Think your job is difficult? Well, if it is not on this list, you might want to reconsider how bad you actually have it.
1. Communication Tower Climber
Tower climbing is one of the deadliest jobs in the world. “While things have gotten a bit safer, this job still results in 20 deaths each year on average in the US” as reported on LousyCV. “In order to maintain communication towers, employees regularly climb towers, using fixed ladders, support structures or step bolts, from 100 feet to heights in excess of 1000 or 2000 feet.” They often climb these heights in extreme weather conditions when things tend to go wrong.
2. Oilrig Worker
A physically and mentally taxing job that involves long hours in a challenging and hostile environment. Jobs can vary from a cleaner or painter right through to driller or tool pusher. Wages are often calculated on an hourly basis with accommodation and meals included. The typical work schedule will involve working on the rig for 6 weeks followed by 6 weeks of leave. There is great potential to make a substantial amount of money and so the risk associated with oil rig work is often downplayed by those wanting to earn a high salary.
3. Landmine Remover
In some parts of the world this is part of the military’s job, however, it’s becoming a private market in other parts. Landmine removal is extremely dangerous and requires skilled workers to complete the job without causing a potential disaster.
4. Bomb Technician
At the top of my list for being emotionally challenging is working as a bomb technician. I can only imagine the amount of stress that is experienced in the split second when you do not know if you cut the right wire.
5. Search and Rescue Team
Working for a search and rescue team can be extremely difficult. To succeed in this career, you must be able to think on your feet and have great attention to detail. Whether it’s the Coast Guard facing high seas or a mountain rescue team facing subzero temperatures at night, search and rescue members must be able to work fast under extreme circumstances.
6. Professional Fisherman
Alaskan Crab Fishermen, often described as the most dangerous job in the world, crab fishing involves long hours at rough seas searching for crabs. Weather conditions are arduous and conditions on board are extremely basic. Fishermen are required to work for up to 24 hours non-stop searching for crab, and, if there are no crabs to be caught, there is no money to be made. But, a good catch can earn tens of thousands of pounds in one month, so if you have what it takes, you may be in a position to earn a great deal of money.
7. Logger
Being a logger requires that you spend all your time working outdoors and often during difficult weather conditions. This job is challenging, considering that it is intensive and highly hazardous due to falling branches and trees, and moving machinery.
8. Bodyguard
A bodyguard is paid to serve as a human shield for a president, celebrity or businessman. They usually protect an important or public figure from danger including theft, assault, kidnapping, homicide, harassment, loss of confidential information, threats, or other criminal offences. It’s extremely tough when you don’t know what to expect and need to be ready to react within seconds. Yet, many bodyguards live for the thrill and high pay-check.
9. Astronaut
Astronauts must be physically fit and able to withstand the mental isolation of long missions in space. The environment is often stressful and in a crisis, astronauts must have the skill to stay calm under pressure. But, the job brings with it a great deal of satisfaction. Imagine looking down on earth from space, knowing that you are the one of the few to live this experience.
10. Firefighters
The role of a firefighter is essentially to protect the lives of the general public during potentially life-threatening situations. They are on call 24/7 to respond to emergency situations including car crashes, water rescue, chemical spills, and of course, fires. The job is challenging, dangerous and oftentimes incredibly stressful but provides high levels of job satisfaction