Lumberjack worst job of 2012; computer programmer best
Lumberjacks compete in log rolling at the Melbourne Showgrounds in Australia. Lumberjack is rated as 2012’s worst occupation, according to CareerCast.com.
Obviously, ax throwing and logrolling are not part of the selection criteria.
CareerCast.com suggests lumberjack is the worst job you could have in 2012, while computer programmer ranks at the top.
“The top-rated jobs have few physical demands, minimal stress, a good working environment and a strong hiring outlook,” said Tony Lee, publisher of CareerCast.com's 2012 Jobs Rated Report. “Conversely, lumberjacks and dairy farmers, two of the worst jobs in the nation, work in physically demanding, precarious, low-paying professions with a weak hiring outlook.”
The website ranks occupations based on five areas: environment (physical and emotional), income, outlook, physical demands and stress.
CareerCast used statistics from the Department of Labor, and other sources.
Based on rankings in each category, software engineer climbed to the top. It was followed by actuary, human resources manager, dental hygienist and financial planner.
Other than lumberjack, CareerCast ranks dairy farmer, enlisted military soldier, oil rig worker and newspaper reporter among the five worst.
According to the researchers, those in the bottom categories earn a $32,000 to $36,000 mid-level income per year.
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Those involved in these trades blame the “younger generation.”
“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,” lumberjack Jake Rosa said, according to the Los Angeles Times.
It’s the same story for newspapers, said Pennsylvania editor David Campbell.
“Today's younger generation doesn’t seem to care about the news, and, if they do, it’s more about celebrities and Hollywood and not what's going on in their backyards.”
As for the best, software engineers earn a median income of more than $88,000 with few physical demands in an industry with a bright outlook and little stress.
Lee’s advice? Higher education will play an increasing role in a secure future, he told the Tampa Bay Times.
“While it’s true that some people are happy washing dishes, waiting tables or slicing meat as a career, job seekers who want to compete for the nation's best jobs need to gain a competitive edge by expanding their knowledge and skill set with a college education,” he said.
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