Hairdressers happiest at work

FORGET wealth, power and rank. If you want to be happy in your career become a hairdresser.

New research has revealed two out of five hairdressers are extremely happy in their job, head and shoulders above other occupations.

But a survey of 1,200 workers, found desk-bound civil servants, social workers and architects were among the unhappiest employees.

Vocational careers, such as plumbing, cooking or beauty work, were found to bring more happiness during work hours than white collar roles as staff feel more appreciated.

Tradesmen and women also had a better social life at work than white collar employees such as accountants, bankers, estate agents or scientists.

Chris Humphries, director general of the organisation behind the research, City & Guilds, said: 'Nowadays true job satisfaction and happiness is about fulfilling your full potential, tapping into your own creativity and feeling that you can make a difference.

'More people than ever are swapping their desk-bound jobs for a vocation that enables them to be hands-on, use their brains and be in charge of their own destiny.'

Job satisfaction by industry

1. Hairdressers 40%
2. Clergy 24%
3. Chefs/cooks 23%
4. Beauticians 22%
5. Plumbers 20%
6. Mechanics 20%
7. Builders 20%
8. Electricians 18%
9. Florists 18%
10. Fitness Instructors 18%
11. Care Assistants 18%
12. Health care professionals 17%
13. Media 16%
14. Chartered engineers 15%
15. Pharmacists 15%
16. Scientists/R&D 15%
17. Butchers 14%
18. DJs 13%
19. Interior designers 9%
20. Travel Agents 9%
21. Teachers 8%
22. Bankers 8%
23. Accountants 7%
24. IT Specialists 5%
25. Lawyers 5%
26. Secretaries 5%
27. Estate Agents 4%
28. Civil Servants 3%
29. Architects 2%
30. Social Workers 2%