These Are the 5 Jobs Where Employees Say They Are Making the World a ‘Worse Place’
- Posted on March 5, 2012 at 3:40pm by
Becket Adams
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PayScale, the online compensation data website, spent last year surveying approximately 30,000 workers and asked the simple, albeit loaded*, question: “Does my job make the world a better place?”
Possible answers included “very much so,” “yes,” “a little,” “no,” and “my job makes the world a worse place.”
“Only about 1 percent of respondents gave that last answer,” writes The New York Times’ Catherine Rampell, “I was curious to know…what kinds of workers thought they were destroying humanity rather than ‘doing God’s work.’”
At the Times’ request, PayScale sorted through the responses to help answer that question. And the results are a little surprising.
However, before we look at Payscale’s answer to the “who thinks their job is destroying humanity” question, a few things should be said about the survey. As any Blaze reader who follows the business portion of the site knows, all surveys and polls must be viewed with a certain amount of skepticism.
“The study is of course not without its flaws,” writes Ashley Cloninger of Wall St. Cheat Sheet. “The respondents opted to take part in PayScale’s database rather than being randomly selected. Those that volunteer their input might differ slightly from the type of person who only responds when asked.”
PayScale claims that it regularly compares its figures to the Labor Department’s and other sources to make sure its numbers appear accurate and representative, according to the Times.
Nevertheless, because of its respondent selection (in addition to the usual sampling errors inherent in these types of surveys), you should probably take PayScale’s results with a grain of salt.
So with the regular data sampling caveats in mind, here are the “top 5” worst-rated jobs:
5. Investment Banking Associate — 3.8 percent believe their job makes the world a worse place.
4. Fashion Designers — 4.1 percent said their job makes the world a worse place.
3. Senior Attorney — 4.9 percent gave their job poor marks.
2. Bartenders– 5.8 percent have an extremely low opinion of their occupation.
1. Fast-Food Worker – 42.3 believe that they make the world a worse place.
Good gravy, 42.3 percent? Are fast food worker really that miserable?
“Of the occupations in the PayScale survey, fast-food workers appear to view what they do with the most contempt, since 42.3 percent said their jobs might make the world a worse place,” Rampell writes.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, PayScale also sorted through the responses and listed the “top 5” industries where employees think they are “destroying humanity”:
5. Beer, Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers: 2.1 percent
4. Fast-Food Restaurants: 2.8 percent
3. Gasoline Stations: 4.4 percent
2. Gambling Industries: 5.0 percent
1. Tobacco Manufacturing: 15.9 percent
*“Loaded” because there are no clear definition of terms. “Better” by whose standard?
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Comments (117)
Aerocog
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 5:50pmWasn‘t a good idea to look at this list when I’m in the middle of law school.
Report Post »soybomb315
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 5:38pmWhat about politicians?… Arent they OUR employees?
Report Post »shogun459
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 6:34pmYes and some of them are revolting; I mean both definitions.
Report Post »acman33
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 5:37pmI’m the a/c man…..I make it a cooler place!
Report Post »Miyegombo Bayartsogt
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:55pmI live in Florida. Here, the AC man gets all our money and yet we still worship the ground he walk on. Thanks. Really. Thanks. And enjoy your vacation in the islands this year.
Report Post »jespasinthru
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 10:33pmMIYEGOMBO BAYARTOGT, you are so right! Around here, the AC Man is king. Come to my house, fat ol’ redneck guy with the big white truck. Gimme some more freon in my AC box, and I’ll pay you whatever you ask. Because I don’t want to come home from work and sweat.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 6:02amSo in short, anybody who contributes to capitalism or who provides a nice respite and recreation are now evil. I get it. Thanks for the report.
Report Post »ronin_6
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 5:33pmSo I guess this means that
Report Post »96.2% of investment banking associates think they are helping the world.
95.9% of Fashion designers think they are contributing
95.1% Attorneys feel they are doing their part
57.7% of fast food employees think they are helping folks.
Over all I would say thats pretty good. I am glad to see so many folks content in their work. Come on blaze, this pandering even for your low standards.
VanceUppercut
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:04pm@ronin_6
Report Post »“…so many folks content in their work.”
