But there\u2019s one thing they should know before filling out medical school applications: Pursuing job security doesn\u2019t necessarily guarantee job satisfaction.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s because 2025 research<\/a> from shift work platform Deputy, which surveyed 1.28 million users, ranks doctors, paramedics, and even chiropractors as the unhappiest workers.<\/p>\n In fact, doctors\u2019 offices and medical clinics recorded the highest levels of dissatisfaction, with nearly 38% of respondents saying they\u2019re unhappy in their jobs. Chiropractors and staff in critical and emergency services weren\u2019t far behind.\u00a0 And if you include animal health roles, 4 out of the 5 worst jobs for happiness in the UK right now are in healthcare.<\/p>\n Despite health care\u2019s reputation for meaningful work, these roles are often more likely than most to leave workers burned out and ground down by long hours and high stakes.<\/p>\n \u201cStaffing shortages, emotional strain, unpredictable rosters, and an ageing population are cited as key contributors to declining morale,\u201d the report highlighted.<\/p>\n Top 10 unhappiest industry sectors, per the research<\/p>\n Doctors Office\/Medical Clinic \u2013 37.84%<\/p>\n Animal Health \u2013 17.95%<\/p>\n Chiropractors \u2013 12.93%<\/p>\n Critical & Emergency Services \u2013 12.05%<\/p>\n Call Centres \u2013 12.00%<\/p>\n Catering \u2013 8.60%<\/p>\n Delivery and Postal Services \u2013 6.97%<\/p>\n Care Facilities \u2013 6.22%<\/p>\n Cleaning Services \u2013 5.80%<\/p>\n Private Services (Chefs, Gardeners etc) \u2013 5.62%<\/p>\n Gen Z may be happier in hospitality jobs<\/p>\n What\u2019s perhaps most surprising is that jobs many recent grads might have once looked down on\u2014like fast food or waitressing roles\u2014are emerging as a safer bet for a more satisfying career.<\/p>\n Hospitality fared well in Deputy\u2019s study, making up half of the 10 happiest job sectors, despite the sector\u2019s reputation for high stress, unsociable hours, and low pay.\u00a0<\/p>\n Hospitality jobs dominated the happiness rankings. Sit-down restaurant staff (89.7%), fast food and cashier restaurant workers (82.9%), food pop-up teams (82.5%), and caf\u00e9 or coffee shop employees (82%) all reported some of the highest job satisfaction scores of any sector.<\/p>\n Florists, childcare workers and cleaners also reported notably high levels of job contentment.<\/p>\n What makes these roles so satisfying? The report suggests it\u2019s less about pay or prestige, and more about the day-to-day experience: \u201cThese roles may benefit from clearer routines, manageable workloads, and stronger team camaraderie, highlighting the emotional value of operational structure and positive workplace culture.\u201d<\/p>\n Although probably not at the top of most graduates\u2019 dream career list, separate data<\/a> also show wage growth for bartenders and baristas is outpacing that of desk workers.<\/p>\n Top 10 happiest industry sectors, per the research<\/p>\n Tobacco, E-cigarette and Vape Stores \u2013 93.4%<\/p>\n Sit Down Restaurants \u2013 89.7%<\/p>\n Fast Food\/Cashier Restaurants \u2013 82.9%<\/p>\n Florists \u2013 82.9%<\/p>\n Food Pop-Ups \u2013 82.5%<\/p>\n Cafes\/Coffee Shops \u2013 82%<\/p>\n Dentists \u2013 81.8%<\/p>\n Childcare\/Community Centres \u2013 78.4%<\/p>\n Catering \u2013 75.3%<\/p>\n Cleaning Services \u2013 64.3%<\/p>\n