Burnout is a rising issue across a number of industries. Long hours, limited work-life balance, and high-pressure environments can cause anyone to feel like they’re at the end of their rope. According to LinkedIn, there are several careers that stand out among others for their high burnout rates. Here are the eight careers that seem to have the highest burnout rates and why.
1. Healthcare Workers
Healthcare professionals have some of the highest burnout rates. This is especially true when it comes to doctors and nurses working in hospitals. The job typically demands long hours and the work can be emotionally taxing. There is constant pressure on them to deal with life-and-death decisions. Not to mention, the COVID-19 pandemic increased the strain on medical professionals ten-fold. A LinkedIn poll put constant stress (47%) and limited support (30%) as the number one reasons people feel burnout in their positions. Undoubtedly, nurses and doctors feel both.
2. Teachers
It’s often said that teachers are overworked and underpaid, so there’s no wonder why this profession appears on this list. There is immense pressure to meet academic standards. In public schools, they often have to manage large classrooms. They also feel the need to provide emotional support to students. Teachers often face challenges such as inadequate resources and not enough support. There are also demands from the administration and expectations from parents that teachers have to deal with. Again, the pandemic played a role in increasing stress for this profession. The emotional investment in the job, combined with very minimal downtime, makes teaching a career with a high burnout rate.
3. Lawyers
Being involved in a legal profession can be grueling. There are often long hours and it is frequently a high-stress environment. As a lawyer, you might find yourself juggling multiple cases with tough deadlines. You could also have to work to meet client demands. This pressure to win cases and close deals can add unnecessary mental strain. Lawyers often find themselves mentally drained and anxious due to constantly being on-call. Without much downtime, these individuals are prone to burnout.
4. Social Workers
Social workers often have to deal with intense and emotional situations. On any given day, they might have to deal with cases involving domestic abuse, death, and other difficult circumstances. Oftentimes, people in this line of work will find themselves drained at the end of the workday because they spend their day trying to help people who are in dire situations. Social workers are often limited on resources and don’t have the support they need either. Not to mention, they get paid very low and aren’t recognized enough, leading to burnout.
5. Retail Workers
If you’ve ever worked in retail, you know how exhausting it can be, both mentally and physically. These workers often face long hours and have to deal with difficult customers. In some cases, there might also be pressure to meet sales goals. On top of that, retail work can be repetitive, leaving employees simultaneously mentally drained and unfulfilled. Plus, there is really no job security and most retail workers don’t receive benefits. There’s next to no flexibility in their schedules and minimal room for advancement. All of this leads people in this profession to burn out quickly.
6. Tech Industry Professionals
The tech industry has been booming in recent years, but it has also become known for its high burnout rates. People in tech roles, like software engineers, often have to adhere to tight deadlines, which can be stressful. The industry as a whole is fast-paced and things are frequently changing, putting pressure on IT professionals to stay ahead of competitors. Additionally, many tech professionals work remotely, which can blur the lines between work and personal life. They might feel the need to always be plugged in.
7. Journalists
I initially set out to become a journalist after college. However, I realized quickly that journalism involves tight deadlines and long hours at times. You also have to be plugged in due to the nature of the 24-hour news cycle. Reporters and journalists are often facing pressure to produce new content around the clock, especially when there is breaking news to cover. These professionals also have to cover difficult stories, like crime or tragedy, which can be emotionally draining. Many journalists will find themselves struggling to keep up with the pace.
8. Finance Professionals
The world of finance can be stressful, especially if you are involved in investment banking and accounting. These professions often have long hours and high-stress environments. People in this field tend to work late so that they can meet tight deadlines. There is next to no work-life balance because many people in finance are expected to always be available. The pressure in the industry can lead to anxiety, exhaustion, and, in the long run, burnout. Many people make the choice to leave the industry after a few years because the workload is just too much.
The High Cost of Career Burnout
Burnout has become more of an issue in the professions mentioned above. Careers in teaching, healthcare, technology, and finance are all seeing alarming levels of burnout among professionals. But really, it’s become a problem everywhere. It has become critical for employers and employees to prioritize mental health in the workplace. Of course, some jobs come with high demands, but it is important to find ways to manage your stress levels for long-term success and happiness in your career. No job is worth sacrificing your mental health.