Finding a job that makes you feel fulfilled and content is important, especially since the average Australian spends nearly a third of their time at work.
Yet, according to SEEK’s Workplace Happiness Index, only 55 per cent of Australians report being happy in their jobs. That means nearly half of the workforce feels unfulfilled, a staggering reality for something we dedicate so much time to.
While no job is perfect every single day, finding a career that sparks joy, aligns with your passions and gives you a sense of accomplishment can have a huge impact on your overall wellbeing.
So, what are the happiest jobs in healthcare and what makes them so enjoyable? This article will explore some of the most enjoyable jobs in Australia based on real reviews from professionals on SEEK, delve into why happiness at work matters and provide tips on how to find a career that you enjoy.
What are some factors that influence job satisfaction?
While happiness drivers can differ between individuals, these are some of the main drivers that influence job satisfaction.
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Having purpose at work
While salary is often assumed to be the biggest factor in workplace happiness, SEEK’s Workplace Happiness Index reveals otherwise.
According to findings, salary ranks ninth on the list while having purpose at work ranks number one.
When employees find their work meaningful and impactful, it enhances their sense of purpose and leads to greater work satisfaction. They’re also typically more productive, resilient and less likely to leave.
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Work environment and team culture
Where you work and who you work with can play a pivotal part in shaping job satisfaction. According to SEEK’s Workplace Happiness Index, management – specifically your direct manager, ranked as the second biggest driver of workplace happiness while company culture placed fourth.
Working isn’t just about the job that you do, it’s about feeling supported, valued and connected. Employees who have encouraging colleagues, a manager who listens and a workplace culture that fosters collaboration are more likely to stay engaged, motivated and happy in their roles.
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Day-to-day responsibilities
Daily responsibilities ranked third in SEEK’s Workplace Happiness Index, highlighting the impact of an employee’s tasks on job satisfaction.
A varied and challenging workload enhances job satisfaction as you’re constantly learning and it keeps things exciting. In contrast, repetitive and monotonous work can lead to boredom and job dissatisfaction.
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Work-life balance
According to SEEK’s Workplace Happiness Index, stress levels ranked fifth as a driver of happiness at work while work-life balance ranked eighth.
A healthy work-life balance plays an important role in job satisfaction as it reduces stress and allows employees to manage personal and professional responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. Research has shown that it also offers other benefits such as increased productivity, reduced absenteeism and increased morale.
Top 6 happiest jobs in healthcare in Australia
These rankings are based on ratings provided by professionals in the field on SEEK. While job satisfaction is the primary indicator, variety of work and work-life balance are also considered.
To better understand what makes these jobs fulfilling, each role also includes real-world insights from individuals who have shared their personal experiences on SEEK. Their firsthand perspectives provide a deeper look into what it’s really like to work in these roles and why they’re some of the happiest in healthcare.
1. Counsellor
“Witnessing clients make progress, overcome obstacles and improve their mental health can be incredibly rewarding and contribute to high levels of job satisfaction in the counselling profession.”
Counsellors are mental health professionals that support individuals who are navigating through life’s challenges, whether it’s financial stress, grief, mental health struggles or addiction.
While there are different types of counsellors that have their own specialisations and work with diverse individuals, at its core, the role is about providing guidance, offering a safe space for individuals to share their feelings and helping them work through their issues.
Counsellors make an average of between $95,000 and $105,000 in Australia.
Job satisfaction: 4.5 / 5
Counsellors on SEEK consistently ranked job satisfaction high as they’re able to see the direct impact of their work. Whether it’s guiding someone through a crisis or helping someone work through their issues, the ability to make a difference every single day makes this a truly fulfilling career.
As one counsellor shared, “Being a counsellor is such a rewarding vocation. It’s great to deal with all sorts of different people with different problems and help them make a positive change in their life.”
While the role can be emotionally demanding, many counsellors emphasise that the positives outweigh the challenges as the ability to witness real progress and positive change in a client makes it all worthwhile.
Variety of work: 4.1 / 5
Many in the field describe their work as diverse and dynamic as no two clients present with the same concerns. One day might involve helping a client manage anxiety, while another could focus on navigating family conflicts or career stress.
