If you are like most people around the world, you probably go through the routine of sluggishly, dragging yourself out of bed every morning at 5.30am in preparation for work. If my guess is right, you probably snooze your alarm at least twice and remind yourself to search for low-stress jobs that do not require you getting up this early.
Next, you are reading and responding to emails on your mobile, tidying up, freshening up, having a quick breakfast and snatching your keys off the hook by the door.
Thankfully, luck smiled on you today – you beat traffic and you’re sitting at your work desk by 7: 45am ready to take on the day.
Meetings, presentations, the usual misunderstanding with your overbearing manager, phone calls with clients/prospective investors, a bit of administrative duties here and there and on your desk is a pile of folders still unattended to.
It’s 6 pm, you feel so worn out as you find your way to the elevator. You remind yourself again to really look for a low-stress job with higher pay if possible.
At home, after a warm shower, you grab the leftover salad in the fridge, eat a few spoons and doze off on the couch.
Suddenly, it’s by 5:30am again. Rinse and repeat.
If this sounds familiar, then you’re not alone.
This is the life that an average career woman lives, and it’s worse for those that work in certain fields, where the work schedule is busier and unpredictable (night and weekend duties) and more overwhelming for women that are saddled with family responsibilities and struggling to strike a balance.
Over time, a burn out is inevitable, as the continuous exposure to stress can lead to hormonal issues and even worse, a mental health break down.
Work-related stress predisposes women to – arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, depression, and other conditions.
While it’s liberating to see women take the frontline in various sectors and chase their dreams fearlessly, success becomes nothing but an illusion when mental and physical health deteriorates due to overwhelming work-related stress. Sometimes, a job switch may be the light at the end of the tunnel.
Now, more than ever, women are choosing to pursue jobs that come with little to no pressure or stress, yet high paying.
If you commute four hours to work, missing out on precious moments with your family or loved ones due to overwhelming workload and unfavorable schedule or you work in an environment where abuse thrives, you are very much justified in your search for a low-stress job that pays your bills.
We have gone ahead to create a short list of possible professions you could explore, depending on your academic background and work experience.
1. Librarian
Providing recommendation, information and resources for book lovers is interesting and fun, especially if you an avid reader, have a curious mind and loves researching.
Libraries are cool places to work, as the serenity and warmth that envelopes the environment makes it void of tension and stress. If you are expecting a baby, this could be a nice relaxing work environment as long as you do not have to climb any ladders to put back books. You could solve this by having an upfront conversation with your potential employer.
Work schedule is usually convenient, providing a flexibility that fosters a work- life balance.
A degree in library science, with exceptional organization skills and good communication skills are requirements to land a librarian job.
You can work in a school, public, or academic library.
Average salary per year: $58,987
Source: Indeed
2. Massage Therapist
When most people think about relaxation or an ideal spa day, a massage comes to mind. Generally, there are various massage modalities – for relaxation or therapeutic purposes. Massage therapists apply gentle pressure on skin, muscles and joint to alleviate pain, treat injuries and relive stress.
We think, a job that that helps people relax their muscles, improve their health, and give them a feel-good vibe is a win. Think about it, isn’t it nice to work in a sweet smelling, serene environment, with a relaxing music, and under less pressure ?
For massage therapists, there are limitless opportunities – you can start your own business or work in a spa, fitness centers or health care centers or sometimes in your client’s homes or offices.
There are trainings, programs or courses and licenses you need to obtain to be a certified massage therapist. It varies in different countries and states.
Average salary per year: $57,291
Source: Indeed
3. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienist are healthcare professionals that work with dentist to help people tackle their dental problems.
They are often referred to as oral hygienists.
Their key roles include – Taking detailed medical/dental history, oral health screenings, dental cleanings educating and counselling patients on maintaining oral hygiene etc.
If you are interested in the health care sector, and want a role that is less tedious, slow paced, with stable hours and flexibility (you can work part time), then this is the perfect fit.
The requirement varies for each country.
However, you will need an associate degree and a practicing license to kick start your career as a dental hygienist.
Average salary per year: $100,774
Source: Indeed
4. Technical Writer
Technical writing involves researching and providing information on how to use products in simple words. Products guides, manuals, or some journal articles are generally written by technical writers.
As a technical writer, you can work remotely at your own pace. Workloads can be effectively managed with good organizational skills and time management.
It offers a flexibility that fosters a work- life balance, such that you can meet deadlines without ignoring your hobbies or precious moments.
If you have a degree in English language, communications, computer science, IT or engineering, and you love writing, this career path might just be worth exploring.
Average salary per year: $63,749
Source: Salary.com
5. Occupational Therapist
Following an illness or accident, individuals are often unable to carry out their usual routines – eating, driving, getting dressed, taking medications, shopping etc.
