Reading Time: 19 minutes Jobs That Break Hearts: 30 Careers Most Likely to End in Divorce
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Marriage can be tough, and some jobs seem to make it even tougher. Today, we’re looking at careers that have higher divorce rates than others. This topic fascinates me because our work lives significantly impact our personal relationships.
Let’s break down what’s happening and why certain jobs might put extra stress on marriages. Overall, divorce rates have been going down in recent years. But when we look closer, we see that some jobs still have higher divorce rates than others.
You might wonder, “How does my job affect my marriage?” It turns out, the connection is stronger than you might think. Careers that offer good pay and stability tend to have lower divorce rates.
This makes sense, when financial stress is reduced, couples can focus more on their relationship. On the other hand, jobs with lower salaries or unpredictable schedules often see higher divorce rates.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 30 jobs with the highest divorce rates. We’ll investigate the reasons behind these statistics and the factors that could influence relationship stability in these professions.
Table of Contents
Ranking the Highest Divorce Rates: Methodology and Insights
Researchers used data from the American Community Survey, obtained through the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series, to examine 30 different occupations and rank them based on their divorce rates.
They calculated these rates by comparing the number of divorced individuals in each profession to the total number of people in that job who have ever been married. The study also considered employment figures and wage data for various occupations.
Interestingly, people who haven’t had a job in over five years or have never worked had a divorce rate of 21.4%. That’s actually lower than all the jobs on our list!
In the next section, we’ll count down the top 30 jobs with the highest divorce rates. While these percentages might seem high, it’s important to understand the factors that contribute to these numbers.
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30. Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders (Metal and Plastic)
People working with forming machines in metal and plastic industries face a divorce rate of 23%. These jobs often involve long hours and physically demanding tasks, which can lead to fatigue and stress.
The median annual salary of $44,273 puts these workers in a moderate income bracket. With 102,040 people employed in this field, it’s a significant sector of the manufacturing industry.
The combination of physical strain, moderate pay, and potentially irregular work hours can create challenges for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
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29. Bus Drivers (Transit and Intercity)
Bus drivers in transit and intercity services also experience a divorce rate of 23%. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $50,890, which is higher than some other jobs on our list. The field employs 141,530 people across the country.
Despite the decent pay, bus drivers often work long hours and irregular shifts, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends. This schedule can make it difficult to spend quality time with family and maintain strong relationships.
The stress of managing traffic and ensuring passenger safety adds another layer of pressure to their daily lives.
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28. Pressers (Textile, Garment, and Related Materials)
Textile and garment pressers face a divorce rate of 23%, with a notably high separation rate of 7.4%. This job stands out for its low median annual salary of $29,690, which can create financial stress for families.
The industry employs 28,570 people, making it one of the smaller job categories on our list. The work is often physically demanding, requiring long hours of standing and repetitive motions.
These factors, combined with the financial strain of low wages, can put significant pressure on marriages.
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27. Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers have a divorce rate of 23.1%. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $50,490, placing them in a moderate income bracket. The field employs 53,680 people across the United States.
While the pay is relatively good, the nature of the work can be stressful. Title examiners often face tight deadlines and need to pay close attention to detail.
The pressure to avoid errors, which could have significant legal and financial consequences, can create a high-stress work environment. This stress may spill over into personal lives, affecting marital relationships.
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26. Word Processors and Typists
Word processors and typists experience a divorce rate of 23.4%. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $44,330, which is moderate compared to other jobs on our list. The field employs 41,990 people nationwide.
The work often involves long hours of sitting and staring at computer screens, which can lead to physical discomfort and eye strain. The repetitive nature of the tasks might also contribute to job dissatisfaction.
These factors, combined with potential deadline pressures, can create stress that impacts personal relationships.
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25. Home Health Aides
Home health aides face a divorce rate of 23.4%, with a high separation rate of 7.6%. This profession stands out for its low median annual salary of $30,180, which can create significant financial stress.
The field is large, employing 3.5 million people across the country. Home health aides often work long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends. The job can be emotionally taxing as they care for ill or elderly patients.
The combination of low pay, demanding schedules, and emotional strain can put considerable pressure on marriages.
