Jobs that require you to face unpredictable conditions, immediate dangers, and high-stakes situations rank among the most stressful of 2014. These are careers that demand resilience, mental toughness, and the ability to perform under intense pressure. For those bold enough to pursue these professions, the rewards can be significant, but the challenges are equally immense.

Richard Keyworth, a retired firefighter in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, encapsulates the mindset necessary to thrive in a high-stress job. “It takes a ’round peg in a square hole’ mentality to succeed,” says Keyworth, who has over 30 years of experience in firefighting. The psychological stress firefighters face is no laughing matter, he adds.

“We go through a lot of psychological training,” he explains. “Understand, this is not all glory. You never know if you’re not coming home one day.”

Firefighter ranks third on CareerCast.me’s list of the most stressful jobs of 2014, following enlisted military personnel and military generals. These careers scored the highest in a measurement of 11 stress factors, including personal risk and responsibility for others’ lives.

The inherent dangers faced by military personnel and firefighters are clear. However, their responsibilities extend beyond personal safety, as they are also accountable for the well-being of their peers. Keyworth emphasizes the importance of teamwork in such high-pressure environments.

“We operate in a team environment. No one goes in by [himself or herself],” he says. “Go in as a team, go out as a team.”

Similarly, airline pilots, who rank fourth on the list, are entrusted with the safety of hundreds of passengers daily. Their expertise in handling complex equipment and navigating challenging conditions is crucial in ensuring secure flights.

Other high-stress professions do not necessarily involve physical danger but are characterized by relentless deadlines, public scrutiny, and significant responsibilities. Public relations executives, newspaper reporters, event coordinators, and senior corporate executives all face substantial pressure in their day-to-day roles.

The following are the 10 most stressful jobs of 2014, according to the CareerCast.me Jobs Rated report:

The 10 Most Stressful Jobs of 2014

1. Enlisted Military Personnel

  • Jobs Rated Stress Score: 84.72
  • Average Median Salary: $28,840
  • Projected Job Growth: N/A
    From serving food in the mess hall to engaging in combat, enlisted personnel perform duties with varying levels of responsibility and risk.

2. Military General

  • Jobs Rated Stress Score: 65.54
  • Average Median Salary: $196,300
  • Projected Job Growth: N/A
    Generals oversee tactical strategies that influence both the success of military operations and the safety of their subordinates.

3. Firefighter

  • Jobs Rated Stress Score: 60.45
  • Average Median Salary: $45,250
  • Projected Job Growth: 9%
    Firefighters protect individuals and property from the devastation of fires, often working in unpredictable and life-threatening conditions.

4. Airline Pilot

  • Jobs Rated Stress Score: 60.28
  • Average Median Salary: $114,200
  • Projected Job Growth: 11%
    Pilots ensure the safe operation of aircraft, managing challenging weather conditions, technical failures, and high passenger expectations.

5. Event Coordinator

  • Jobs Rated Stress Score: 49.93
  • Average Median Salary: $45,810
  • Projected Job Growth: 44%
    Coordinators are responsible for the logistics and execution of events, handling tight deadlines, high client expectations, and unforeseen complications.

6. Public Relations Executive

  • Jobs Rated Stress Score: 48.52
  • Average Median Salary: $54,170
  • Projected Job Growth: 21%
    PR executives help organizations maintain a positive public image while managing crises and media relations under constant scrutiny.

7. Corporate Executive (Senior)

  • Jobs Rated Stress Score: 47.46
  • Average Median Salary: $168,140
  • Projected Job Growth: 5%
    Senior executives develop company policies, make critical business decisions, and bear responsibility for the success or failure of their organizations.

8. Newspaper Reporter

  • Jobs Rated Stress Score: 46.75
  • Average Median Salary: $35,870
  • Projected Job Growth: -6%
    Reporters cover breaking news under tight deadlines and often face public criticism, job instability, and industry decline.

9. Police Officer

  • Jobs Rated Stress Score: 46.66
  • Average Median Salary: $55,270
  • Projected Job Growth: 7%
    Officers enforce laws, protect citizens, and investigate criminal activity, often encountering dangerous and unpredictable situations.

10. Taxi Driver

  • Jobs Rated Stress Score: 46.18
  • Average Median Salary: $22,820
  • Projected Job Growth: 20%
    Drivers operate in high-traffic areas, deal with difficult passengers, and work long, irregular hours.

These jobs require exceptional resilience, quick decision-making, and the ability to perform under pressure. While stressful, they also offer fulfillment and a sense of purpose for those willing to take on the challenge.