If you ask folks what their highest priority in life is, outside of family, most of them would answer: “A good, steady job.” Our careers take precedence in our lives for the simple fact that a job determines where and how you are going to fit into society. A lousy job means a lousy life, and we’re all afraid of that.
So once you score that first decent job, one that’s not just minimum-wage retail or burger-flipping, most of us will hang on to that career no matter what. No job is perfect; we tell ourselves.
And what if that fine, steady job that pays so well has a few harmful effects on our general well being? We readily write those circumstances off as mere nuisances that we can learn to live with – because it’s a good job.
But there are a few of these good jobs with hidden disadvantages that, over the long haul, can have serious effects upon our mental and/or physical health, and that can lead to eventual disabilities.
These hazards usually don’t show up right away. The damage caused is frequently a cumulative result of many years of doing the same tasks, in the same way, over and over again. So workers often don’t notice the harm until it’s too late – and they’re permanently disabled. Here’s a list of a few types of occupations that you wouldn’t think could cause health problems, but they can.
- Secretarial Work
Ask a super successful businessman, like, say, Warren Buffet, what component of the workforce around him was most valuable in his climb to the top. Many of executives will say their secretary. Secretaries may do tasks that seem menial and unskilled, but they cover the little details that make their bosses plans, strategies and ideas go.
It is the nature of the secretary’s job to be glued to that desk, in the office, so she, or he, can always be there to give potential clients or partners the feeling that the boss, who’s often out in the field or at a distant location, is going to get any important message or information as quickly and efficiently as possible.
So there’s not much chance for secretaries to get away from that desk for any extended interval to get a little exercise or fresh air. And the further up the management tree that they’re perched, and the higher the salary, the longer the hours they work.
This sort of sedentary routine can cause physical, and mental, problems over the years, like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity, along with increased risks of colon cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, lipid disorders, depression and anxiety.
- Truck Driving
Like secretaries, truck drivers are glued to that work seat for prolonged periods. And even though FMCSA Hours-of-Service regulations have limited the intervals truck drivers are allowed to be at the wheel in the interest of safety, years of truck driving can take a toll on these drivers.
There’s also the boredom from lack of human contact that secretaries and other types of sedentary workers do not have endure. These drivers are often out in the most remote areas of the country, for hours at a time, all by themselves. It is easy to fall into bad habits in that sort of environment, such as over-eating.
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- Chiropractors and Masseuses
Many of us turn to chiropractors or masseuses for relief when we have back pain. But those jobs put a tremendous amount of strain on these professionals’ backs, as well. As a matter of fact, most of their joints and limbs are exposed to a great deal of stress and strain from pushing and kneading the muscle and tissues of their patients.
These therapists are typically on their feet for most of the working day and regularly carry out motions that can lead to repetitive strain injuries and fatigue. Standing for long periods of time can damage joints, make muscles ache and cause foot problems.
- Garment Workers
Sitting in one place and hard driving a sewing machine for an eight-hour, or longer overtime day puts tremendous strain on not only the fingers and hands, but the back, and, most importantly, the eyes as well. The most common malady that garment workers suffer is acute eyestrain, which can result in blurred or double-vision and severe headaches, even migraines.
Lessons Learned
The most important thing all workers need to learn is that no one is going to take care of them – but themselves. Better to quit a job than become disabled – because of that job.
