📖 Overview
Jobs Rated Almanac offers a systematic ranking and analysis of hundreds of occupations in the United States. Author Les Krantz evaluates careers across multiple factors including salary, stress levels, physical demands, job security, and growth potential.
The book presents detailed data and statistics about each profession, drawn from government sources and industry research. Career profiles include descriptions of daily responsibilities, required education and training, work environments, and advancement opportunities.
The almanac serves as a reference guide for job seekers, career changers, and students planning their professional paths. Its objective methodology and comprehensive scope make it a practical resource for comparing different career options and understanding workplace trends.
The book reflects broader questions about how society values different types of work and what constitutes career success in the modern economy. Through its data-driven approach, it challenges assumptions about prestige and satisfaction across professions.
👀 Reviews
Most readers value this career reference book for its data-driven rankings and detailed job descriptions. Several Amazon reviews mention using it for career exploration and guidance. However, many note that the rankings rely heavily on subjective criteria and personal preferences that may not match individual values.
Readers liked:
- Statistical comparison tables between careers
- Salary data and growth projections
- Comprehensive job descriptions
- Easy-to-scan format
Common criticisms:
- Outdated information in older editions
- Questionable methodology for rankings
- Bias against creative/artistic careers
- Missing newer tech industry jobs
- Limited coverage of emerging fields
Ratings:
Amazon: 3.7/5 (42 reviews)
Goodreads: 3.4/5 (17 ratings)
One reviewer wrote: "Useful starting point for research but take rankings with grain of salt." Another noted: "Good overview of traditional careers but needs updating for modern job market."
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Occupational Outlook Handbook by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics This reference guide contains employment projections, salary data, and detailed information for hundreds of occupations in the United States.
Do What You Are by Paul D. Tieger, Barbara Barron, Kelly Tieger The book matches personality types to career paths using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator framework.
The Career Guide for Creative and Unconventional People by Carol Eikleberry This resource maps out career possibilities for individuals seeking non-traditional employment paths.
Best Jobs for the Future by Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin The book analyzes employment trends and growth sectors to identify promising career opportunities.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔹 The Jobs Rated Almanac ranks over 250 professions based on multiple factors including income, stress levels, physical demands, work environment, and job security.
🔹 When first published in 1988, the book sparked controversy by ranking newspaper reporter as one of the worst jobs, leading to heated debates within journalism circles.
🔹 Author Les Krantz has written over 100 books on various topics, including sports statistics, business, and careers, and is considered an authority on occupational data analysis.
🔹 The methodology used in the book has become a standard reference point for career counselors and is frequently cited in media discussions about job satisfaction and career choices.
🔹 Each new edition of the almanac reflects significant changes in the job market, with some professions disappearing entirely and new ones being added, particularly in technology-related fields.