The constant variety keeps the job engaging and pushes counsellors to think critically, adapt and refine their approach. As one counsellor states, “It’s a job that challenges me to grow, both professionally and personally, forcing me to confront my own biases and limitations.”
Work-life balance: 4.2 / 5
Work-life balance in counselling varies depending on the work setting.
Many counsellors, particularly those in private practice, appreciate the autonomy of setting their own schedules. Whether it’s choosing when to see clients or deciding how many hours to work per week, there’s often room to balance personal and professional life.
However, because of the emotional demands of the role, self-care is key. Many counsellors emphasise the importance of setting boundaries and taking time to recharge to prevent burnout.
Interested in becoming a counsellor?
If you’re looking to kickstart a career in counselling, you can start by pursuing a Bachelor of Counselling followed by a postgraduate counselling course to further hone your skills.
If you already hold an undergraduate degree in another field, you may be eligible for a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or Master of Counselling.
Many courses such as the Graduate Diploma in Counselling at the University of Canberra (UC) and the Master of Counselling at UC and Edith Cowan University include professional field placements which allow you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and gain valuable hands-on experience.
Once you’ve completed your studies, you can begin your counselling career. While becoming a registered counsellor is not mandatory, becoming a member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) or the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) can come with numerous benefits such as professional recognition and access to ongoing development opportunities.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
2. Nutritionist
“Helping people piece together the root cause of their health concerns and achieve the results they are looking for is super rewarding.”
Nutritionists provide dietary and lifestyle guidance, helping individuals make informed choices for better health and wellbeing. They work in a variety of settings, including public health, research, education and private clinical practice and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
A nutritionist earns an average of between $75,000 to $85,000 in Australia.
Job satisfaction: 4.5 / 5
For many nutritionists who have left reviews on SEEK, helping people transform their health and lifestyle is the most rewarding part of the job. Most shared how seeing their clients achieve their nutrition goals, gain confidence and improve their overall wellbeing makes the work enjoyable and fulfilling.
As one nutritionist shares, “Some of the rewarding aspects of this job is the satisfaction of helping others and seeing their successes. I love the relationships that I’ve built with my clients and as I’m passionate about empowering, encouraging and educating others, this role ticks all of the boxes.”
Variety of work: 4.2 / 5
One of the most appealing aspects of being a nutritionist, as highlighted in SEEK reviews, is the constant variety the role offers. With each client presenting different health concerns, dietary needs and personal goals, nutritionists must adapt their approach and tailor advice to suit each client.
Many in the field also shared how they enjoyed that they never stop learning in the role. One nutritionist referred to it as a lifelong learning journey where they get to be a student forever by continuously staying informed on the latest research and advancements in nutritional science.
Work-life balance: 4.4 / 5
Many of the nutritionists who left a review were self-employed and highlighted how this autonomy allows them to set their own schedules, choose their clients and create a work structure that suits their lifestyle.
For those nutritionists working for organisations, they mentioned that work-life balance can depend on factors such as the number of clients, employer expectations and job demands. While some appreciate the stability of set hours, others note that managing client expectations and staying updated with new research can sometimes extend beyond typical work hours.
Embark on a career as a nutritionist
If you’re interested in becoming a nutritionist, you can enrol in a short nutrition course or study a bachelor’s degree in nutrition.
Unlike dietitians, nutritionists in Australia are not regulated under law, meaning anyone can call themselves a nutritionist regardless of their qualifications. Many nutritionists choose to acquire membership with a governing body or professional association such as the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA) or the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) to demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence.
3. Practice nurse
“If you are passionate about nursing, this is an exceptionally rewarding career. The patients are often friendly and will recognise patients who have looked after them well and you can make a difference if you truly care.”
Practice nurses primarily work in general practice clinics and their key responsibilities may include patient assessments, administering vaccinations, wound care, conducting health screenings and delivering health education.
A practice nurse makes an average of between $85,000 to $100,000 in Australia.
Job satisfaction: 4.5 / 5
Building long-term relationships was a common thread for practice nurses who left high job satisfaction ratings on SEEK.
Since general practice clinics often have patients with chronic conditions or ongoing healthcare needs, practice nurses have the opportunity to develop strong rapport and witness the long-term impact of their care.
