Gen Z is chasing AI-proof healthcare jobs, but data shows baristas and waitresses are happier than doctors

Gen Z’s Healthcare Career Choices: Secure but Not Necessarily Happy

With AI reshaping the job market, many in Gen Z are gravitating toward healthcare roles, seeking security and resilience against automation. Healthcare jobs offer low unemployment, potential high earnings, and seem less likely to be replaced by machines anytime soon.

However, recent data reveals a harsh reality: job security in healthcare doesn’t guarantee job satisfaction. In fact, doctors, paramedics, and chiropractors rank among the unhappiest workers. Nearly 38% of those in doctors’ offices and medical clinics report dissatisfaction, with other healthcare roles like emergency services and animal health also ranking low on happiness.

Long hours, emotional strain, staffing shortages, and unpredictable schedules contribute heavily to burnout and low morale in these fields. Despite the meaningful nature of healthcare work, these factors weigh heavily on workers' day-to-day experience.

Top 10 Unhappiest Industry Sectors

• Doctors Office/Medical Clinic – 37.84%
• Animal Health – 17.95%
• Chiropractors – 12.93%
• Critical & Emergency Services – 12.05%
• Call Centres – 12.00%
• Catering – 8.60%
• Delivery and Postal Services – 6.97%
• Care Facilities – 6.22%
• Cleaning Services – 5.80%
• Private Services (Chefs, Gardeners etc) – 5.62%

Hospitality Jobs: Surprisingly High Satisfaction

Contrary to expectations, jobs in hospitality like fast food, waitressing, and café work show some of the highest satisfaction rates. These roles often feature clearer routines, manageable workloads, and strong team camaraderie, which contribute more to happiness than pay or prestige.

For Gen Z considering career options, these roles might offer a more fulfilling daily experience despite their reputation for low pay and unsociable hours. Notably, wage growth in hospitality roles such as bartenders and baristas is currently outpacing that of many desk jobs.

Top 10 Happiest Industry Sectors

• Tobacco, E-cigarette and Vape Stores – 93.4%
• Sit Down Restaurants – 89.7%
• Fast Food/Cashier Restaurants – 82.9%
• Florists – 82.9%
• Food Pop-Ups – 82.5%
• Cafes/Coffee Shops – 82%
• Dentists – 81.8%
• Childcare/Community Centres – 78.4%
• Catering – 75.3%
• Cleaning Services – 64.3%

What Healthcare Workers Should Consider

Choosing healthcare for job security is understandable, but it’s essential to be aware of the mental and emotional challenges involved. Burnout is a real threat in these professions, and focusing solely on income or job stability risks overlooking your day-to-day well-being.

If you’re in healthcare or planning to enter the field, consider ways to build resilience and find support to manage stress. Also, keep an eye on how AI affects your specific role, as ongoing changes may impact workflow and job demands.

For those interested in how AI intersects with healthcare careers and skills development, exploring specialized courses can be valuable. Resources like Complete AI Training’s healthcare-related AI courses offer insights into adapting your skills for the future.