AI Threats Push Gen Z Toward Healthcare, But New Study Ranks Doctors Among the Unhappiest Workers
Tech leaders continue to warn that artificial intelligence is advancing quickly, with capabilities already matching entry-level workers. A Stanford University study recently highlighted the technology’s growing impact, suggesting AI could halve white-collar jobs by 2030. The report noted that Gen Z may be especially vulnerable as the job market shifts.
Stanford warns AI may cut white-collar jobs, but research shows healthcare workers are the unhappiest, while hospitality jobs top satisfaction.
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Healthcare has emerged as an attractive alternative, offering strong job security, low unemployment, and salaries exceeding $200,000 in some roles. With robotic doctors and nurses still far from reality, many young professionals see the medical sector as a safeguard against automation.
However, a new study from workforce platform Deputy reveals that job stability does not always translate to job satisfaction. Surveying 1.28 million users, the research identified healthcare as one of the unhappiest industries in the United Kingdom. Doctors, paramedics, and chiropractors were among the least satisfied professionals, with medical clinics reporting the highest levels of discontent. Nearly 38% of respondents in doctors’ offices said they were unhappy in their roles.
The study found that four of the five unhappiest job categories were linked to healthcare, including animal health and critical emergency services. Despite being seen as meaningful work, these professions often involve long hours, high emotional strain, and heavy responsibilities that contribute to burnout. Staffing shortages, unpredictable schedules, and an ageing population were also cited as key reasons for declining morale.
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%
The report also highlighted a surprising trend: hospitality jobs—often criticized for low pay and unsociable hours—ranked among the happiest. Restaurant staff, fast food employees, food pop-up teams, and café workers reported some of the highest satisfaction levels across all industries. Florists, childcare professionals, and cleaners also recorded strong happiness scores.
Researchers suggested that workplace culture and manageable routines play a greater role in job satisfaction than salary or prestige. Team camaraderie, clear structures, and supportive environments were seen as key factors driving morale in these roles.
Separate data also revealed that wage growth in hospitality positions such as bartending and barista work is outpacing that of many desk-based jobs, making the sector increasingly attractive to younger workers seeking both income growth and job satisfaction.
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%
The findings suggest that as AI reshapes the employment landscape, job seekers may need to balance the desire for financial security with the pursuit of workplace happiness.