Similar to other nursing roles, practice nurses also expressed how they find fulfilment in making a meaningful impact on people’s lives by providing care, support and comfort in times of need.
Variety of work: 4.3 / 5
Most practice nurses mentioned that the work in their role is diverse and varied as it covers a wide variety of tasks from developing care plans and conducting patient assessments to educating individuals on healthcare topics such as the benefits of using a spacer.
While the role offers plenty of variety, some practice nurses noted that it isn’t as fast-paced as hospital nursing and certain clinical skills learned during their nursing education may not be frequently used in a GP setting.
Work-life balance: 4.4 / 5
Many practice nurses, particularly those with families, highlighted the strong work-life balance that the role offers. Several shared that the consistent nine to five schedule made it easier to manage their responsibilities, providing greater flexibility than other nursing roles.
Beyond the set hours, many practice nurses also appreciated the slower pace of general practice compared to the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of hospital nursing.
Begin your career as a practice nurse
You will first need to become a registered nurse by pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing and registering with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). Upon registration, you can proceed to apply for practical nursing roles.
To strengthen your skills and employability, you can consider completing a postgraduate nursing course. Some relevant postgraduate nursing courses include:
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A Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health at the University of Technology Sydney which is ideal for nurses interested in family-centred care
- A Master of Nursing (Chronic Disease and Ageing) may also be advantageous as some practice nurses on SEEK have mentioned that experience in chronic disease management could be beneficial for the role
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
4. Community support worker
“The best part of my role is being able to help people change their lives for the better. I get a lot of satisfaction knowing that I have helped someone get their electricity reconnected, or provided them with the means to purchase something they desperately need like a fridge or car registration.”
A community support worker provides social, physical and emotional support to individuals, helping them to be more independent in their day-to-day life. Their responsibilities may include planning, creating and implementing support programs, referring clients to external parties for additional help and providing personal care assistance.
Community support workers earn an average of $70,000 to $80,000 in Australia.
Job satisfaction: 4.4 / 5
Many of the reviews on SEEK expressed how much they enjoyed establishing close relationships with their clients and understanding their individual needs.
They also shared how heartwarming it is to see the positive difference that they’re able to make in their client’s life and how even small actions like helping someone with transport, personal care or accessing essential services can make a huge difference.
Variety of work: 4.1 / 5
There’s never a boring day as a community support worker with many of the reviews stating that the role is varied as they work with different types of clients everyday.
As an example, one community support worker said that their day could consist of assisting clients with basic needs such as cleaning and driving or helping a high-needs client that has more complex requirements.
One community support worker also shared that since their work varies everyday, there’s always something new to learn.
“You gain so much experience in first aid, personal care, high care, PEG feeding, medication administration and behaviours. It’s such an incredible and rewarding job where you always feel like there is more that you can learn.”
Work-life balance: 4.2 / 5
Many community support workers on SEEK mentioned that the role has good work-life balance as there’s a lot of flexibility in the hours that you work and you can choose a shift that works best with your lifestyle. The downside, however, is that shifts are typically casual and it can be challenging to secure permanent work.
Jumpstart your career as a community support worker
If you’re interested in becoming a community support worker, you can choose to complete a Certificate III In Individual Support or a Certificate IV in community services, ageing support or disability support. Upon completion of your certification, you can proceed to apply for community support worker roles.
5. Occupational therapist
“It is such a rewarding career helping people of all ages, disabilities and injuries to return to independence and reach their maximum potential. You can get creative with treatment and intervention and every day is different.”
Occupational therapists help individuals who have physical, mental, developmental or emotional challenges be more independent and have better quality of life.
They can work in a variety of settings from schools to aged care facilities and their responsibilities may include evaluating a patient’s condition, developing treatment plans and using a variety of techniques and approaches to help clients achieve their goals.
Occupational therapists earn an average of $85,000 to $100,000 in Australia.
Job satisfaction: 4.4 / 5
Most occupational therapists that reviewed the job highly on SEEK mentioned that they find the role incredibly rewarding, especially when a client achieves their goals and is grateful for their assistance. Some specific examples that they gave include helping people return to work following an injury and improving a child’s cognitive, physical and motor skills.
