Job-related stress is on the rise around the world. Long working hours, responsibility overload, too many deadlines, and conflict with co-workers or boss, are some of the reasons that contribute to work-related stress. 

That’s one reason why many people want to be their own boss. They’d rather do their own thing. The whole idea of a larger system spying on you and giving you sleepless nights doesn’t appeal to the employees anymore. They want to work in a stress-free environment. 

To put it simply, many of us would be happier doing low-stress jobs. 

What are low-stress jobs? 

Low-stress jobs are the kind of jobs that offer you flexibility in terms of working hours and deadlines. They give you more time to pursue your interests and bond with family and friends. The ideal low-stress job lets you work in a relaxed environment. It also allows you to work from wherever you want at your convenience. 

No job is completely stress-free. But a low-stress job takes a lot of unwanted stuff off your plate and makes work enjoyable. 

The best part is you don’t need a college degree to pursue a low-stress job. There are many such jobs you can take up and make a good income without having to study at college. Ideally, you should create a work opportunity out of your hobbies or interests. This is the best way to ensure you have fun while earning money! 

Why do you need a low-stress job? 

A low-stress job doesn’t mean that you don’t have to work hard or your work isn’t challenging. It just means that you love your work, and it doesn’t cause you unwanted stress or anxiety. 

You need a low-stress job because it makes you perform better and increases your productivity. Many of us tend to think that working under extremely high pressure is good for our productivity. Well, maybe, it works in the short term. But in the long-term, a high-stress job saps all your energy and leaves you de-motivated. On the contrary, if you do something you love on your terms and conditions, you will be a better performer over time. 

Having a college degree is not necessary for getting a great job either. There are many low-stress jobs that pay well without a degree out there where you learn at work, so it’s not important to have a college education. What matters more is your passion for the job and your willingness to learn. 

Best low-stress jobs that pay well without a degree 

Many jobs pay well without a degree or diploma and you get to do these jobs with minimal stress. 

Let’s check out some of these low-stress jobs that pay well without a degree: 

1. Photographer

If you are good with technology, have a creative eye, and are passionate about capturing the right moment, then this is a great low-stress job for you. 

You don’t need any specific qualifications to become a photographer. All you need is some decent shooting equipment and you are good to go. You can do portraits, landscape, product photography, fashion portfolio shoot, food photography, and cover art and cultural events. The options are endless. You could develop your unique niche as a photographer and specialize in something that has a high demand. 

Wedding photography is one such niche that’s always in demand. Then portraits of family and children are also sought-after. Fine art photography and product photography also have many takers. Travel photography is another area with a lot of potential. If you like traveling to new and exotic places, that could be your thing. You could simply upload your pictures on sites such as Getty Images, Shutterstock, Canva, etc, and sell them. Once your photos create a splash and you start developing some contacts, you could begin to get commissioned to travel to your dream places and shoot. 

You need good communication and networking skills to succeed as a photographer. Also, you got to upgrade your technical skills constantly. 

Photographers could earn about $50,000 a year, on average. 

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2. Travel Agent

If you want a fun, low-stress job without a degree, then becoming a travel agent is a great option. You don’t need a college degree to become a travel agent. But you require good organizational skills, communication skills, and decent IT skills. 

As a travel agent, your main job is to help people plan their vacations. Your responsibilities would include determining travel dates, destinations, costs, accommodations, and modes of transport required by your customers. You would also be selling specific tour packages to customers and planning and arranging their itineraries. 

If you love meeting people, becoming a travel agent is a fun job. You get to meet different kinds of people from all over the world. It’s also a flexible job. You are your own boss and can set your timings and work conditions. 

Travel agents could earn about $46,000 a year, on average. 

3. Choreographer

If you love dancing, this could be the perfect, low-stress job for you. There is no qualification needed for this job except a passion for dancing and a good knowledge of dance forms. Your work responsibilities include creating new routines for dance performances. You would choreograph dance performances for films, tv shows, live performances, events, corporate shows, dance performances, etc. You could also work at a dance school 

It is one of the best low-stress jobs for making good money. As a choreographer, you get to work in dynamic, creative, and fun environments. If you love dancing, it’s an extension of your passion. So there is no undue anxiety involved. You are free to choose the kind of employment you want. 

Choreographers could make up to $52000 yearly, on average. 

4. Hearing Aid Specialist

This is one of the easiest jobs without a degree that pays well. The job might sound complicated, but it isn’t. 

Your responsibilities include conducting various tests on patients’ ears to determine the kind of hearing aid that will suit them the best. 

A hearing aid specialist is a simple and fun job that gives you the chance to help out people in need. You need patience, empathy, and good interpersonal communication skills to become a hearing aid specialist. 

Although this job does not require formal qualifications, you might want to start as an apprentice working under a well-known medical organization. The registered apprenticeship would provide you the relevant experience. Many of these apprenticeships would also provide you with some kind of salary. So it’s a good starting point for those considering this career. 