That’s not quite accurate. Those were just the numbers for the people who replied ““my job makes the world a worse place.” It doesn’t take into account the people who simply replied “No” to the question “Does my job make the world a better place?”.
jds7171
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 9:28pmMy question is, how much do you have to hate yourself if you work at a place that destroys your soul? No money is worth that.
Report Post »One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 7:48amSounds to me the TSA are the ones who should be the most unhappiest being forced to molest and harass Americans while letting terrorists laugh at as all while we bankrupt ourselves for PCs sake when everyone knows who the terrorists are and would be pretty accurate picking them out of a line without the TSA….
They couldn’t pay me enough to do that to my fellow American brothers and sisters. Now, ‘Muhammad’, that’s a different story.
Report Post »bpodlesnik
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 5:31pmFast food IS that miserable, I can tell you from experience.
Report Post »DJ in AZ
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 6:02pmI salute fast food workers everywhere! They make me happy (meals)!
Report Post »goofyfoot2001
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 7:08pmWas my first Job – Arby’s. Every kid should have to work fast food so they can know the value of an hours labor. Maybe we should reinstate the draft to the four branches of the fastfooditary – McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell and Arby’s.
Report Post »1956
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 6:43amSeriously? I’ve worked fast food joints since I was 16. I think 99% of whether you like what you do is in your attitude. And I‘ve always done my best to take a good attitide and treat people well in the fast food industries I’ve worked in. (And no, I was never a manager…)
Would you like fries with that?
Report Post »objectivetruth
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 11:56amIt was my second official job.God I hated it with a passion.Only worked at three of them in my life.Three too many.Just yuck.Irony I’ve worked full service restaurants cafeterias hybrids and grocery stores[deli/hot food] seafood houses.I liked all of them as much as I hated fast food.It takes a certain skill set and attitude to work fast food.I don’t have what it takes to do it.For what its worth I’ve worked in every area of grocery.Many former fast food workers who were good at fast food don’t do well in grocery.Exception is cashiers.One of my old bosses used a bellwheather.If they hated their fast food job and did lousy [provided they had a good attendence record]they were hired.If they did well at it and liked it they went to the bottom of the list.
Report Post »SusquehannaMan
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 5:23pmHow abot reporters for the NewYork Times and
Report Post »washington Post or blowhards on MSNBC?
The Sergeant Major
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 6:20pmMembers of the American mass media think they are blessed children written in the Bible. They feel absolute protection from the very constitution they mock. When they walk into a room they feel intelligence level go up by their mere presence.
That right they are the 99%……… just like a turd in a punchbowl.
Report Post »captgeobob
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 7:39pmDitto
Report Post »MCDAVE
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 5:22pmwhat about politicians,were they not included in the survey?…would not get an honest answer anyway
Report Post »FreeUsAll
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 5:14pm5.) The politically unaware – i.e.: not tuned in to any politics, just not interested or don’t care
Report Post »4.) The intentionally stupid political voters – i.e.: the 8 percent on both sides that always vote straight ticket and pay no attention to the candidates
3.) Lobbyists
2.) Entrenched, elitist politicians – i.e.: most of them
1.) The office of the presidency. Having said that, our best president was William Henry Harrison and there’s no argument to null that fact.
VanceUppercut
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 8:07pm“our best president was William Henry Harrison and there’s no argument to null that fact.”
Report Post »He only served 32 days, what what a 32 days they were ;)
jand777
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 5:01pmI worked in a strip bar for 8 years and I can say I was not making the world a better place. I am unemloyed but thankful that I do not work in that industry an longer. Miss the money but don’t miss anyhting else. I did not not date or have sex with any strippers. Matter of fact I cant think of even one who knew where I lived..this is a good thing.
Report Post »mydh12
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:44pmPublic sector union bosses.
Report Post »Democrat party politicians & operatives.
MSM reporters.
Liberal professors.
Liberal pastors.
Baddoggy
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:53pmSEIU Members
Report Post »ACLU
AFL-CIO Members
Miyegombo Bayartsogt
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:56pmThanks. The people who are really making the world worse enjoy their work wrecking the planet. People who say their job is doing damage at least care enough to answer that way where the really bad is being done by people convinced they are doing good.
