The workforce is increasingly evolving each year, with The Great Resignation becoming even more widely accepted than ever. Currently, more than 73% of all active job seekers are only passively looking for a job, rather than doing so actively. If you are working a manual job and are thinking of a career shift, there are a few reasons to consider opting for a high-paying office job instead of manual labor day in and day out.
1. Reduced Physical Stress
Reduced physical stress on the body is a major motivator for those looking to exit jobs that are physically demanding in exchange for an office job. In one year, it is estimated that at least 264 million workdays are lost due to back pain alone. In the U.S., that means that each worker misses approximately two full days of work due to back pain on an annual basis. With added physical stress and labor while at work, you are putting your body at unnecessarily increased risk, especially if you are working in one location for years or even decades.
2. Reduced Risk of Injury
Along the same lines as reducing physical stress on the body, working in an office over a manual labor job will also significantly reduce your risk of being injured while on the job. When it comes to worker’s compensation, approximately 85% of all claims filed by workers are due to slipping on wet or slippery floors in the workplace. Simply working in a potentially hazardous environment while conducting manual labor drastically increases your risk of being seriously injured on-site.
3. Salary
Working long, arduous hours in a manual labor job can quickly take a toll on the body, especially if you are dedicated and committed to your work. Unfortunately, manual labor jobs are not always as high-paying as office jobs, even if you feel as if you are putting in more work physically. If you are seeking a new position that will allow you to maximize your salary, doing so is much easier by transitioning to a high-paying office role. From graphic design to data entry and administrative work, there are plenty of roles and positions to be filled based on your current skill set and abilities that will also benefit you in the finance department.
4. Toxic Work Culture and Environment
Working a full-time job requires you to be present for at least 8 hours each day, at a minimum. If you find yourself trying to make excuses to avoid going to work, you may be working in a toxic work environment. Leaving a toxic work environment and work culture is one of the biggest motivators for those who transition into an entirely new career, such as a high-paying office job.
5. No Work/Life Balance
If you are struggling to find a healthy work/life balance and your manual labor job is becoming increasingly demanding on your body, it may be time to consider a career switch. Switching to a high-paying office job may require furthering your education, enrolling in various courses, and developing new skills, but it will also provide you with the opportunity to seek roles that offer a healthy work/life balance. Because office roles and remote jobs are becoming increasingly commonplace, the workforce has more options and the ability to negotiate their positions and responsibilities. If a healthy work/life balance is a top priority for you, be sure to voice your concern during the first interview for any new position you are interested in.
Whether you have always worked a physical job and you are looking for a change of scenery or if you want to reduce your risk while at work, there are plenty of reasons to consider transitioning to a high-paying office job. From developing new skills to ultimately earning a much higher salary, there are many benefits for those who choose to enter into office roles today.