On the Clock Crunch: Six of the Most Stressful Jobs in America

By Brooke Chaplan
Many people dream of having an exciting job that brings interesting challenges to their lives and provides focus and satisfaction. Unfortunately, anxiety can go hand in hand with many lines of work. Finding fulfillment in your work is really up to you in a lot of ways. High stress jobs are some of the hardest, yet most satisfying out there. Here are some of the highest-pressure jobs that are known for putting stress tolerance to the test.
Correctional Officer
Jail and prison guards face the daily risk of violence from agitated inmates. They’re also expected to contain these threats with little more than pepper spray and handcuffs. Long hours are common and officers are sometimes told they must pull a double shift when another officer calls in sick. It’s a demanding position that requires a lot of mental fortitude.
Miner
Although mine safety has improved considerably over the years, mining remains one of the most nerve-wracking jobs in America. Exposure to toxic dust, gas and the risk of cave-ins take their toll on these workers. An accident in the mine will mean years of recuperation down the road, and workers have to be experienced in practical engineering and much more.
Registered Nurse
Stress is bound to occur in a job where you are responsible for another person. Nurses are responsible for other’s health and recovery, and must go about their jobs knowing that an error may lead to job termination. An Atlanta Wrongful Death Attorney might have to call on nurses as witnesses in their cases and they must be vigilant about the care they offer. Nurses also frequently work long shifts where breaks are few and far between.
Firefighters
This line of work has some of the highest injury and fatality rates of all. Scorching flames, stifling smoke, and collapsing buildings are just a few of the hazards that firefighters face on the job. When firefighters are called to an emergency, they must be ready to dash into a burning structure without a second’s hesitation. Firefighters also work in car accidents and have to act quickly in many different emergency scenarios.
Cab Drivers
The humble taxi driver faces brutal competition for very little revenue. Their hours are typically long and irregular as well. Cab drivers are even victimized by armed robbers, especially when working at night. It’s not something you consider often, but the taxi life can be quite demanding.
Social Worker
Social workers spend their days visiting dysfunctional households and trying to find homes for neglected children in an overburdened foster care system. Their efforts can seem hopeless at times, which is why social workers must have incredible workplace resilience. The relatively low pay is also a source of stress; even social workers with a master’s degree can have trouble paying off their student loan debt.
Individuals in these careers may still find rewarding experiences on the job, but can also control their stress by getting plenty of sleep and making use of paid vacation time whenever possible. A stressful job does not have to mean a stressful life, it simply requires maintenance of a work-life balance.