The least stressful job for 2013 is being a university professor, according to Forbes. "For tenure-track professors, there is some pressure to publish books and articles, but deadlines are few. Working conditions tend to be cozy and civilized and there are minimal travel demands, except perhaps a non-mandatory conference or two," writes Susan Adams.
Other jobs on her list include seamstress, dietician, and hair stylist. To make her list, Adams drew on CareerCast data, and Tony Lee from CareerCast notes that the least stressful jobs all give people a modicum of autonomy.
Some science professors, though, balk at their job being called the least stressful one out there. "Forbes, you're kidding, right? University professor is least stressful job?? Right before "seamstress"??" tweets May Berenbaum from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Adams also says that professors don't work a full year and get a lot of time off. Additionally, she notes that while the average pay is not high, university towns aren't too expensive to live in.
"Word. I mean, I know I spend my summers lounging on the porch drinking bourbon, you? And how you folks at Columbia, UCLA or Boston University liking those cheap college towns you live in?" Prof-like Substance blogs in response. "I'm not saying that University Professor is one of the most stressful jobs out there, but if you're going to call something cushy, it would help to understand what you are talking about."
Interestingly, a separate list published at Forbes in September calls being a biologist one of the most underrated jobs of 2012.
Well the assistant profesor
Well the assistant profesor years are no doubt stressful at major research universities but Forbes is very likely correct for the bulk of faculty, for whom tenure has already been awarded. Sure there is plenty of anxiety in clawing one's way into muckety muck status in one's field but there must also be plenty of serentity in knowing your family and future are secure whether you ultimately succeed in making a big difference or a small difference, or even having everything crumble in your hands in what was a nobe but mistaken effort. I wouldn't conceed the salary issue either. A Professor friend at a major research university makes more in salary than I ever made and more than my salary + bonus in all but my top 2 years in industry. Plus even when successful, people like me (untenured, industry) are at risk of politics, short corporate attention spans, a decade of global recession etc. Nowadays I make less than a starting assistant professor at said university. Sorry Mary, no sympathy for you.