A relaxing career may sound ironic as many people associate the workplace with long hours, stress, and tedious tasks. However, you may be surprised to find that there are in fact jobs that are stress-free, peaceful, and not bound by time and deadlines.
According to Statista, military personnel, firefighters, and pilots top the list of the most stressful careers in the US. Understandably, this is due to the high chance of injury and death associated with these jobs. If you are looking for a career that ensures your safety and peace of mind, keep reading for some useful tips.
What Makes a Career Relaxing?
A relaxing career entails a job that can be completed without taxing your body or mind to an unhealthy extreme. With workplace pressure being one of the major factors leading to depression and attempted suicides, it’s important to look at jobs that might improve your mindset instead of damaging it.
Typically, the environment of a relaxing job would be much more peaceful than a stressful job. Think of working remotely in a cafe listening to soft jazz versus running into a burning building with rafters crashing around you. Some may sacrifice their tranquility for a high salary but it’s important to note that a relaxing job doesn’t necessarily mean a low-paying job.
Top 10 Relaxing Careers You Should Consider in 2023
Contrary to popular belief, there are thousands of relaxing jobs on the market that pay high salaries and offer decent compensation. Are you tired of daily stress at your workplace? Below are 10 relaxing careers you should consider for 2023.
Environmental Scientist
An environmental scientist conducts research to identify and eliminate pollutants and hazards in the environment. The overall aim of environmental scientists is to protect the health of humans, plants, and animals. You might be able to land an entry-level job in this field if you have experience as a lab technician or a research assistant.
A Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Hydrology, or a related field is typically the first requirement. As an environmental scientist, you’ll likely work in a laboratory at a private firm or a government agency. The most common tasks involve traveling for fieldwork or conferences and performing laboratory tests.
Real Estate Agent
A career as a real estate agent is another relaxing job you might consider. As a real estate agent, you’ll be showing homes and sometimes commercial properties to different clients. After taking a state-sanctioned real estate exam, you’ll be licensed to work as an agent.
Typically, real estate agents work out of an office but once you’re established you can likely work from home. The major work comes in the form of matching properties with clients and you’ll likely spend long hours showing a property before you sell it. The payoff is that the commission you earn from each sale will likely be more than enough to support you for at least a few months.
University Professor
University professors lecture and work with students to develop dissertations, thesis-based papers, and research. Professors assist their students in collecting and examining data for such research. They also grade exams and supervise laboratory experiments.
According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, university professors mostly designate duties to associate professors and assistants, which leaves them with ample time to work on personal projects. This can help create a positive work-life balance.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts are in high demand due to the growing need for data usage, analysis, and interpretation. They are known for solving high-level problems through advanced techniques such as data mining, statistical analysis, mathematical modeling, and optimization.
Learning how to code by joining a coding bootcamp can greatly increase your chances of being hired as an operations research analyst. These analysts often work in a serene environment to code or analyze data.
Hydrologist
Hydrologists carry out a series of studies on water for private companies or government agencies. Their duties usually include checking water availability, purity, and flow rates in supply pipes. Typically these duties need to be carried out only when problems occur, leaving ample time for other tasks.
A hydrologist usually works in a quiet, pressure-free atmosphere without deadlines. Work including data collection, assembly, and analysis can either be done at the office or at home, adding to the relaxing nature of this job.
Librarian
Librarians and library specialists enjoy one of the most relaxing careers in the world because libraries are silent. Their duties include creating and using databases to catalog and store library materials. They file, record, and maintain new books and research materials.
Some personnel teach, but on very rare occasions. Librarians are very relevant in educational institutions, where they perform other roles including preparing library budgets and organizing library materials so that they are easy to find.
Database Architect
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, database architects create and organize systems in order to store and safeguard different groups of relevant data that include customer shipping records, financial information, and personal information. They also create models for building databases to protect such vital information.
Personnel in this profession are given private, peaceful workplaces to prevent distractions that can lead to errors in their work. You need a degree in a STEM-related course to qualify for a job as a database architect.
Audiologist
Audiologists help patients with hearing and balance problems in a peaceful environment like a doctor’s office. You will also be advising patients on treatments and procedures to cure any conditions they may have. A doctoral degree and a state license are required for this job.
Audiologists work in hospitals, clinics, schools, audiology clinics, and sometimes pharmacies. They have a reserved workspace without interruptions or sound interference. You will enjoy flexible work shifts and many other benefits that help create a suitable work-life balance.
Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists perform examinations, conduct x-rays, and run other diagnostic imaging tests on patients. They usually make use of imaging scanners and other machines. They also maintain the machines and keep detailed records of patients.
Radiographers enjoy a good work-life balance and carry out their duties in a very relaxed environment. Working overtime is well-paid in this profession but not necessary, and there are usually plenty of opportunities to take time off from work.
10 Relaxing Careers that Don’t Require a Degree
If you don’t have a degree or an educational qualification, there are other relaxing careers you can pursue. To land jobs in these careers, the basic requirements are hard skills. Although some may require an operational license, you won’t need a degree to land an entry-level position. We’ve listed some of the top options below.
Gardener
Gardeners enjoy working outdoors in a serene environment. While growing and maintaining plants in your work area, you will enjoy fresh air and sunshine on a regular basis. Absorbing plenty of vitamin D can improve your mood and reduce stress.
You can easily find a job as a gardener with just a high school diploma. However, if you want to work on a commercial scale, you will need a bachelor’s degree and extensive knowledge of gardening concepts like irrigation and fertilizer systems.
