AI and automation have made many white-collar professionals nervous about their job security, with tech leaders predicting that AI could replace half of all office jobs by 2030. Healthcare has seemed like a safe haven - low unemployment, salaries above $200,000, and little chance of replacement by robots. But new research suggests that "safe" does not mean "satisfying."
A 2025 analysis from shift work platform Deputy, based on surveys of 1.28 million workers, ranked doctors, paramedics, and chiropractors as the unhappiest employees. Doctors' offices and medical clinics had the highest dissatisfaction levels of any sector, with nearly 38% of respondents reporting unhappiness. Chiropractors and critical and emergency services staff followed close behind. When including animal health roles, four of the five unhappiest jobs in the UK are in healthcare.
This contradicts the industry's reputation for meaningful work. "Staffing shortages, emotional strain, unpredictable rosters, and an ageing population are cited as key contributors to declining morale," the report said. Long hours and high-stakes decisions appear to weigh heavily on healthcare workers, even when the work itself carries purpose.
The happiness gap by sector
Specific findings from the research show that healthcare roles dominate the unhappiness rankings:
- Doctors' offices and medical clinics - 37.84% unhappy
- Animal health - 17.95%
- Chiropractors - 12.93%
- Critical and emergency services - 12.05%
- Care facilities - 6.22%
But the flip side of this data offers a reminder about what actually drives job satisfaction. Hospitality roles dominated the list of happiest jobs: restaurant staff reported an 89.7% satisfaction rate, fast food workers 82.9%, food pop-up teams 82.5%, and café workers 82%. Florists, childcare workers, and cleaners also reported high levels of contentment.
The report's explanation: "These roles may benefit from clearer routines, manageable workloads, and the emotional value of operational structure, workplace culture, and strong team camaraderie." That suggests simple, predictable days with a shared sense of effort can outweigh higher pay and mantle of prestige.
What tech workers considering healthcare should know
Before making a move to healthcare, note that wage growth is also going in the opposite direction. Some research shows that pay for bartenders and baristas is rising faster than pay for desk workers. Many people are choosing a career in healthcare for security - but the research shows it can come at a cost that isn't measured in a paycheck.
Health institutions that want to retain staff may need better staffing ratios and scheduling flexibility, while potential white-collar converts should look at both pay and the day-to-day realities. The unhappiest workers are often the most essential jobs - and their task isn't a job that's disappearing, it's one that could be just as grinding as the office jobs they hope to escape.
Why this matters for healthcare professionals
If you're in a healthcare role, the takeaway isn't to leave - it's to push for changes that the data support. Ask your employer about flexible, predictable rosters, and teams that share workload. The unhappiest jobs in medicine aren't places to avoid, but they need to be redesigned to improve retention. At the same time, teams considering AI or in healthcare should look at it not just for efficiency, but as a tool that can free up time. For more on that, see AI for Healthcare.
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