World’s best job? The answer might surprise you

A busy job doesn’t always leave time for the good things in life. Long hours at the office and a near-permanent state of connectedness means family and fun are often pushed down our list of priorities. We’re all in search of the elusive “work-life balance”, so which career paths offer us the best chance of achieving it?

Job search and salary comparison website Glassdoor.com has released its list of the 25 jobs that have the best work-life balance, and some of the answers are surprising. The list rates work-life balance out of five (five being the best). It also provides information on the average salary offered for each position, as well as the number of job openings currently on the website.

1. Data Scientist
Work-Life Balance Rating: 4.2
Salary: $114,808
Number of Job Openings: 1,315

2. SEO Manager
Work-Life Balance Rating: 4.1
Salary: $45,720
Number of Job Openings: 338

3. Talent Acquisition Specialist
Work-Life Balance Rating: 4.0
Salary: $63,504
Number of Job Openings: 1,171

4. Social Media Manager
Work-Life Balance Rating: 4.0
Salary: $40,000
Number of Job Openings: 661

5. Substitute Teacher
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.9
Salary: $24,380
Number of Job Openings: 590

6. Recruiting Coordinator
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.9
Salary: $44,700
Number of Job Openings: 446

7. UX Designer
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.9
Salary: $91,440
Number of Job Openings: 338

8. Digital Marketing Manager
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.9
Salary: $70,052
Number of Job Openings: 640

9. Marketing Assistant
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.8
Salary: $32,512
Number of Job Openings: 384

10. Web Developer
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.8
Salary: $66,040
Number of Job Openings: 2,117

11. RIsk Analyst
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.8
Salary: $69,088
Number of Job Openings: 208

12. Civil Engineer
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.8
Salary: $65,532
Number of Job Openings: 809

13. Client Manager
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.8
Salary: $71,120
Number of Job Openings: 503

14. Instructional Designer
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.8
Salary: $66,040
Number of Job Openings: 782

15. Marketing Analyst
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.8
Salary: $60,000
Number of Job Openings: 341

16. Software QA Engineer
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.8
Salary: $91,440
Number of Job Openings: 457

17. Web Designer
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.8
Salary: $53,848
Number of Job Openings: 500

18. Research Technician
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.8
Salary: $36,525
Number of Job Openings: 299

19. Program Analyst
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.7
Salary: $71,120
Number of Job Openings: 524

20. Data Analyst
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.7
Salary: $58,928
Number of Job Openings: 1,954

21. Content Manager
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.7
Salary: $60,960
Number of Job Openings: 409

22. Solutions Engineer
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.7
Salary: $92,456
Number of Job Openings: 652

23. Lab Assistant
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.7
Salary: $27,550
Number of Job Openings: 779

24. Software Developer
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.7
Salary: $80,000
Number of Job Openings: 3,330

25. Front End Developer
Work-Life Balance Rating: 3.7
Salary: $75,000
Number of Job Openings: 1337

Ten of the top 25 jobs with the best work-life balance are in the technology sector. One job that stands out is that of substitute teacher, which ranked lowest in terms of salary but fifth in terms of work-life balance, thanks to the flexibility it allows.

Also of note is a gradual downward trend in the perception of work-life balance. The data from a similar study conducted in 2009 gave an average score of 3.5 while the 2012 study averaged 3.4. This year’s study reached a new low at 3.2, which means that workers are struggling more than ever to keep their work from infringing upon their personal lives.

These rankings are based on data provided by more than 60,000 people. Full details on the methodology for assigning these ratings can be found at Glassdoor.com.

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Author: Murray Nicol is Digital Project Lead at the World Economic Forum

Image: A fireworks display in downtown Hong Kong July 1, 2012. REUTERS/Carlos Barria