UK's 20 Happiest Jobs
Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.co.uk editor
When it comes to happiness at work, hairdressers are a cut above the rest - according to this year's City & Guilds' 'Happiness Index.' On the other hand, secretaries/PAs/admin workers like their jobs the least. And if you live in Newcastle, you're certainly smiling: 19 per cent of people there gave their jobs top marks.
The saying 'Money can't buy you happiness' certainly seems true. Almost a third of people in the £10 - £15k bracket rated their job 10/10, while less than 5 per cent of workers earning £40 - £45k gave their jobs a 10.
Chris Humphries, director general of City & Guilds, comments, "It may come as a surprise to some that financial reward doesn't always mean a happier working environment or employee."
So what factors do make us whistle while we work? 19 per cent of us would like to do something worthwhile and almost 15 per cent just want a more flexible workday. Humphries found, "Some of the happiest workers are those who feel they have a lot of opportunities for professional development."
Here, then, are the UK's 20 happiest jobs to work in, according to City & Guilds:
Hairdresser
Average happiness rating: 8.7
Beauty Therapist
Average happiness rating: 8
Early Years/Childcare
Average happiness rating: 7.8
Doctor/Dentist
Average happiness rating: 7.5
Plumber
Average happiness rating: 7.4
Electrician
Average happiness rating: 7.3
Construction
Average happiness rating: 7.2
Leisure/Tourism
Average happiness rating: 7.2
Media/Creative
Average happiness rating: 7.2
Accountant
Average happiness rating: 7
Law
Average happiness rating: 6.8
Marketing/PR/Advertising
Average happiness rating: 6.8
Nursing
Average happiness rating: 6.8
Teaching/Education
Average happiness rating: 6.7
Automotive
Average happiness rating: 6.6
Human Resources
Average happiness rating: 6.5
Banking/Insurance/Finance
Average happiness rating: 6.4
Catering
Average happiness rating: 6.3
Secretarial/PA/Admin
Average happiness rating: 6.1
Does your job rank high in this list? Chris Humphries concludes, "Nowadays true job satisfaction and happiness is about fulfilling your full potential, tapping into your own creativity, and feeling that you can make a difference."
Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.co.uk. She's an expert in job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.
Last Updated: 24/09/2007 - 3:50 PM
