JIST, America's Career Publisher, Announces Top Low-Stress Jobs

Statistics indicate that 80 percent of workers feel high stress on the job, and 40 percent of job turnover is due to stress. To help people in the world of work avoid stress in their careers, Laurence Shatkin and The Editors at JIST identify and describe the best low-stress jobs and provide guidance for how to decrease work-related stress.

Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) July 15, 2008 -- To achieve rewards in the world of work, such as promotions, raises and special recognition, employees are encouraged to challenge themselves on the job and in their careers. Unfortunately, when workplace demands exceed the level of challenge and turn to stress, they can be very dangerous, warns career expert Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D. in his recently-released book 150 Best Low-Stress Jobs.

For many, it's normal to feel frustrated and exhausted at the end of the work day. Others, however, endure stress levels so high they struggle to achieve satisfaction in their careers and even their personal lives. In fact, a study by Northwestern National Life found that 40 percent of workers reported their job as "very or extremely stressful," and 25 percent reported their job as the top stressor in their lives.

Those suffering from stress tend to experience harmful effects to their physical and mental health. For example, researchers have linked stress to increased incidences of memory loss, depression, sleep loss, panic attacks and heart disease. In addition, stress tends to take a toll on people's relationships with their loved ones. A survey by the Anxiety Disorders Association of American found that of workers who said that stress affects their work, 81 percent said it interferes with their relationship with their spouse or significant other and more than a third said it affects their relationship with their children.

Shatkin warns that job-related stress can affect everyone in the world of work, from experienced professionals feeling burnt out on the job to recent college grads unsure of their career path. "It used to be common to hear about 'mid-life career changers,' but today one also hears the phrase 'quarter-life career changers' because so many people in their 20s feel the need for a career change--most often because of stress," says Shatkin.

Fortunately, there are plenty of low-stress jobs in the world of work for people who prefer them. In his book, 150 Best Low-Stress Jobs, Shatkin sorted through hundreds of occupations to identify which low-stress jobs offered the best combination of earnings, growth and annual openings. Topping Shatkin's list of the 10 best low-stress jobs are:

1. Computer Software Engineers, Applications

2. Computer Systems Analysts

3. Sales Managers

4. Civil Engineers

5. Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

6. Construction and Building Inspectors

7. Environmental Engineers

8. Carpenters

9. Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

10. Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health

150 Best Low-Stress Jobs is available at all major bookstores and from the publisher (www.jist.com or 1.800.648.JIST). To speak with Laurence Shatkin, contact Natalie Ostrom.

JIST, America's Career Publisher, is a division of EMC/Paradigm Publishing and is the leading publisher of job search, career, occupational information, life skills and character education books, workbooks, assessments, videos and software.

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