A new study has revealed that working in certain professions could increase the risk of marital breakdown. Research by 24/7 Wall St. analysed data by Census Bureau and Labor Statistics over in the U.S. to work out which jobs were linked to the highest divorce rates. The study was conducted by Nathan Yau at Flowing Data, who also used information from the 2015 American Community Survey.
Casino gaming managers, bartenders and flight attendants – the top three
The research revealed that the number one profession linked to high divorce rates was casino gaming manager, with a rate of 52.9%. This was followed closely by bartenders at 52.7% and flight attendants at 52.9%.Also at the top of the list were:
- Gaming services workers - 50.3% divorce rate
- Rolling machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic – 50.1%
- Switchboard operators – 49.7%
- Extruding and drawing machine setters and operators – 49.6%
- Telemarketers – 49.2%
- Textile knitting and weaving machine operators – 48.9%
- Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters and operators – 48.8%
There are many factors in these jobs that can potentially lead to relationship breakdown – including stress, long hours and irregular shift patterns – but the study also pointed the finger at income. Among these particular professions, low income is a common theme along with working patterns.
Divorce rates tended to be lower among physicians, scientists, software developers, surgeons, lawyers, economists and dentists, according to the research. Interestingly, the profession with the lowest divorce rate featured in the study were actuaries, those who are responsible for assessing risk and uncertainty, who had a divorce rate of just over 20% in 2015. These professions all tend to be higher paid lines of work than the jobs in the top ten of highest divorce rates.
This would seem to suggest a link between median income patterns and divorce rates in the research, as well as the involvement of a person’s education level, although lead researcher Nathan Yau stated:
“Those with higher salary occupations tend to have lower divorce rates. That seems pretty clear. But as you know, correlation isn’t causation. If someone who is already a physician, quits and takes a job as a bartender or telemarketer, it doesn’t mean their chances of divorce changes. It probably says more about the person than anything else.
Similarly, those with certain occupations tend to be from similar demographics, which then factors into how the individuals live their lives.”
Considering divorce? Speak to the Tracey Miller team
If you are facing a separation from your partner, it’s important to seek expert advice from a specialist in divorce and family law. Contact the Tracey Miller Family Law Family Law team, known as one of the most reputable divorce solicitors in the Wirral, for a chat about your circumstances.