Choosing a career path entails researching to see what jobs may be around for a while and which ones are taking a turn for the worse. Careercast.com is a website that offers an extensive job database, as well as helpful articles and tools for job seekers. CareerCast compiled the worst jobs of 2013 as part of their annual Jobs Rated report.
This report started in 1988 and has been updated every year for the past 25 years. The report ranks 200 jobs from several career fields. The rankings are based on the working environment, income, outlook and stress. CareerCast describes the report as a “roadmap for determining the career field that is right for you.”
Let’s look at the top 10 on this list. (The full report of all 200 jobs can be viewed at careercast.com/jobs-rated/best-worst-jobs-2013).
1. Newspaper reporter. The explosion of the Internet in the last decade has made it difficult for traditional newsroom jobs to thrive. Several new job windows have opened due to jumps in the technological world, but some have suffered, and this is one of them. The U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics (BLS) predicts that the number of reporter jobs will decline by 6 percent by 2020. It is also rated poorly due to its time-consuming nature and high-stress work conditions.
2. Lumberjack. The low pay and dangerous work conditions earned this job a spot on the report. Sorry for those who had their sights set on the logging industry.
3. Enlisted military personnel. The only reason cited for this is that it is dangerous and stressful. CareerCast does not discourage it, but advises extra caution when choosing this path.
4. Actor. Probably not a surprise that this is ranked as a difficult, competitive and unpredictable market. BLS suggests that 66,500 people are employed full-time in this field, which is a small number in comparison to how many attempt to pursue acting-related jobs.
5. Oil rig worker. When it comes to income and opportunities for other jobs in the field, this is not a bad route at all. The long hours, high-risk situations and isolating work, however, justify its place as number six on the list.
6. Dairy farmer. CareerCast labels this job as necessary, but challenging. BLS predicts a decline of 8 percent by 2020 caused by larger farms crowding out smaller ones.
7. Meter reader. Meters need to be read, but human readers are rapidly being replaced by technological innovations, such as the invention of the remote reader.
8. Mail carrier. In this day and age, people are less likely to pull out an envelope and stamp to mail out a birthday card. It’s more probable that they’ll log into Facebook and post a birthday wish on the friend’s wall. BLS predicts a regression in mail carrier positions of 26 percent in the next few years.
9. Roofer. CareerCast recognizes construction as a great industry to delve into if you can endure the sometimes demanding and laborious work. Working through temperature extremes for long durations is a given in this industry.
10. Flight attendant. This job in considered high-stress and low-pay type of job. A pattern among airlines in cutting down on staff points to low job prospects in this field.
Perhaps your job didn’t make it on here, and you’re now sighing in relief. However, this list raises a good point: You should look at all aspects of a job before diving into that field.
According to BLS, the average employed individual will spend two-thirds of their time in work-related activities. When picking a career, look at statistics of projected growth and average salary to make sure you’re taking a step in the right direction. Pursue your passions, but do so smartly.