Depressing Jobs

Is your job depressing?

Lots of people don’t love going to work – but some jobs are downright depressing. Deborah Legge, a mental health counselor in Buffalo, New York, says workers in these high stress jobs are most likely to complain of depression:

1. Nursing home/child-care workers top the list. Caring for others who are often incapable of gratitude or appreciation can take its toll.

2. Food service or waiting tables can be exhausting work for little pay. These workers often have to deal with rude people and high stress while maintaining a cheery disposition.

3. Social work can be very rewarding – and depressing. Dealing with families in crisis and emotional issues can result in professional burn-out.

4. Health-care workers, including doctors, nurses and therapists, likely have long, irregular hours. Dealing with stress, trauma, sickness and death can be terribly draining.

5. Artists, entertainers and writers may be passionate about their work – but also have to deal with irregular paychecks and isolation.

6. Teachers deal with pressures from kids, parents and the schools they work for – and usually have to take their work home with them.

7. Administrative support staff are usually on the front line, while at the bottom of the totem pole – which can result in frustration and depression.

8. Maintenance and ground work may not sound depressing – but they usually work odd or unpredictable hours. They’re often only needed when something goes wrong or to clean up someone else’s mess.

9. Financial advisors and accountants deal a lot of stress and demanding customers. The pressure of being responsible for other people’s finances can be overwhelming when things don’t go as planned.

10. Salespeople often have to travel, spend time away from family and friends – and usually aren’t sure how much they’ll be taking home this month.