Hearing aid specialists earn about $52,000, on average. 

5. Construction Painter

If you are technically gifted with a keen eye for detail and a natural aesthetic sense, then a construction painter might be the right career option for you. 

You don’t need a formal degree to become a construction painter and it is one of the best low-stress jobs that you can do. The act of painting a building can be very de-stressing. You get the chance of being completely immersed in a world of colors without having to interact much with other people, while you are working. 

As a construction painter, your responsibilities include applying paint, coatings, and stain to walls and ceilings, bridges, buildings, and other structures. You got to use many tools like rollers, scrapers, brushes, texturing tools, and sanders to create different kinds of effects on the required surface. So you got to be familiar with the techniques and the textures of varied materials used for painting. 

Construction painting is a physically demanding job; you got to be physically strong and agile. But it’s a stress-free job that allows you to work on your terms and conditions. And there is plenty of work available round the year. So you can make good money. 

Construction painters can earn about $47,000 per year, on average. 

Best low-stress jobs that pay well without a degree (might require a diploma or certification) 

Let’s check out some of these low-stress jobs that pay well without a degree (might require a diploma or certification) : 

1. Massage Therapist

As a massage therapist, you help your clients overcome their pain and stress. You provide rest and relaxation to them and feel de-stressed yourself in the process. You get to work in the most stress-free of environments and relaxed settings. 

You’ll need a basic knowledge of the physical aspects of the human body to become a good massage therapist. You’ll ideally be well versed with different kinds of massage techniques and be able to dexterously manipulate tissue and muscle to make the client feel relaxed, relieve pain and heal injuries. 

You don’t need a degree to become a massage therapist, but you might need a short—term diploma or certification. 

As a massage therapist, you can either work for a spa, parlour, or holistic health center, or directly provide services at the client’s home. 

Massage therapists are in high demand year-round. So this is one of the best-paying low-stress jobs without a degree. 

The average annual salary of a massage therapist is about $55,000. 

2. Fitness trainer

Demand for fitness trainers has seen a sharp rise as people become more health-conscious. It is one of the best low-stress jobs that you can do without a degree. 

As a fitness trainer, you help people develop a fitness routine. A personal trainer would ideally make their clients stick to a well-rounded workout regime that includes a mix of cardio, strength training, and yoga/pilates. They would help each client develop a unique workout regimen based on their physical fitness level and any specific health conditions they might have. As a fitness trainer, you would also help your clients perform exercises the right way with correct posture and moves. 

To become a fitness trainer, you need to be physically super fit and have a good working knowledge of fitness and nutrition. You don’t need a degree to become a fitness trainer, but you might need some short-term certifications. 

As a fitness trainer, you can work at gyms and fitness clubs, or train clients directly at their homes. The job of a fitness trainer offers you the flexibility to pursue other things by the side. Since most gyms are crowded during evenings and nights, those are the times when you’ll be probably working. 

Becoming a fitness trainer is a fun low-stress job if you enjoy working out and would love to help other people stay fit. 

The average annual salary of a fitness trainer would be about $50,000. 

3. Computer support specialist 

As a computer support specialist, you provide technical support to an organization. Your responsibilities include training employees on using new software and assisting them to resolve technical glitches. You would also be expected to oversee the organization’s IT systems, and make sure everything is running smoothly. 

A computer support specialist is a great low-stress job for those who are good with computers and have an aptitude for problem-solving. To become a computer support specialist, you need good knowledge of both software and hardware. You also require good communication and organizational skills. 

You don’t need a formal degree for this job. Most computer specialists learn on the job. You can start with an entry-level role, and then climb your way up. However, it’s a good idea to complete some short-term certifications in your areas of interest. 

The average yearly salary of a computer support specialist is about $41,000. 

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4. Fine Artist

If you are creative and are a pro at drawing, painting, or sculpting, then this is the perfect low-stress job for you. As a fine artist, you can work for an art organization, or do your own thing. The work opportunities are endless. You can become a painter, sculptor, illustrator, or installation artist. 

As a fine artist, you create original artworks using different mediums and techniques. 

Becoming a fine artist is a perfect job for those creative souls who hate routine and predictability. As a visual artist, you get to work independently at your own pace. 

You don’t need a formal degree to work as a fine artist. But you must have an in-depth knowledge of various art forms and techniques. Many fine artists pursue some sort of a diploma to hone their skill-set. 

The average yearly wage for fine artists is about $60,000. 

5. Web Developer

Web developers build and design websites. They also get to work in computer systems design and related industries. 

With more and more organizations turning to digital marketing, web developers have become highly sought-after. As a web designer, you can work with companies, advertising agencies, publishing companies, etc. Your responsibilities include creating websites that drive traffic. 

You don’t need a graduate degree to become a web designer. But you can go for short—term web development courses to boost your technical expertise and employment prospects. Many of these courses are also available online. 

Web developers make real good money. The annual average salary of a web developer is about $77,000.