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Health problems occur in those who choose the "wrong" profession
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Researchers from the University of Manchester analysed the relationship between different types of activity and health characteristics and chronic stress in the UK adult population.
At first, the specialists observed individuals aged 35-75 who had been looking for work for a year. The researchers then compared the data they had obtained with those obtained over the next two years, when many of these people had finally found work. In total, more than a thousand people took part in the study.
At the end of the project, it turned out that those participants who were forced to take low-paying or stressful jobs developed more health problems than those who remained unemployed.
There are proven facts that the chosen position or profession directly affects health indicators and psychological comfort. Although it was previously believed that even the most difficult and low-paid job is always better than unemployment.
The experts developed a unique scale specifically for the study, which was used to assess a person's satisfaction with their professional activity. Factors such as salary, level of confidence and stability, ability to control circumstances, probability of anxiety and worry were taken into account. As a result, it was discovered that getting a not very good position led to deterioration of health, and in many indicators simultaneously.
Previously existing information that repeated episodes of getting a “bad” job develop a kind of immunity in people who “get used” to bad luck and stop reacting to events by developing stress has not been confirmed.
Unfortunately, not everyone manages to find a job, as they say, to their liking. The job that will be well paid and will be able to match internal expectations, providing a sense of moral satisfaction.
What do experts advise: to quit a “bad” job and be unemployed, or to continue suffering?
Firstly, you can work and simultaneously look for a better profession, or go to the management and offer your services in another, more acceptable position. Often there is an opportunity to move to another area or another position without leaving the company. Sometimes changing the team gives a positive result, and a person begins to feel more comfortable.
In addition, you can look for additional opportunities for development: master a new specialty, attend advanced training courses, study.
Experts advise to look at the situation with the place of work as if from the outside: perhaps this will help to make a decision and find the best way out of the situation. In any case, complete dissatisfaction with work will sooner or later negatively affect health - thus the state of chronic stress demonstrates its adverse effects. You need to remember one thing: there is a lot of pleasant things in life, and you need to pay attention, first of all, to the positive aspects.