Starting a new business and entering new industries can be an exciting period for any entrepreneur. Naturally, it takes a lot of work, a lot of knockbacks and a lot of stress. But what’s interesting is that’s certainly the case with some industries more than others.
There are many industries that have a real reputation for the stress they cause and the health implications as a result. Industries like mining and construction have much higher suicide rates thatn others, while private alcohol rehabs are often frequented by those working in hospitality.
Many studies have found that industries have higher levels of business owners suffering with depression and anxiety, while addiction rates and other health conditions such as burnout are also common. Alongside this, for business owners in general, there’s more to worry about than ever before, with Recognise Bank commissioning a survey that found increasing staffing costs, higher energy bills, additional supply costs and the worry of losing business is all heaping on to anxiety levels.
But when it comes to industries, where is stress most likely to occur for those working within them?
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Banking and Finance
Interestingly, banking and finance consistently ranks as one of the most stressful industries to be involved in. In investment banking especially, the stakes are high and often involve long hours and intense competition with the market fluctuating so regularly.
The demands are intense in banking and finance, with the knock on effects of a false move having a huge ripple effect that hundreds if not thousands of people could feel the pinch of.
Healthcare and Emergency Services
We continually see reports about how the NHS is stretched and while working in healthcare can be a rewarding role, it can be incredibly tiring and stressful too.
Whether working as a paramedic, on wards or as critical care professionals, it’s again a high stakes role that has a huge emotional toll, particularly when hospitals and healthcare facilities are overwhelmed as they are at present.
Media and Journalism
While the face of the media has changed dramatically over the last decade, the 24-hour news cycle is more immersed in our culture than ever before and that brings a relentless pace and demand for those working in it.
Journalists have to work to tight deadlines, while also being desperate to break a story first, while the likes of fake news and constant scrutiny on social media can make it an even more difficult job to take on these days.
Alongside this, you’ve got the difficulties of making money in such an industry, which is proving trickier than ever before.
Legal Practice
The legal profession is similar to finance in that those working in the space continually find themselves in high pressure situations, alongside the added responsibility of representing clients of which huge decisions are resting on.
Those working in the legal profession have to navigate the emotions, legalities and continual law changes, with the impact of your work being felt by others in a courtroom.
Airline Industry
Finally, the airline industry is also an incredibly stressful one as operators look to meet tight schedules and ensure the safety and smooth travel of passengers.
While being a pilot or a member of cabin crew seem like glamorous jobs, they have irregular shift patterns, have to cope with time zone changes and have to make critical decisions in high-pressure situations should issues arise.
There are similar stresses on the likes of air traffic controllers who have to manage airspace congestion and manage the safety of hundreds of take offs and landings each day. That’s all on top of people within the airline industry working long hours to boot, making it an incredibly challenging and stressful industry to be in.