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24. Dancers and Choreographers
Dancers and choreographers have a divorce rate of 23.5%. These artists earn a median annual salary of $50,990, which is higher than some other jobs on our list. The field employs 14,330 people nationwide.
While the pay is relatively good, the nature of the work presents unique challenges. Dancers and choreographers often have irregular schedules, including evening and weekend performances.
They may need to travel frequently for shows or competitions. The physical demands of the job, combined with the pressure to perform, can create stress. These factors can make it difficult to maintain stable relationships.
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23. Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Legal secretaries and administrative assistants experience a divorce rate of 23.8%. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $48,780, placing them in a moderate income bracket.
The field employs 159,940 people across the United States. While the pay is relatively stable, the work environment can be highly stressful. Legal secretaries often face tight deadlines, demanding attorneys, and the need for extreme accuracy in their work.
The pressure of working in the legal field, combined with potentially long hours, can create stress that impacts personal relationships.
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22. Rehabilitation Counselors
Rehabilitation counselors face a divorce rate of 23.9%. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $39,990, which is on the lower end compared to some other jobs on our list. The field employs 82,420 people nationwide.
Rehabilitation counselors work with people facing physical, mental, or emotional disabilities, helping them live independently. This work can be emotionally taxing, as counselors often deal with challenging cases and may become emotionally invested in their clients’ progress.
The combination of emotional strain and relatively low pay can create stress that affects personal relationships.
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21. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Licensed practical and vocational nurses have a divorce rate of 23.9%. These healthcare professionals earn a median annual salary of $54,620, which is higher than many other jobs on our list.
The field is large, employing 632,020 people across the country. While the pay is good, the nature of the work presents significant challenges. Nurses often work long shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
The job can be physically demanding and emotionally draining as they care for sick or injured patients. The stress of making critical decisions and the emotional toll of patient care can impact personal relationships.
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20. Pharmacy Aides
Pharmacy aides experience a divorce rate of 24.3%. These workers earn a median annual salary of $33,270, which is on the lower end of our list. The field employs 43,230 people nationwide.
Pharmacy aides often work in retail settings, which can mean irregular hours including evenings and weekends. The job can be stressful, as it requires attention to detail when handling medications and interacting with customers who may be ill or stressed.
The combination of low pay and the demands of retail work can create pressure that affects personal relationships.
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19. Residential Advisors
Residential advisors face a divorce rate of 24.3%, with a separation rate of 5.7%. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $35,720, which is relatively low compared to other jobs on our list.
The field employs 86,770 people across the United States. Residential advisors often work in college dormitories or group homes, which can mean irregular hours and being “on call” for emergencies.
The job can be emotionally demanding as they deal with residents’ personal issues and conflicts. The combination of low pay, irregular hours, and emotional strain can put significant pressure on marriages.
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18. Crossing Guards and Flaggers
Crossing guards and flaggers have a divorce rate of 24.4%. These workers earn a median annual salary of $33,380, which is one of the lower salaries on our list. The field employs 91,270 people nationwide.
While the job might seem straightforward, it comes with its own set of challenges. Crossing guards often work split shifts, covering morning and afternoon school times. They face the stress of ensuring pedestrian safety in busy traffic areas.
The combination of low pay, split shifts, and the responsibility for others’ safety can create stress that impacts personal relationships.
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17. Personal Care Aides
Personal care aides experience a divorce rate of 24.5%, with a high separation rate of 6.3%. These workers earn a median annual salary of $30,180, which is one of the lowest on our list. The field is large, employing 3.5 million people across the country.
Personal care aides often work long and irregular hours, including nights and weekends. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding as they assist elderly or disabled clients with daily tasks.
The combination of low pay, challenging work conditions, and emotional investment in clients’ well-being can put significant strain on personal relationships.
16. Supervisors of Personal Care and Service Workers
Supervisors of personal care and service workers face a divorce rate of 24.6%. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $48,210, which is moderate compared to other jobs on our list.
The field employs 205,440 people nationwide. While the pay is better than that of the workers they supervise, the job comes with its own set of challenges. Supervisors must manage staff, handle customer complaints, and ensure quality care is provided.
