- AI is driving uncertainty in the graduate job market, and Gen Z is racing to “secure” healthcare careers as a result. But new data reveals doctors and paramedics rank themselves as the most miserable workers. Perhaps surprisingly, fast food workers, waitresses and baristas are the most satisfied workers—and they’re even experiencing bigger wage growth than desk workers right now.
Tech leaders have consistently warned that AI is already as good as entry-level workers and that it could halve white-collar jobs by 2030. In fact, a “first-of-its-kind” Stanford University study has warned that the new technology is already having “significant and disproportionate impact” on Gen Z.
So it’s no wonder they’re eyeing up jobs in healthcare which offer low unemployment rates, the potential to earn over $200,000, and is unlikely to be replaced with robotic doctors and nurses anytime soon.
But there’s one thing they should know before filling out medical school applications: pursuing job security doesn’t necessarily guarantee job satisfaction.
That’s because recent research from shift work platform Deputy, which surveyed 1.28 million users, ranks doctors, paramedics, and even chiropractors as the unhappiest workers.
In fact, doctors’ offices and medical clinics recorded the highest levels of dissatisfaction, with nearly 38% of respondents saying they’re unhappy in their jobs. Chiropractors and staff in critical and emergency services weren’t far behind. And if you include animal health roles, 4 out of the 5 worst jobs for happiness in the UK right now are in healthcare.
Despite healthcare’s 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.
“Staffing shortages, emotional strain, unpredictable rosters, and an ageing population are cited as key contributors to declining morale,” the report highlighted.
Top 10 unhappiest industry sectors, per the research
- Doctors Office/Medical Clinic – 37.84%
- Animal Health – 17.95%
- Chiropractors – 12.93%
- Critical & Emergency Services – 12.05%
- Call Centres – 12.00%
- Catering – 8.60%
- Delivery and Postal Services – 6.97%
- Care Facilities – 6.22%
- Cleaning Services – 5.80%
- Private Services (Chefs, Gardeners etc) – 5.62%
Gen Z may be happier in hospitality jobs
What’s perhaps most surprising is that jobs many recent grads might have once looked down on—like fast food or waitressing roles—are emerging as a safer bet for a more satisfying career.
Hospitality fared well in Deputy’s study, making up half of the 10 happiest job sectors, despite the sector’s reputation for high stress, unsociable hours, and low pay.
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 café or coffee shop employees (82%) all reported some of the highest job satisfaction scores of any sector.
Florists, childcare workers and cleaners also reported notably high levels of job contentment.
What makes these roles so satisfying? The report suggests it’s less about pay or prestige, and more about the day-to-day experience: “These roles may benefit from clearer routines, manageable workloads, and stronger team camaraderie, highlighting the emotional value of operational structure and positive workplace culture.”
Although probably not at the top of most graduates’ dream career list, separate data also show that wage growth for bartenders and baristas is outpacing that of desk workers.
Top 10 happiest industry sectors, per the research
- Tobacco, E-cigarette and Vape Stores – 93.4%
- Sit Down Restaurants – 89.7%
- Fast Food/Cashier Restaurants – 82.9%
- Florists – 82.9%
- Food Pop-Ups – 82.5%
- Cafes/Coffee Shops – 82%
- Dentists – 81.8%
- Childcare/Community Centres – 78.4%
- Catering – 75.3%
- Cleaning Services – 64.3%