Hair Stylist
This has proven to be one of the most in-demand jobs over the years due to the evolution of fashion trends and hairstyles. Besides offering a good salary, hair stylists often work flexible hours and can create their own schedules once they have a stable list of clients.
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With a job growth outlook of 19 percent, the number of hair stylists will likely increase over time as the population grows. You can choose to work full-time or part-time. Good interpersonal skills and physical stamina are very relevant skills to this profession.
Rideshare Driver
According to Payscale, rideshare drivers earn up to $72,750 per year. They can also choose whenever they want to work. Depending on where you drive, your salary will vary. You can maximize your earnings by driving longer distances.
Working as a rideshare driver can be relaxing because your workplace is your own personal vehicle and you can take a break whenever you like. The basic skills required for this role include professional driving skills and solid interpersonal skills. A valid driver’s license is a top prerequisite for this role.
Jeweler
If you love precious stones then working as a jeweler may be a dream job for you. Jewelers construct, adjust, repair, appraise, polish, and sell jewelry. You only need a high school diploma to work as a jeweler.
Skills that will come in handy include soldering, fabrication, and welding. More importantly, you need good presentation and interpersonal skills. Having some accounting skills will help as well as you start to make sales. It is a relaxing career as you will be free from pressure, unreasonable deadlines, and job hazards.
Technical Writer
Technical writers either work as full-time salaried employees or as freelancers. These writers typically have niches they concentrate on but they can choose to deliver a mix of content based on their clients. You don’t need a degree but some organizations may demand a bachelor’s degree. Deadlines are common, but you can work from the comfort of your home.
Caterer
As the global population continues to rise, demand for caterers and other food service workers has risen with it. Caterers work occasionally, typically providing food for planned events and functions. If you enjoy cooking and event planning, this job may be ideal for you. Being a middleman for caterers and clients is also a lucrative role.
This job can be done from the comfort of your home. It becomes easier if you have a solid team working with you. The requirements are sound culinary skills, time management skills, and interpersonal skills. The job will get stressful if you plan poorly, but with good time management, this job can be truly relaxing.
Tour Guide
Tour guides work for tour companies and provide tours for travelers to various sites and destinations. If you love nature or enjoy traveling, then this role is for you. Tour guides lead tours using prepared schedules and predetermined maps.
The role can be part-time or full-time. It requires the proficiency to handle flexible schedules and entertain tourists. You need to be a good public speaker and possess strong customer service and communication skills to land this job.
Waiter
You should consider this role in 2023 if you’re looking to take up a relaxing job. Waiters and waitresses serve beverages and food to customers at inns, restaurants, bars, and other dining establishments. Their work schedules include weekdays, late evenings, and weekends. You may choose to work full-time or part-time.
The inherent stresses of working a busy shift are offset by the generally very flexible schedules. You do not need to have formal education to be eligible for such a role. However, punctuality and good interpersonal skills are a must.
Tattoo Artist
With fashion trends receiving wide attention over recent years, the demand for tattoo artists has increased. This is also due to the growing acceptance of tattoos, which now come in a variety of semi-permanent and permanent forms. A tattoo artist works with a flexible schedule and can work either full-time or part-time.
While a degree is not required before you take up this job, you need to be good at drawing sketches, have good customer service skills, and possess knowledge of infectious diseases. While we’ve included it as a stress-free job, you will need to carefully ensure the safety and satisfaction of the customer.
Massage Therapist
Massage therapists massage soft tissue and muscles to give their clients stress and pain relief. According to Forbes, massage therapists are in high demand. They work at their own pace and have no deadlines.
A degree is not necessary but you need to possess knowledge in bodywork therapy, health and wellness, customer service, rehabilitation, and pain management. You are at an advantage if you have holistic health skills and deep tissue massage skills. The work atmosphere is unbeatable with dim lights, soft music, and zero distractions.
How to Find Relaxing Careers
There are different places to find relaxing careers. Where you look depends on if you have a degree or not. Below are some basic tips that can help you land a relaxing career that also interests you.
Self-Audit
One of the ways to identify a relaxing career is to assess what you can do and what works for you. If you realize that you have sound culinary skills, or you are a very skillful driver, you can simply carve out a career from these skills. You can choose to work for a company or as an independent contractor.
Explore Your Hobbies
Your hobbies represent a direct reflection of the kind of jobs you might find suitable for yourself. For example, if you love art, working as a tattoo artist may just be the career for you. If you love to write, think about working as a freelance technical writer.
Explore the Internet
The internet is your one-stop shop to find a relaxing career. Performing research on available jobs in a sector that interests you can lead to fruitful results. Check different recruitment sites, make comparisons, and start your application.
Apply for Internship Programs
You can also identify establishments or firms in the sectors you are interested in. For example, if you have an interest in massage therapy, identify the nearest parlor rendering such services and apply for an internship or pay them a visit. Your career journey begins there.
Why Finding a Relaxing Career Is Important
It is important to find a relaxing career because most work environments are quite tense and stressful. With such a career, it is only a matter of time before your mental health is at risk. Working in a relaxing career will brighten your mood each day, boost your confidence, and increase your productivity.
Relaxing Careers FAQ
There are relaxing jobs that require you to have a degree. There are also others that only require you to have a high school diploma or a certain set of skills.
Relaxing jobs generally offer between $25,000 and $100,000 yearly, although it depends on the job, location, and requirements.
Age limit differs from one job to another. It depends on the career or field you are considering.
It depends on the field or profession you are interested in. Some may take weeks, others may take months. If you intend to start a business of your own, it may take less time.
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