The stress of managing both staff and client needs, combined with potential irregular hours, can create pressure that affects personal relationships.
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15. Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
Switchboard operators face a divorce rate of 24.7%. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $34,670, which is on the lower end of our list. The field employs 47,430 people across the country.
Switchboard operators often work in high-pressure environments, handling a large volume of calls and managing multiple lines simultaneously. The work can be repetitive and mentally taxing, requiring constant focus and patience.
Long hours of sitting and potential shift work can also contribute to job stress. These factors combined can put a strain on personal relationships, potentially leading to higher divorce rates.
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14. Gambling Services Workers
Gambling services workers experience a divorce rate of 24.7%. They earn a median annual salary of $29,470, one of the lowest on our list. This field employs 91,460 people nationwide.
Working in casinos and other gambling establishments often means late nights, weekends, and holiday shifts. The environment can be high-stress, with constant noise and the pressure to maintain a friendly demeanor with customers.
Exposure to smoking and alcohol in the workplace can also affect overall health and well-being. These challenging work conditions, combined with low pay, can create significant stress in personal lives.
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13. Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators (Except Postal Service)
Mail clerks and mail machine operators have a divorce rate of 24.7%. These workers earn a median annual salary of $35,070, which is relatively low compared to other jobs. The field employs 67,750 people across the United States.
The work often involves repetitive tasks and can be physically demanding, requiring long periods of standing or sitting. Deadlines and the pressure to process large volumes of mail accurately can create a stressful work environment.
Potential exposure to dust and noise in mail processing facilities might also impact overall job satisfaction. These factors can contribute to stress that spills over into personal relationships.
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12. School Bus Monitors
School bus monitors face a divorce rate of 24.8%. They earn a median annual salary of $29,880, one of the lowest on our list. This occupation employs 64,100 people nationwide.
School bus monitors often work split shifts, covering morning and afternoon school runs. The job requires patience and energy to manage children’s behavior and ensure their safety during transit.
The responsibility for children’s well-being can be stressful, especially in challenging weather or traffic conditions. Low pay combined with the unique demands of the job can put strain on personal relationships.
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11. Telephone Operators
Telephone operators experience a divorce rate of 25.5%. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $38,330, which is moderate compared to other jobs on the list. The field employs 4,030 people, making it one of the smaller occupations in our study.
Telephone operators often work in high-pressure environments, handling a large volume of calls and inquiries. The work can be repetitive and mentally taxing, requiring constant focus and patience.
Potential shift work and the need to maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations can add to job-related stress. These factors can impact personal relationships and contribute to higher divorce rates.
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10. Interviewers (Except Eligibility and Loan)
Interviewers in this category have a divorce rate of 25.6%. They earn a median annual salary of $38,700, placing them in the middle range of our list. This field employs 168,680 people across the country.
Interviewers often deal with a wide range of people and situations, which can be both rewarding and challenging. The job may require asking sensitive questions or delivering difficult news, which can be emotionally taxing.
Meeting quotas or targets for completed interviews can add pressure to the role. These factors, combined with potential irregular hours, can create stress that impacts personal relationships.
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9. Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators
Postal service workers in this category face a divorce rate of 25.7%. They earn a median annual salary of $49,130, which is higher than many other jobs on our list. This occupation employs 119,530 people nationwide.
The work often involves night shifts and irregular hours, as mail processing continues around the clock. The job can be physically demanding, requiring long periods of standing and repetitive motions.
High-speed machinery and tight deadlines add to the stress of the work environment. These challenging conditions, despite relatively good pay, can put strain on personal relationships.
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8. Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks
Hotel and resort desk clerks experience a divorce rate of 25.9%. These workers earn a median annual salary of $28,910, one of the lowest on our list. The field employs 243,180 people across the United States.
Desk clerks often work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays when hotels are busiest. The job requires constant interaction with guests, some of whom may be tired, frustrated, or demanding.
Handling complaints and solving problems quickly can be stressful. The combination of low pay, irregular hours, and high-stress customer service can put significant pressure on personal relationships.
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7. Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
Sports officials face a divorce rate of 26.1%. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $36,010, which is moderate compared to other jobs on our list. The field employs 12,720 people nationwide.
