Everyone has days when they feel like they have the worst job in the world. However, when you break down and compare key factors across various professions, some jobs truly rank among the most challenging and undesirable.
A combination of physical labor, poor work environments, declining job opportunities, and high stress levels are recurring themes among the careers that make up the 2012 Worst Jobs List.
Lumberjack: The Worst Job of 2012
At the top of this year’s list is Lumberjack. These timber harvesters ranked in the bottom 10% in almost every category, with income being their only slightly better metric—landing in the bottom 25%. High unemployment rates and an increasing decline in demand make this a tough career path.
While working outdoors may seem appealing, lumberjacking is not only considered the worst job overall but also one of the most dangerous professions.
“The second you lose respect for the trees or the tools, it can come back and bite you,” says Jake Rosa, owner of Dry Brook Custom Sawmilling in Upstate New York.
Despite this, Rosa insists the demand for lumberjacks remains steady—but the willingness to do the job is disappearing.
“We’re still using paper and wood products all the time, but nowadays, kids would rather play video games instead of working hard and getting their hands dirty.”
Media Jobs Are Struggling
For the first time, two different media-related professions have landed on the Worst Jobs list:
- Newspaper Reporter
- Broadcaster
As digital media dominates, the demand for print newspapers and traditional newscasts is rapidly shrinking. These jobs were once seen as glamorous and prestigious, but today, they suffer from declining job opportunities, shrinking salaries, and high stress levels.
“You can definitely see a decline in the industry. As a sports reporter, there used to be several reporters at an event, and now, sometimes, I’m the only one,” says David Campbell, a reporter and editor for a Pennsylvania newspaper.
The shifting interests of younger audiences have played a role in this decline.
“Today’s younger generation doesn’t seem to care about the news, and if they do, it’s more about celebrities and Hollywood—not what’s going on in their backyards.”
With technological advancements, economic shifts, and industry trends, some careers are becoming less stable and more difficult to sustain. For workers in these fields, uncertain job prospects and intense daily challenges make them among the worst professions of 2012.
The 10 Worst Jobs of 2012
1. Oil Rig Worker
Jobs Rated Score: 737.00
Income: $36,267
Growth Outlook: -13.33%
2. Lumberjack
Jobs Rated Score: 716.00
Income: $34,110
Growth Outlook: -13.00%
3. Enlisted Military Personnel
Jobs Rated Score: 687.00
Income: $44,283
Growth Outlook: 1.83%
4. Cook
Jobs Rated Score: 659.00
Income: $42,208
Growth Outlook: 3.08%
5. Newspaper Reporter
Jobs Rated Score: 658.00
Income: $29,347
Growth Outlook: -1.53%
6. Photojournalist
Jobs Rated Score: 656.00
Income: $29,267
Growth Outlook: 1.67%
7. Corrections Officer
Jobs Rated Score: 642.00
Income: $39,163
Growth Outlook: 4.63%
8. Taxi Driver
Jobs Rated Score: 638.00
Income: $23,118
Growth Outlook: 13.18%
9. Firefighter
Jobs Rated Score: 636.00
Income: $45,264
Growth Outlook: 8.64%
10. Mail Carrier
Jobs Rated Score: 626.00
Income: $41,068
Growth Outlook: -28.32%
