You might think your job is terrible, but how does it stack up against the worst jobs in the world? From hazardous working conditions to thankless tasks and grueling hours, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 most challenging occupations. Some you’ve probably heard of, and others might surprise you.
Manual Scavenging
Manual scavenging is cleaning raw sewage and waste from septic tanks, dry toilets, and sewers without protective clothing. Manual laborers often do this job and risk exposure to diseases like cholera and hepatitis from direct contact with human excrement.
Crime Scene Cleaners
Crime scene cleaners get to the gruesome scenes of a crime after law enforcement has gone. They are responsible for cleaning, disinfection, and deodorizing the area to reduce exposure to bacteria or other hazardous materials. This job is stressful and disgusting because they work with corpses and human blood or body fluids.
Miners
Mining is a hazardous profession. Miners work in dark, confined, and often wet conditions with limited ventilation. They are exposed to hazards like cave-ins, explosions, floods, toxic gases, etc. Also, they must lift heavy objects or operate machinery for extended periods.
Firefighters
Firefighters risk their lives every time they go out on the job. They not only fight fires, but they also help save lives during natural disasters, hazardous material spills, and other emergencies. It’s a difficult job because the conditions are unpredictable and the working hours can be grueling.
Garbage Collectors
Garbage collectors have one of the most thankless jobs in the world. They pick up trash from homes and businesses daily, often in extreme temperatures. It’s a dirty job that doesn’t pay well and is dangerous as they often come into contact with hazardous materials like syringes or broken glass.
Grave Diggers
Grave diggers work with the dead and are responsible for digging graves, transporting bodies, and handling cemetery records. This job requires physical strength and a strong stomach as they must handle the deceased, often in unpleasant conditions.
Soldiers
Soldiers put their lives on the line for their country. They face extreme danger and are exposed to harsh living conditions, combat stress, and other physical and emotional tolls. It’s a grueling job that requires strength and courage, and many soldiers don’t make it back alive or sane.
Pest Control Workers
Pest control workers eliminate rodents, insects, and other pests from homes and businesses. The job requires them to work in tight spaces, use hazardous chemicals, and deal with dangerous animals. It’s problematic and mentally draining since they also deal with small but persistent creatures. Moreover, it’s a nasty job that can be hazardous to human health if not done correctly.
Social Workers
Social workers help needy people, often with heartbreaking abuse, poverty, drug addiction, homelessness, or neglect. They must be able to handle difficult conversations and stressful situations while helping families cope with their problems. It’s a demanding job that requires a lot of patience and compassion.
Taxi Drivers
Taxi drivers have to work long hours and face various dangerous situations. They must pick up customers from all walks of life, even in bad neighborhoods or late at night. It’s also a stressful job since they are responsible for their passengers’ safety and getting them to their destination on time.
Mortuary Attendants
Mortuary attendants are responsible for preparing and preserving corpses before they are buried or cremated. They must handle dead bodies and work in a cold environment, often with unpleasant odors. It’s a difficult job that requires a strong stomach and emotional control.
Retail Salesperson
Retail salespeople often work long hours and deal with rude or demanding customers. They must be familiar with the store’s products and able to help customers find the right ones. They must also meet sales targets while managing customer complaints, returns, and exchanges. It’s a job that can be thankless and demoralizing if the person is not passionate about retail.
Construction Workers
Construction workers are exposed to hazardous working conditions, including heavy machinery and dangerous tools. They must lift heavy objects, handle sharp materials, and work long hours in all weather. It’s a physically demanding job that requires physical strength, stamina, and knowledge of building codes and regulations and can take a toll on the body after years of hard labor.
Slaughterhouse Workers
Slaughterhouse workers have one of the most unpleasant jobs in the world. They have to handle and slaughter animals daily. This job requires strength, agility, and a strong stomach since workers must be able to move large quantities of animal carcasses quickly and efficiently and withstand the blood and odors. It’s a challenging job that exposes workers to the risk of injury from sharp tools or hazardous chemicals.
Telemarketers
Telemarketers make cold calls to sell products or services and are often met with rejection. It’s an unenviable job that requires patience and thick skin since people can be rude and uncooperative. It’s also mentally draining as the hours are long, and workers must try different strategies to persuade customers to purchase their product.
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