National Work Life Week 2024 takes place between 7-11 October 2024. Since 2010, National Work Life Week has encouraged employers and employees to discuss wellbeing at work and the importance of work-life balance.
As flexible working practices take centre stage, studies on the happiest and unhappiest jobs reveal how work-life balance shapes job satisfaction—discover more about this in the latest study from Bubblegum Search.
The study, analysing over 2,000 Reddit comments, sheds light on the professions that bring their practitioners the most joy and fulfilment.
Top Findings: Creative Jobs Lead to Happy Lives
Car Designers, earning between £40,000 and £60,000 annually, and Animators, with salaries from £30,000 to £45,000, top the list. Both roles offer high levels of creative freedom and the opportunity to work on projects they are passionate about, resulting in outstanding job satisfaction. Game Developers, who often see their childhood dreams come to life in their work, also rank highly, earning £35,000 to £50,000 while enjoying a collaborative and innovative work environment.
Unexpected Happy Careers: From Dog Photography to Tattoo Artistry
Some of the happiest professionals are in unexpected fields. Dog Photographers, for example, cite the flexibility and joy of working with furry companions as key to their happiness, earning between £20,000 and £35,000. Tattoo Artists and Freelance Translators also report high job satisfaction, attributing their contentment to creative autonomy and flexible work schedules.
Tough Jobs: Social Workers and Electricians Report Low Satisfaction
Not all professions fare well in the happiness stakes. Social Workers and Electricians are among the least happy, citing the emotional and physical demands of their roles. Paramedics and ER Workers, despite finding their work rewarding, struggle with high stress and burnout.
Why This Matters: Creativity and Flexibility Are Key
Bubblegum Search’s findings underscore the importance of creative freedom, passion, and autonomy in achieving job satisfaction. “Our study highlights that people are happiest in roles where they have the freedom to express themselves creatively, work on projects they are passionate about, and enjoy a degree of flexibility,” says a spokesperson from Bubblegum Search.
Job Satisfaction Results Table
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Based in southwest London, Bubblegum Search is a creative digital PR agency transforming brands with PR campaigns and powerful SEO strategies. Examples of Reddit threads analysed.