The UK's happiest and most miserable jobs aren't what you'd expect
Even in a role you're passionate about, long hours, poor pay or an excessive workload can grind you down — especially if the stakes are high.
A new study has confirmed that 'meaningful' doesn't always equal fulfilling when it comes to careers. In fact, the opposite seems to be true.
Between April 2024 and April 2025, shift work platform Deputy surveyed 1.28 million users about their job satisfaction, with some surprising results.
Healthcare may seem like a rewarding profession – and people hold this essential sector in high esteem – the reality for frontline employees is very different.
Those working in doctors offices and medical clinics recorded the highest level of dissatisfaction in the poll, with a significant 37.84% unhappy sentiment, while critical and emergency services staff (12.05%) and chiropractors (12.93%) also featured in the top five most miserable.
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%
And despite the fact it's a dream vocation for many, 17.95% of people in the animal health industry said they were stressed or frustrated at the end of their shifts — over 5% more than call centre workers, who were third least satisfied.
'This year's report highlights one of the UK's most pressing issues: healthcare workers are nearing breaking point,' comments Emma Seymour, CFO at Deputy. 'Unless we tackle the root causes of burnout, we risk not only losing frontline talent but the long-term viability of critical community services.'
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On the contrary, a whopping 93.4% of employees at tobacco, e-cigarette and vape stores said they clock off with a smile on their face, making this the happiest job in the country.
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%
Hospitality fared well too, making up five of the 10 happiest positions, in contrast to the sector's reputation for high stress, unsociable hours and low pay.
Elsewhere, florists came second with 82.9% satisfaction, and dentists, childcare workers and cleaners rounded up the ranking, rating their experiences as 'good' or 'amazing' more often than any others.
The report concludes: 'These roles may benefit from clearer routines, manageable workloads, and stronger team camaraderie — highlighting the emotional value of operational structure and positive workplace culture.'
Across the UK, the 'Net Happiness Score' fell from 69% to 65.43% over the last year, which Deputy puts down to the 'cumulative effects of cost-of-living pressures, labour shortages, scheduling volatility, and a perceived lack of career progression'. More Trending
Warwickshire emerged as the country's happiest area for shift workers, with a score 88.26% — more than 22 points above the national average.
Perhaps surprisingly, major cities Manchester (82.58%), Greater London (75.87%), and Edinburgh (75.93%) also ranked well, suggesting wider job availability in urban areas may play a part in supporting worker wellbeing.
On the other end of the scale however, the West Midlands (7.15%), Ireland (26.33%), and Buckinghamshire (25.40%) recorded the lowest overall happiness, with Unhappy sentiment peaking at 35.71% in the West Midlands.
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