Variety of work: 4.3 / 5
Many occupational therapists who have reviewed the role on SEEK have shared that the variety in this profession keeps things interesting as you’re never doing the same thing every day. With opportunities to work in areas such as paediatrics, disability, aged care and rehabilitation, there’s plenty of room to grow, develop new skills and shape your career.
As highlighted in a review, “The great thing about being an occupational therapist is that you are helping others to be more independent and achieve their goals. Also, you’re never locked in – you can work in so many different areas and learn so many skills.”
Work-life balance: 4.3 / 5
Most occupational therapists mentioned that the role offers good work-life balance with flexible hours and a mix of client interaction and administrative tasks. This variety helps with keeping the workload manageable while reducing the risk of burnout.
Some occupational therapists also highlighted the benefit of career flexibility, explaining that because there are so many different areas to work in occupational therapy, they can transition between roles throughout their career to find a work-life balance that suits them best.
Start your career as an occupational therapist
To become an occupational therapist in Australia, you’ll need to complete an accredited Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.
If you already have an undergraduate degree in another field, you may be able to enrol in a Master of Occupational Therapy course.
Once you’ve completed your course, you will have to register with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA) before applying for roles.
6. Clinical psychologist
“It’s rewarding, meaningful and interesting work as no client is the same. It’s also a privilege to be in a position where you can see and understand personal details and perceptions for a wide variety of people.”
A clinical psychologist is a trained mental health professional who specialises in assessing, diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychological conditions. They work with individuals that have varying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma and personality disorders.
Clinical psychologists can work in a variety of settings from hospitals to private practice and community health settings.
A clinical psychologist makes an average of $110,000 to $120,000 in Australia.
Job satisfaction: 4.3 / 5
Clinical psychologists on SEEK shared that while the role comes with its own challenges, it is also deeply rewarding. Many mentioned that they find fulfilment in being able to make a difference in people’s lives by helping them navigate complex issues such as trauma and PTSD.
One clinical psychologist mentioned that the role was, “endlessly rewarding” and stated that they viewed it as an honour to get to know someone so intimately and to be trusted with their care.
Variety of work: 3.8 / 5
Many clinical psychologists highlighted that the role offers a good level of variety, both in terms of the clients they work with and the clinical skills they use.
As one clinical psychologist shared, “As a clinical psychologist, your duties are varied so there is never a boring work day - you could be doing assessment, treatment, life coaching, risk assessment and working with individuals or groups.”
However, several reviews also noted that while the work itself is engaging, administrative tasks make up a good portion of the job and can be repetitive at times. Despite this, many clinical psychologists find that the ability to work across different cases and apply their expertise in various ways helps keep the role interesting.
Work-life balance: 4.0 / 5
According to clinical psychologists who left reviews on SEEK, the work-life balance of the role largely depends on how you manage your workload, especially for those working in private practice.
Several reviews highlighted that while the role may offer control over scheduling and the flexibility of setting your own hours, maintaining boundaries and taking time to de-stress is crucial. Without proper balance, the emotional demands of the job can become overwhelming, particularly for those working long hours or managing a heavy caseload.
Ready to begin your career as a clinical psychologist?
Becoming a clinical psychologist takes several years of study and training but many reviews on SEEK highlight that the journey is worth it for those passionate about the field.
Steps to become a clinical psychologist:
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Complete an accredited bachelor’s degree in psychology
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Study a fourth-year accredited psychology course
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Apply for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia
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Complete a higher degree pathway which involves either a two-year master’s degree or a four-year doctorate
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Apply for general registration as a psychologist
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To gain a practice endorsement in clinical psychology, complete a supervised practice under a board-approved supervisor as part of a registrar program
Alternative pathways:
Have a bachelor’s degree in another field but want to pursue a psychology career? The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) at James Cook University could be a suitable course and is also the first stepping stone in the path to becoming a practising psychologist.
If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree but have at least five years of professional experience, the Graduate Certificate of Psychology at Edith Cowan University can help you gain foundational understanding in the field.
The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.
Why is it important to be happy in your job?
Job satisfaction plays an important role in both professional performance and personal wellbeing. When you’re happy in your job, you’re more engaged, productive and motivated, leading to better outcomes not just for yourself, but also for those you work with.