Report Post »Glock31
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 5:13pmi second all of these
Report Post »rancorkeeper240
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 5:55pmThe most important.1. Trashman 2. Washer repairman 3.any one that sells food water and seeds.4. Dr. All 5. Anyone who gets me oil cheap.6 cops and fireman.God bless them all,please
Report Post »DJ in AZ
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 6:01pmOWS Supporters
Report Post »Feminists
MSNBC Hosts
Environmental Wackos (includes PETA members)
Drug dealers and users
Anyone involved in the porn industry
mydh12
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:41pmCommunity organizers!!!
Report Post »The Sergeant Major
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 6:23pmMYDH12 I have so much respect for your insight. Keep up the good work.
Remember the Fallen!!
Report Post »The Sergeant Major
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 6:24pmMYDH12 I have so much respect for your insight. Keep up the good work.
Remember the Fallen!!
Pray for our Wounded Warriors!!
Report Post »marcus_arealius
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:38pmFast food employees – you can feel better about your job if you stop spitting in the sandwiches, and other more repulsive acts of spite towards the customers and food establishment owners. You know, the 1%. No 99%-ers would ever eat fast food, right?
Report Post »jespasinthru
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 7:06pmA friend of mine worked at a fast-food restaurant. I won’t tell you which one, because I don’t wanna get sued. His boss ordered him to empty out the icemaker and clean it, because it hadn’t been thoroughly cleaned in about 3 months. He said when he turned it off and emptied out all the ice, there were a lot of frozen dead bugs in the bottom. Not just flies and mosquitoes, but roaches, palmetto bugs and dragonflies too. How they got in there, he has no idea. But then again, this is Florida. But customers had been filling their cups with ice for their sweet sodas all that time, with all that disgusting crud in the bottom of the ice machine. Ew! He quit shortly thereafter, and got him a job as a janitor at the local hospital.
Report Post »jfriedri
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:34pmAs an computer engineer, I would have to add my job to the list as well. I entered the profession with high hopes of computers being used to cure cancer, get us to mars and beyond, solve our energy crisis and more. Now looking back at what my profession has wrought, I cannot say with confidence if I had to do it over again I would. I see computers used to hack into people private lives and destroy their reputations and wipe out their savings. I see computers used to wage war on companies and other countries in the push of a button. I see computers used to distribute porn and disgusting lies about people. I see computers used to WASTE peoples time (ie Facebook, games etc) and give us the ILLUSION of being connected when we are really very disconnected. Computers in my mind have created a very depressing and vicious world. Give me back the days before computers, when
1) if you wanted to “friend” someone you brought over some cake and coffee.
2) you didn’t “poke” your friends, you shook their hands.
3) social networking was done over the dinner table with friends and family in attendance.
4) to rob a person you had to look them in the eye and demand their wallet (not just enter a visa card# or pin#)
5) parents relied on report cards to tell how their kids were doing and required their kids to take responsibility for their grades (rather than hovering over them with web-page status’)
Those are just a few…
Report Post »Miyegombo Bayartsogt
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:58pmWell said.
Report Post »JayCee
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 5:00pmComputers didn’t do any of those negative things.
Report Post »People did.
jfriedri
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 5:28pmI totally understand what you are saying (guns don’t kill people.;.. people do). But today’s society is becoming more and more anti-social and technology is advancing faster than we as humans can adapt to them. Just last week an article talked about the Japanese inventing a device that can interfere with a person giving a speech. Does anyone see the dangers of this? Music, art, information, ideas are being stolen at an increasing rate because computers have devalued them (its only bits and bytes) and this generation is desensitized to it all and the idea of right-and-wrong has gone out the window.
I know I am being negative here… I know computers have done wonders for us as well (just the fact I can write my thoughts here and now for others to read is amazing) and I still enjoy my job. I just want people to see what is going on around them.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 5:57pmIf it can be weaponized man will weaponize it. It started with a rock. The computer isn’t the problem and either is the rock.
Report Post »marcus_arealius
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 6:13pmSince cellphones, email, and answering machines, I’ve had nothing but trouble communicating with people I know. Technology has provided the perfect excuse for people to selectively ignore one another. Technology is merely a tool, the masses always seem to abuse it or find ways of perverting it.
