Happy as a hairdresser

They might be well paid, but it seems accountants and lawyers are anything but happy in their jobs.

Truth is, you're far more likely to feel fulfilled as a nurse or a hairdresser.

One in five people in vocational or hands-on roles is 'extremely happy' compared with just one in ten in traditional white-collar professions, says research.

The findings are revealed in a new City & Guilds happiness index, which found seven in ten people in practical jobs had never regretted their career choice. Many vocational workers said learning new things, being your own boss and not being chained to a desk were key factors.

And when it came to the often spiky issue of salary, the fact they were lower paid was hardly an issue.

Forty-nine per cent said they were happy with what they took home compared with 52 per cent of white-collar workers.

Those in vocational jobs were also a lot more conscientious. Just 13 per cent said they enjoyed long periods of time off on annual leave, compared with 23 per cent of whitecollar workers.

Chris Humphries, from City & Guilds, said: 'It's a misconception that white-collar workers have the best jobs and are therefore the happiest. As our research proves, it's often people in vocational careers that are the most contented and fulfilled.

'A lot of employees are starting to realise that job satisfaction is more important than any other consideration, including money.'