Gen Z are eyeing up ‘secure’ healthcare jobs to AI-proof their careers, but be warned: chiropractors, doctors and paramedics are the unhappiest workers

Top 10 unhappiest industry sectors, per the research

Gen Z may be happier in hospitality jobs

Top 10 happiest industry sectors, per the research

Orianna Rosa Royle is the Success associate editor at Fortune, overseeing careers, leadership, and company culture coverage. She was previously the senior

Tech leaders have consistently warned that AI is already as good as entry-level workers and that it could halve white-collar jobs

So it’s no wonder they’re eyeing up jobs in healthcare which offer low unemployment rates, the potential to earn over $200,000, and is unlikely to be replaced with robotic doctors and nurses anytime soon. 

But there’s one thing they should know before filling out medical school applications: pursuing job security doesn’t necessarily guarantee job satisfaction.

That’s because recent research from shift work platform Deputy, which surveyed 1.28 million users, ranks doctors, paramedics, and even chiropractors as the unhappiest workers.

In fact, doctors’ offices and medical clinics recorded the highest levels of dissatisfaction, with nearly 38% of respondents saying they’re unhappy in their jobs. Chiropractors and

Despite healthcare’s reputation for meaningful work, these roles are often more likely than most to leave workers burned out and ground down

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What’s perhaps most surprising is that jobs many recent grads might have once looked down on—like fast food or waitressing roles—are emerging as a safer bet for a more satisfying career.

Hospitality fared well in Deputy’s study, making up half of the 10 happiest job sectors, despite the sector’s reputation for high stress, unsociable hours, and low pay. 

Hospitality jobs dominated the happiness rankings. Sit-down restaurant

Florists, childcare workers and cleaners also reported notably high levels of job contentment.

What makes these roles so satisfying? The report suggests it’s less about pay or prestige, and more about the day-to-day experience: “These roles may benefit from clearer routines, manageable workloads, and stronger team camaraderie, highlighting the emotional value of operational structure and positive workplace culture.”

Although probably not at the top of most graduates’ dream career list, separate data also show that wage growth for bartenders and baristas is outpacing that of desk workers.