Report Post »hatchetjob
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:32pmTo BLACK9897, Good question!
Report Post »Eric_The_Red_State
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:21pmTwo words – Sean Penn
Report Post »Miyegombo Bayartsogt
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:59pmOne word: Hollywood.
Report Post »zorro
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:19pmNobody that loves what they do would ever think their profession makes the world a worse place. It seems to me these people were only voting to show how miserable they actually are and how much they hate their job, not whether or not it makes the world better or worse.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:26pmI agree .. except for the Fashion Designers .. have you seen some of the ugly things on the runway? Perhpas more of them should design for real people .. many of the top ones have found out that it is more rewarding .. like Bob Mackie … he has a very nice line for people to wear in public!
Report Post »Razorhunters
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:16pmYOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE IS YOUR DEBT CERTIFICATE
Report Post »http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=7pJpLP4ddRc
44094
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:08pmChose America or oboma You cant have both
Report Post »rich43068
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:03pmonly one response to President? oh yeah, he gave himself an -A … VP?
432 congressmen
How many cabinent members and czars?
Report Post »black9897
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:11pmWhy isn’t the IRS number 1??
Report Post »magadog
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:20pmBLACK9897…
As a former agent – misery!
One phrase (two words) – FAIR TAX.
Report Post »@leftfighter
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:25pmIRS?
I would thought debt collector.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:27pmGovernment workers don’t care if they ruin you life …
Report Post »black9897
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 6:52pmI would say “No income tax” No such thing as a “fair” tax. Is there such a thing as a fair way for men/women with guns to come steal your hard earned money?
Report Post »jespasinthru
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 7:22pmCATB, government workers enjoy ruining your life. Most of them are petty bureaucrats with self-esteem issues, so they crave that exaggerated sense of self-importance.
Report Post »thorkyl
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 3:59pmThey guy shoveling the sludge from the bottom of the sewer plant has my vote for the worst job that makes the planet a better place…
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 3:57pmFast Fooders are essentially the Occupy Movement, so that would explain the contempt and unhappiness.
Report Post »aChameleon
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 3:50pmMedia Matters is attempting to make the United States of America a “Worse Place”.
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 3:46pmI own three bars, i think bartenders are better than an expensive therapist !!! Cold beer, free advice !!!
Report Post »OniKaze
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:01pmI’ll raise a glass to that…. HERE HERE!!
Report Post »JAMACAMECRAZYMAN
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 4:24pmMake mine a double….
Report Post »Miyegombo Bayartsogt
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 5:00pmYou had me at beer.
Report Post »4xeverything
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 5:15pmI bartended/cocktailed for 10+ years. Not only did I enjoy my job, but I paid for school, paid off debt, and helped buy a home for my family. My job helped the economy and when the economy was good it helped me. No regrets here.
Report Post »jespasinthru
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 10:18pmDETROIT PAPERBOY, that only applies to lonely juiceheads. Who else would go out and get drunk in public, alone, just so they can sit on a barstool and babble their miseries to a bartender?
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 6:57amWorked as a bartender myself, loved it. Everybody was always happy to see you, and they gave you money just to pour them a drink and shoot them a joke. What’s not to like?
Report Post »USAMEDIC3008
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 3:45pmAnd the number one answer is
President Of The United States
Report Post »kentuckypatriot
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 3:49pmdang, you beat me to it!!!! LOL
Report Post »shimauma
Posted on March 5, 2012 at 3:44pmOH yeah, on the lawyers, hecks yeah do THEY make the world a bad place. Whaddya call 50 lawyers falling off a cliff….A good start!
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on March 6, 2012 at 6:54amLaw is a neutral profession, like most professions. It can be used for good or evil. There’s nothing bad at all about a lawyer who consistently goes to bat for your 2nd Amendment rights, for examples, or those that constantly stand in the way of other violations of your liberties. Capitalism is run strictly on contracts, which require law and lawyers in even their simplest forms.
Get rid of lawyers and law and you’ll get mob rule and the “99%” hoodlums running everything. Thanks, but no thanks.
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