High on flexibility, low on stress
Most employees and business owners are always on and always working. Are there any jobs where work life is really balanced?
Work-life balance is a major consideration when looking for work. The Best Jobs of 2014 list
features some strenuous occupations, but there are also jobs that may
allow you to telecommute, work shorter hours and provide time for your
hobbies and family.
If work-life balance is your first priority, consider these nine
professions. Our editors gave each of these picks a qualitative rating
score of below average or low for stress level, and a score of above
average or high for flexibility.
Stress Level: Low
Flexibility: Above Average
These professionals produce financial records for corporations,
institutions and clients. Flexibility is above average, but some seasons
may require longer shifts. Different industries and work environments
might also require overtime work. For instance, the Bureau of Labor
Statistics says those in an office setting will work more hours during
audits, tax season and at the end of the fiscal year. Bookkeeping,
accounting and audit clerks who work in hotels, restaurants and stores
may clock overtime hours during holiday and vacation seasons. The stress
level is low because clerks work alone often and can meet deadlines at
their own pace.
2. Landscaping and Groundskeeper
Stress Level: Low
Flexibility: Above Average
It's no surprise this job has a low stress level – what could be more
relaxing than planting flowers, trees and shrubs? The BLS says most
grounds maintenance jobs are seasonal, with the most job opportunities
in the spring, summer and fall months. If you take this job, make sure
to be careful using heavy machinery like lawn mowers and chainsaws.
Instances of injury and illness are higher than usual in this line of
the work, according to the BLS.
> FInd a job in landscaping or as a groundskeeper
Stress Level: Below Average
Flexibility: Above Average
These professionals promote wellness with every touch. They relieve pain
and assist in rehabilitating injuries, improving circulation, reducing
stress and increasing relaxation. The job's stress level is below
average, but it may be higher for self-employed therapists who balance
business tasks with seeing clients. Most massage therapists book
appointments, which gives them the flexibility to choose their schedule.
> Find a job as a massage therapist
4. Office Clerk
Stress Level: Below Average
Flexibility: Above Average
Office clerks work across industries, fulfilling duties such as
answering phone calls, scheduling, sorting and delivering mail, and
preparing memos and communication. According to the BLS, tasks are very
general – which results in a below-average stress level – but there is
variety in everyday work, depending on the industry and environment. One
plus: Office clerks rarely need to take their work home.
> Find a job as an office clerk
5. Optician
Stress Level: Below Average
Flexibility: Above Average
Tasked with making sure glasses or contacts fit comfortably, opticians
work in eyewear stores or departments, medical clinics and
ophthalmologist and optometrist offices. Flexibility is above average
because this is a job with abundant part-time openings, but keep in mind
opticians in retail establishments may work evenings and weekends. The
stress level is below average, as long as opticians don't have to deal
with irritated or impatient customers.
> Find a job as an optician
Stress Level: Below Average
Flexibility: Above Average
Physical therapists are responsible for helping patients rehabilitate
from simple sprains and strains, plus more complex pain and injuries.
The stress level is below average for therapists working in environments
with support staff to handle administrative and general tasks. This job
can be labor intensive, however, and PTs may feel tired after working
on their feet all day and lifting or assisting patients. However, most
physical therapists work normal business hours, so they get the evenings
and weekends to rest.
> Find a job as a physical therapist
7. Recreation and Fitness Worker
Stress Level: Below Average
Flexibility: High
Whether they're stationed in 24 Hour Fitness, Gold's Gym, Bally Total
Fitness or LA Fitness, recreation and fitness workers employ a
personality mix of pleasant friend meets drill sergeant to help gymgoers
meet fitness goals. Many recreation and fitness jobs are part time,
which offers more flexibility to find a second job or enjoy some free
down time.
> Find a job as a recreation or fitness worker
8. Sports Coach
Stress Level: Below Average
Flexibility: High
Flexibility can revolve around seasonal obligations for sports coaches.
For instance, if you coach a Little League team, the season may require
you to work longer hours and travel for games, while in the off season,
you may only have one or two practices a week. This job's most stressful
moments are probably experienced on the sidelines of a sporting event.
The BLS says coaches provide direction, encouragement and motivation to
athletes, track performance and recruit new athletes. Coaches who work
part time will have the most flexible hours, while those who coach
multiple teams and in schools may have less leeway.
> Find a job as a sports coach
Stress Level: Below Average
Flexibility: High
Unless strings of HTML, CSS and JavaScript stress you out, this job
should be fairly low-key. Web developers – also called Web programmers,
designers or webmasters – design, create, execute and maintain websites.
About one quarter of developers were self-employed in 2012, according
to the BLS. Those who work for themselves have more flexible schedules
than those employed by companies that might require a larger project
load.
> Find a job as a web developer