoy working there?
By asking yourself the questions above, you can find the right position. You should also pay close attention to the setting you are interviewing in. If the work setting seems too busy or distracting, you may want to seek employment elsewhere.
Find Out More About Low Stress Jobs
If you need more information about low stress careers, Future Sprout can help. We offer a wide range of information regarding careers, schools, and finance. Visit our site today to learn more.
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/
https://www.publichealthdegrees.org/careers/become-registered-dietitian/dietitian-vs-nutritionist/
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/how-to-find-a-low-stress-job-hot-jobs
https://www.businessinsider.com/33-high-paying-jobs-for-people-who-dont-like-stress-2019-3
https://www.cleverism.com/17-low-stress-jobs-pay-insanely-well/
