Gen Z is eyeing up ‘secure’ healthcare jobs to AI-proof their careers, but be warned: Chiropractors, doctors and paramedics are the unhappiest workers
Health care workers report burnout and lower job satisfaction. In fact, Gen Z's safest bet for happiness might just be behind a counter, not a stethoscope, research suggests.
Gen Z is focused on secure healthcare jobs to safeguard their careers against AI, but new research reveals that doctors, paramedics, and chiropractors are among the unhappiest workers. Tech leaders have warned AI could eliminate white-collar jobs by 2030, making healthcare an attractive option for Gen Z with its low unemployment rates and high earning potential.
However, despite healthcare's reputation for meaningful work, these jobs often lead to burnout and dissatisfaction due to long hours, high stakes, and staffing shortages. Deputy's 2025 survey of 1.28 million users found doctors, paramedics, and chiropractors to be the unhappiest workers, with doctors' offices and medical clinics reporting the highest levels of dissatisfaction, with nearly 38% of respondents feeling unhappy in their jobs.
The report suggests that jobs in hospitality may offer a safer bet for a more satisfying career, as they ranked among the top ten happiest sectors. The key factors contributing to job satisfaction in hospitality include clear routines, manageable workloads, and strong team camaraderie, highlighting the importance of a positive workplace culture and operational structure.
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