If you have a job… Congrats! Around 6,8 million Americans are unemployed, according to the latest statistics from the U.S. Department of Labour. And for many, it isn’t by choice. The stats also show that 5.7 million currently want a job. Though not all of them are actively looking.

While it might be a good idea to have an attitude of gratitude in these here trying times, we certainly won’t judge you for sometimes hating the fact you have to work. Or for relating to anyone on this list who was brave enough to admit they have a strong dislike for their job. From a bossy boss, to unnecessary meetings, after-hours phone calls, colleagues from hell, or even pure exhaustion, there are a number of reasons you might be dreaming of winning the lotto. Or marrying rich.

Recent data reveals that job satisfaction is a a sixteen year all-time low. One 2024 survey found only 18% of employees were “extremely satisfied” with their organization. Gallup has been doing these surveys for a while now and the the results have never really been anything to write home about.

At the highest point, only a third of the gainfully employed were singing their company's praises. And that was back in 2009. That’s a dreary outlook given that we spend so much of our time grinding away to put food on the table. And a fair amount of time commuting there and back. If we don't work remotely.

Another survey found that the more you earn, the more likely you are to be happy at work. So it turns out money can buy happiness after all. If you’re considering handing in your resignation and getting a job that pays (much) better, you might have to go back to your student days of being broke. According to Indeed, many of the highest paying positions are in the medical industry.

Anesthesiologists rake in an average annual salary of $370 thousand a year. But our quick job search found positions advertised for over $440 thousand. Surgeons, orthodontists, cardiologists and psychiatrists aren't doing too bad either. All hitting close to, or over, $300 thousand yearly.

If needles, scalpels, teeth or hospital wards aren't your thing, you could opt to spend your days in court. Those in the legal industry are in high demand. And with lawyers earning an average hourly rate of $85, the many extra years of studying might just pay off. Forbes recently reported that "the job demand for lawyers is faster than average, experiencing a surge of 8%"

I think we can agree that not everyone is cut out to be a doctor or lawyer. And what a boring (and dangerous place) the world would be if everyone followed that direction. As they say, “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Thankfully, there are some other careers that pay well and get rave reviews from those who have followed the path.

“A sense of purpose is significantly correlated with fulfillment and satisfaction. You don’t have to be solving world peace or world hunger, but when you show up and do great work that is meaningful to your colleagues and to the people you serve, it’s good for you as well,” reported Forbes.

“You can consider the meaning of work—showing up and doing what you do to the best of your ability, no matter what type of work it is—as well as the meaning in work—a career which you feel has intrinsic value. Either type of meaning contributes to satisfaction—both the meaning of work and the meaning in work.”

According to Career.io becoming a Data Scientist is among the most satisfying, highly paid jobs. While Real Estate Agents top the spot for the most popular job with the highest satisfaction levels. The site quotes experienced realtor, Tina Lapp, as crediting the “flexibility and autonomy” of the role for being so popular.

They explain that a Real Estate Agent must "use creativity and strategy to succeed and develop rewarding human relationships along the way — hopefully with the buzz of a big sale at the end of it." They add that you get to define what success looks like to you. And create your own schedule to balance work, home, and your bank balance.

Whatever you decide to do, whatever path you choose, and whatever career you pursue... Remember that the average person will spend around 90 thousand hours at work in their lifetime. And when the hour of reckoning comes, they’re unlikely to regret not spending enough time working.

According to this report, and several others, the most common deathbed regrets are "I didn’t spend enough time with the people I love" and "I worked too much and missed out on life." Do you love your job? Do you hate your job? What would do if you didn't have to worry about money? Let us know in the comments.