It appears we made the right choice when we chose to follow the path of plumbing!

Happiness and Freedom

Could it be that what really sets trade professions apart from other jobs is the freedom and flexibility of self-employment? Could it be that what makes plumbers, builders and other tradesmen so happy is the opportunity to move around from project to project, making a difference in people’s homes and lives, rather than being stuck behind a desk day in, day out?

In a survey, 55% of plumbers said they were ‘very happy’ in life. This put them way ahead in the happiness index because builders were next on 38%.

The survey was commissioned by Boundless, an experiences company with a 94 year heritage that aimed to uncover the secrets to happiness by finding out who is happy, both at home and at work, and what makes them feel good about themselves and their lives.

Ian Holmes-Lewis, Director at Boundless, said:

“Plumbers are clearly happy people! Perhaps being their own boss plays a part in that, especially as builders and property developers were high on the list as well.

“But it was also interesting to see plumbers ranked highly in our survey for quality of sleep and physical activity.

“On top of that, 64 per cent said they often tried new experiences, which placed them second in that particular table.

“It goes to show that it is not only experiences in the workplace which determine how happy people are at work. Making the most of life outside of work can have a big impact, too.”

Other Key Results Included:

• The most miserable workers were those in advertising – with 42% saying they are unhappy in life.
• By comparison, plumbers are not only happy in life but also in work. Not a single plumber said ‘unhappy’ in their job.
• Those who work in customer service were at the bottom of the work happiness index – 29% said they were unhappy at work. Lawyers came out badly, too on 28%.
• Property developers, on 57%, and electricians, on 50%, were the happiest at work.
• In the public sector, a fifth of police officers were unhappy and work.
• Those in the public sector are less happy than counterparts in the private sector – with 15% saying they are unhappy at work compared to 13%.

The Boundless Happiness Index 

Very Happy in Life

1. Plumbers 55%
2. Builders 38%
3. Marketing 36%
4. Taxi and Lorry Drivers 32%
5. Bankers 32%
6. Doctors 31%

Very Happy in Work

1. Property Developers 57%
2. Electricians 50%
3. Advertising 42%
4. Sport and Leisure 40%
5. IT 34%

Unhappy or Very Unhappy in Life

1. Advertising 42%
2. Social Worker 22%
3. Police 21%
4. Chef 21%
5. Farming 20%
6. Sports and Leisure 18%

Unhappy and Very Unhappy in Work

1. Customer Service 32%
2. Lawyer 28%
3. Police 21%
4. Chef 21%
5. Charity Worker 20%

What makes you happy?

What is it about working in your trade that makes you happy?

Is it the independence of being your own boss?

The chance to meet so many different people from all walks of life as you go from job to job?

The opportunity to get hands-on in your work and the satisfaction of a hard day’s graft? Something else entirely?

Why do you think plumbers and other tradesmen are among the happiest in the land compared to other professions?

 Leave us a comment below. Thanks!

If you have any plumbing, heating or gas emergencies, give us a call and we will send out one of our happy plumbers to fix any plumbing or heating issues.

As Einstein said “If i could do it again i will be a plumber”