Low stress jobs in New Zealand
There’s plenty of research that shows stress negatively impacts mood, personal relationships and overall wellbeing. If your work is causing you stress, it might be time to consider switching to a low-stress job. When you’re happier at work, you’re more productive, which can increase job satisfaction and create a positive feedback loop, where you’re enjoying your time at work rather than feeling stressed by it.
In this guide, we explore the least stressful jobs around, the factors that define a low-stress career, and examples of low-stress jobs.
What are low stress careers?
Low-stress careers are jobs that aren’t overly physically or mentally demanding. Exactly what that looks like is different for everyone, but a low-stress career generally means:
Good work-life balance
Clear responsibilities and expectations
Predictable and manageable workload
Job security
Good workplace culture
Being low stress doesn’t necessarily mean the job isn’t high performing or fast paced, but rather offers supportive conditions and a reasonable workload. Some jobs are characteristically quite stressful, such as those in law, medicine, consulting and project management, while others are generally less stressful, like those outlined below.
What constitutes a low-stress job?
While different things stress different people, there are some common traits of what’s considered a low-stress job. Here are a few of those common features.
A predictable schedule
Having a routine schedule with consistent work hours is less stressful than shift work or hours that aren’t guaranteed. Knowing you have set hours and income helps you feel more financially secure and in control of your time.
Work flexibility
Flexible working arrangements also give you more control over how you spend your time. A strict schedule that doesn’t allow much work-life balance can be stressful, especially when you have outside commitments. Being able to choose your work hours so that there’s more time for family, friends and leisure helps you feel calmer and happier overall.
Reasonable deadlines
The stress of unrealistic deadlines and excessive overtime can lead to burnout. A workplace that allows enough time to properly complete work without intense pressure is essential to keeping stress levels under control.
A supportive work culture
A supportive work culture can create the right environment for people to enjoy low-stress jobs. Companies and managers that focus on creating a good culture for employees help lower stress in the workplace.
Little-to-no workplace politics
Stress in the workplace sometimes comes from colleagues. Even if your workplace culture is generally good, there may be internal competition or certain team dynamics that create tension from time to time. Every workplace has some level of politics, so it's worth making the effort to avoid being drawn into them as much as possible and learning some conflict-resolution techniques.
Examples of low stress jobs that pay well
Is it possible to have a low-stress job that also pays well? The answer is yes. Here are some of the least stressful jobs and average salaries.
Librarian or archivist
Average salary: $75,000 per year
Being a librarian or archivist is generally considered a low-stress and rewarding career. Both are research experts who manage and catalogue different resources, as well as help people find the information they need. To become a librarian, you need a qualification in library and information studies.
Appliance technician
Average salary: $70,000 per year
Appliance technicians generally have low-stress careers, applying their technical abilities to repair electrical systems or appliances. Being able to work at your own pace and having clear responsibilities and expectations, alongside predictable work hours, keeps this career stress-free. Appliance technicians can opt to work as a contractor, which means they can choose their customers, providing even more freedom and control.
Dietitian
Average salary: $75,000 per year
Dieticians help people manage and improve their health through nutrition. It’s known as one of the least stressful careers in healthcare as there is typically a regular schedule and predictable work hours. Dieticians can work for themselves, giving them control over work-life balance, and can have relatively high income potential. Both dieticians and nutritionists report high job satisfaction.
Data scientist
Average salary: $110,000 per year
A data scientist analyses raw data to identify patterns and apply them to provide solutions or advise on efficiencies. If you have a knack for understanding complex data, it can be a high-paying and low-stress career. As data scientists can often work remotely, they enjoy flexible hours and potentially a good work-life balance.
While you don’t need a degree to become a data scientist, most in the field will have a bachelor degree, graduate diploma or even a master's degree in data science.
Hairstylist
Average salary: $50,000 per year
Hairstylists use their technical and creative skills to cut, colour and style hair. While apprentice hairdressers begin on a low salary, there are career progression opportunities to salon manager or senior stylist, and the option to work freelance. Being a hairstylist in a salon comes with regular, predictable hours, reasonable ‘deadlines’ and low levels of pressure, plus having a job with some creative expression can contribute to high job satisfaction.