Support and adaptability skills are tools that help in their recovery journey.
Occupational therapists are healthcare professionals that help these individuals live an independent life despite their disabilities or limitations.
They teach them new ways and skills to adapt to their environment and make their routines easier.
For these professionals, helping others live through difficult times is fulfilling, and they are less prone to burn out because of the flexibility and lesser responsibilities (fewer patients and minimal stress environment) compared to other roles in the health care sector.
With a degree and masters in occupational therapy, plus a practicing license (country/state), you can work in hospitals, schools, clinics, prisons, and homes.
Average salary per year: $98,770
Source: Salary.com
6. Freelance Editor/Proofreader
Freelancing editing or proofreading is one of the low-stress jobs you can readily find around if you are more inclined to this field.
Women gravitate towards this job because of the perks of being in control of your time and life, as you decide the volume of work to take on and where you can do this work from.
From editing academic materials, to business publications and even literary works, the opportunities are endless.
With a keen eye for grammar, structure, punctuation, or a degree in English language, you will find quite a number of opportunities in this field.
Average salary per year: $65,666
Source: Salary.com
7. Virtual Assistant
If you are regular on this blog, you will find that we tend to include the virtual assistant profession in our listicles. We even created an entire guide on how to become a virtual assistant.
Carrying out administrative services can be less stressful and enjoyable when you don’t have to commute from one place to the other and can work with a flexible schedule that doesn’t disrupt your personal commitments.
The roles of a virtual assistant include – responding to emails, making calls, scheduling appointments, social media management (in few cases), bookkeeping etc. This largely depends on the specific needs of employer or the industry.
While the pay may not be as great as some other professions listed in this post, you do not need a ‘specific degree ‘to work as a virtual assistant. It is imperative, though, that you identify your skills and the services you can offer, get the required trainings, build a portfolio and an online presence.
Also, a good oral and verbal communication skill, attention to detail, and ability to work with little to no supervision makes you a preferable candidate for the role!
Average salary per year: $42,863
Source: Salary.com
8. Social Media Manager
If you an avid consumer of digital content, then you will agree that in today’s business clime, every company, brand or public figure worth their salt must have social media presence. That’s where the need for a social media manager comes in.
Generally, they develop strategies to build, maintain an online presence and drive engagement on these platforms. This role offers remote work opportunities and flexibility that can make your life relatively easy.
There aren’t specific requirements to get this job, as anyone that’s social media savvy and creative can work as a social media manager.
Nevertheless, employers may prefer those with a degree in marketing, communications, or related field with a good knowledge of SEO, copy writing and content marketing. In some cases, candidates that have acquired specific trainings and certifications, plus possess good verbal and written communication tend to stand out in the job market.
Average salary per year: $115,470
Source: Salary.com
9. Online Tutor
According to Business Wire, The global online tutoring market is booming! In 2021, it was valued at $21.2 billion, and by 2030, it is expected to skyrocket to a staggering $90.7 billion. That’s a growth of over 328%, quadrupling in size.
There is no better reason to pitch your tent in this camp. There are lots of online learning platforms that provide good job opportunities for instructors and tutors.
Similarly, there are individuals that also seek to employ a private online tutor for a course or project. Online tutoring is less stressful compared to traditional classroom teaching. You work remotely and fix the lessons into your schedule.
As an online tutor, you can juggle your career, your hobbies and lead an active social life.
If you love teaching or impacting knowledge into others, then you should jumpstart your career in this field by getting a degree in specific field/subject or a teaching certificate and other qualifications as desired by the platform you want to engage from.
Average salary per year: $59,583
Source: Salary.com
10. Graphic Designer
If you possess the ability to interpret a design brief, understand how to use design software, and understand design, typography and colour theories; Sis, you may just be leaving a lot of money on the table if you are still in “hobby mode”. This is one of those highly flexible low-stress jobs you really do want to explore.
You can work full time from home, in a stress free environment and create breathtaking visuals designs for magazines, brochures, websites, other promotional materials.
If you have a flair for creative arts, you will find courses online to equip with the skills you to be an exceptional graphic designer.
Average salary per year: $52,665
Source: Talent.com
Conclusion
Stress is relative and sometimes may be inevitable. However, when you are overexposed to it, it becomes detrimental to your well being.
The notion that stress is the price for success should be dispelled because overwhelming stress at its core reduces productivity, and literally destroys the engine that makes the money – your body.
If you notice your mental and physical health beginning to to deteriorate, or you feel like you are getting overwhelmed and beginning to lose yourself, then it’s probably time to take a step backwards and reconsider your career options. You never know what may lying on horizon…just saying.
If this article was helpful, don’t hesitate to sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when we have something exciting to share.