1. Improved client and patient outcomes
Happiness at work can influence the quality of care and service you provide. When you’re engaged and motivated, you’re more likely to approach your work with vigour. In contrast, feeling unhappy or unfulfilled can lead to disengagement and an increased likelihood of errors.
In addition, job satisfaction can also drive professional growth. When you’re happy in your role, you’re more likely to put in extra effort which can lead to career advancement opportunities and long-term success. This is reflected in the SEEK Workplace Happiness Index which found that employees who are happy at work are more motivated to go above and beyond in their roles.
2. Increased overall happiness
Workplace happiness doesn’t just stay at work, it also influences your day-to-day mood and overall quality of life. Research from the SEEK Workplace Happiness Index shows a strong correlation between workplace happiness and overall life satisfaction. This means that feeling fulfilled in your job can contribute to happiness outside of work as well.
3. Greater job stability
When you’re happy in your job, you’re less likely to want to leave. The SEEK Workplace Happiness Index reveals that among employees who report being happy at work, less than half consider changing roles.
This stability not only provides job security and career growth opportunities but also reduces the stress that often comes with job searching and transitioning to a new role.
4. Better physical and mental health
Long-term job dissatisfaction can lead to chronic stress, burnout and even physical health issues such as headaches, fatigue and weakened immunity. Studies have shown that those who enjoy their work experience have lower stress levels, better emotional resilience and improved overall wellbeing.
How to find a job that makes you happy?
The right job should make you feel motivated, challenged and fulfilled, not just something you do to pay the bills. So how do you find a role that makes you happy? Here are a few things to consider.
1. Find a job that matches your strengths and interests
It’s important to find a role that matches your personality type, interests and skill set so it feels engaging and fulfilling rather than draining.
Some questions you can ask yourself include:
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Do I prefer working with people or behind-the-scenes?
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Do I thrive in high-energy, fast-paced environments or do I prefer structured, detail-oriented work?
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Do I enjoy problem-solving and analytical work or do I prefer something that’s more hands-on?
For example, if you thrive in an independent and structured environment and enjoy problem-solving, a role as an informatics nurse may be a great fit. On the other hand, if you’re an extrovert that enjoys connecting with diverse audiences and collaborating with stakeholders, you could enjoy working as a health promotion officer.
2. Look for work that matters
A fulfilling career isn’t just about what you do, it’s about why you do it. When your work has a sense of purpose, it’s easier to stay motivated and committed. Ask yourself:
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Do I feel motivated to go to work each day?
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Do I leave work feeling like I’ve accomplished something meaningful?
For many patient and client-centred roles in healthcare, the ability to help people and make an impact is what makes the work meaningful. Examples would include a physiotherapist helping a patient regain movement and mobility or a mental health professional guiding someone through recovery.
3. Consider the work environment and culture
When looking for a job, pay attention to the work culture, team dynamics and company values. Ask yourself:
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Does the workplace support work-life balance?
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Are there opportunities for mentorship and collaboration?
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Do the values of the organisation align with mine?
4. Look for opportunities to grow
A job that challenges you and offers room for learning and advancement is more likely to keep you engaged in the long run. If a role feels too repetitive or stagnant, it’s easy to lose interest over time. Consider:
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Does this job offer professional development opportunities?
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Is there potential for career progression?
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Can I upskill or specialise in a particular area?
For example, if you’re a registered nurse looking for work in a hospital, are there professional development opportunities to upskill and develop your leadership skills? Many hospitals offer free or subsidised training programs and some even provide on-the-job mentorship programs to help nurses transition into higher-level roles.
Finding the right fit for a fulfilling career
Since you’ll likely be spending a good chunk of your life working, it’s important to choose a career that aligns with your values, interests and skills as it can lead to greater motivation, job stability and overall wellbeing.
If you’re looking to begin your healthcare career or move into a healthcare role, pursuing a postgraduate course could be the best place to start.
At GlobalHealth Education, we offer a range of healthcare courses from our university partners across areas such as nursing, mental health, health leadership, public health, psychology, counselling and social work.
Feel free to select a course here and enquire to speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor. Alternatively, book a free professional development strategy call with our Education Consultant to help you determine the next step in your career.