Sports officials often work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends when most games take place. Their work involves frequent travel, which can disrupt family life. The job requires making stressful decisions under pressure, often in front of large crowds.
Despite the passion many have for sports, the inconsistency in pay and schedule can lead to marital instability.
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6. Massage Therapists
Massage therapists experience a divorce rate of 27.6%. They earn a median annual salary of $49,860, which is relatively good compared to other jobs on our list. This occupation employs 86,270 people across the country.
Massage therapy involves intimate work conditions, which can sometimes create complications in personal relationships. The job often requires irregular hours to accommodate clients’ schedules.
Job insecurity can also be a factor, especially for those who are self-employed or work in spa settings. These challenges can put strain on relationships despite the relatively good pay.
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5. Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
Hazardous materials removal workers have a divorce rate of 27.6%. They earn a median annual salary of $46,690, placing them in the middle range of our list. This field employs 46,780 people nationwide.
The nature of the job involves exposure to dangerous substances, which can create high levels of stress and concern for personal safety. The work often requires protective gear and strict safety protocols, which can be physically and mentally taxing.
The high-stress nature of dealing with hazardous materials likely contributes to the higher divorce rates in this profession.
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4. Bartenders
Bartenders face a divorce rate of 27.8%. They earn a median annual salary of $29,380, which is one of the lowest on our list. This occupation employs 613,070 people across the United States. Bartending typically involves late night shifts, which can disrupt normal family schedules.
The job requires constant interaction with customers in a high-energy environment, which can be emotionally draining. Exposure to alcohol and sometimes rowdy behavior can add to job stress.
The combination of lower income and challenging work conditions often causes strain on marriages.
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3. Acupuncturists
Acupuncturists experience a surprisingly high divorce rate of 29.2%. They earn a median annual salary of $72,220, which is one of the highest on our list. This field employs 7,800 people nationwide.
Despite the higher salaries, acupuncturists face unique challenges. The stress related to client outcomes and maintaining a successful practice can be significant. Many acupuncturists are self-employed, which can add financial pressures and irregular work hours.
The emotional investment in patients’ well-being, combined with the challenges of running a business, may affect personal relationships.
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2. Metal Furnace Operators, Tenders, Pourers, and Casters
Workers in this category face a divorce rate of 29.5%. They earn a median annual salary of $47,675, which is moderate compared to other jobs on the list. This field employs 25,390 people across the country.
The work is physically grueling, often involving extreme temperatures and heavy machinery. Safety risks are high in this profession, adding a layer of stress to daily work life. Shift work is common, which can disrupt family schedules.
The combination of physically demanding work, high safety risks, and potential for irregular hours likely puts additional strain on marriages.
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1. Telemarketers
Telemarketers top our list with a divorce rate of 34.4%. They earn a median annual salary of $31,030, which is one of the lowest on our list. This occupation employs 96,520 people nationwide.
Telemarketing jobs often involve high-pressure environments with strict sales quotas. The work can be emotionally draining, dealing with frequent rejection and occasionally hostile responses.
Job instability is common in this field, adding financial stress to personal lives. The combination of low pay, high stress, and potential job insecurity contributes to the highest divorce rate among all professions in our study.
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Surprising Omissions
You might be wondering about some high-profile, stressful jobs that didn’t make our list. Many people expect professions like professional athletes, musicians, chefs, lawyers, doctors, and pilots to rank high in divorce rates.
Surprisingly, these jobs were absent from the top 30. This could be due to differences in data sources or the specific demands of these careers. It’s also possible that lifestyle factors unique to these professions play a role in marital stability.
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Balancing Work and Marriage
Our journey through these 30 jobs reveals a complex relationship between careers and personal lives. We’ve seen how factors like irregular hours, high stress, and financial pressures can impact marriages.
But remember, these statistics don’t define individual relationships. Many people in these professions maintain happy, lasting marriages through open communication and mutual support. If you find your job on this list, don’t panic!
Instead, use this information to spark conversations with your partner about work-life balance. Every relationship faces challenges, and understanding potential job-related stressors can help couples work together to build stronger bonds.
Ultimately, it’s not just about the job you have, but how you and your partner navigate life’s challenges together.
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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.