To be a hairstylist or hairdresser, start with a certificate in hairdressing and an apprenticeship.
Audiologist
Average salary: $88,000 per year
An audiologist is a qualified healthcare professional who works with people with hearing impairments. It’s a profession noted for good growth potential, low risk, clear job expectations, no deadlines and no physical labour.
You need a degree in science, biomedical science or health science, as well as an accreditation in clinical audiology to work as a qualified audiologist.
Jeweller
Jewellers enjoy careers with creative expression, clear expectations, predictable schedules and work flexibility – all features of a low-stress job. Working as a jeweller doesn’t typically involve unreasonable deadlines or high-pressure environments, and the work itself is detail-oriented and deliberate. Creating custom pieces for happy clients can also bring high job satisfaction.
You don’t need a degree to become a jeweller, but a certificate in jewellery manufacturing will provide the technical skill set to launch your career.
Carpenter
Average salary: $80,000 per year
Carpenters work with timber in construction to create frameworks (and floors, doors, etc) for buildings. While all trades can be physically demanding, they typically work a set schedule with predictable hours. Contract carpentry work can be flexible and demand for the job is steady, resulting in job security. Carpenters who work overtime have the opportunity to boost their income significantly.
Becoming a carpenter requires you to complete technical training and do three-to-four-year apprenticeship.
Account administration assistant
Account administration assistants provide clerical support to accountants and bookkeepers, undertaking tasks like processing payments, keeping track of client accounts, and preparing official documents for submission. Accounts admin workers have regular office hours, usually with no high-pressure deadlines, and with a clear job description and expectations.
Becoming an accounts administrator doesn’t require qualifications, but a relevant certificate will help you get an entry-level role, which you can build on to move into a better-paying position.
High-paying jobs typically come with some stress, though it’s possible to find a low-stress job that still pays the bills. To find the right job for you, first think about what type of career would make you happy, as high job satisfaction often relates to lower workplace stress. Good work-life balance, a supportive work culture, and predictable hours are also important, so they’re worth considering if you’re looking for a job that won’t stress you out.
FAQs
Is it possible to find a high-paying job with low stress?
Yes, it is possible to find a high-paying job that’s low stress. Jobs like data scientist and audiologist are considered low-stress careers that pay reasonably well.
Are there any low-stress jobs that offer good career advancement opportunities?
There are low-stress jobs with good career advancement opportunities, including:
Librarian
Accounts administration assistant
Dietician
How important is a remote work option for a low-stress job?
While remote work is not essential for a low-stress job, it can help you manage your time so you have more for leisure. It also saves money and stress on commuting.
What are some red flags to watch out for during an interview that might indicate a high-stress environment?
Some red flags that may indicate a high-stress environment during a job interview include:
Poor organisation
High turnover
Unclear job scope
Urgent need to fill the position
Negative attitudes
Job description includes working in a ‘fast-paced’ or 'high-pressure environment'
Can I transition from a high-stress career to a low-stress one?
Yes, it is possible to transition from a high-stress career to a low-stress one. This may include changing roles, switching from a management role, working on a contract basis, or making a career change.
What are some personality traits that make someone a good fit for a low-stress job?
Some personality traits that may make someone good for a low-stress job include conscientious (valuing structure and predictability), analytical, reserved (or introverted) and detail-oriented.
How can I manage my workload and set boundaries to reduce stress even in a non-ideal job?
Some ways to manage your workload and set boundaries to reduce stress at work include:
Openly communicating with your manager and colleagues
Setting clear schedules (including when you work)
Wearing headphones while you work
Blocking out focus time in your work calendar
Not answering emails or messages outside of work hours
Are there any specific industries that are generally considered lower-stress?
Research and academia, data analysis, some trades (like being a technician or a hair stylist), creative or artistic fields like illustration and animation, or working in a quiet environment like a gallery or library are generally considered low stress. Jobs with clear expectations, set schedules, reasonable (or no) deadlines and a supportive culture are also considered to be low stress.
What are some benefits, besides reduced stress, that low-stress jobs might offer?
Some of the benefits of a low-stress job include:
A better work-life balance
Improved relationships inside and outside of the workplace
Better overall wellbeing
High job satisfaction
