Loneliness and Work: How Occupation, Age, and Income Shape Attitudes Toward Solitude

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People in different careers answer the question of living without daily contact with loved ones in varied ways. A study conducted for the SuperJob job search service and summarized for socialbites.ca shows educators, accountants, and office managers tending to fear loneliness more than other groups. In contrast, bartenders, designers, and managers often describe a calmer stance, suggesting that a life with less constant communication would not threaten their wellbeing. These patterns illustrate how daily work rhythms and social routines shape how people feel about isolation.

When the results are broken down, 68% of respondents reported little or no fear of being alone. Specifically, 31% said they are not afraid of solitude at all, while 37% indicated they would not fear being by themselves in such a situation. Some participants even framed solitude as a positive opportunity: statements like “On the contrary, I dream of a lonely life” and “There are so many interesting books, events, and movies – I certainly won’t get bored” reflect an upbeat view of solitary hours. Yet, 32% still expressed some level of concern about loneliness, with 11% feeling absolute fear and 21% experiencing moderate fear.

Economic and demographic factors intersect with these feelings. Among Russians surveyed, those earning under 30,000 rubles monthly were more likely to fear being alone, reaching 39% in that segment. By contrast, a larger share of self-sufficient respondents (69%) reported less fear, aligning with higher income levels above 80,000 rubles. Younger individuals also showed greater sensitivity to loneliness, with those under 24 years old reporting fear at higher rates than those aged 25–34, though both groups hovered around 35% in overall terms due to different personal circumstances.

By profession, certain groups stood out for their fear of loneliness. Educators showed fear levels around 70%, while accountants and office managers tracked near half or slightly less than half of respondents expressing concern. Nurses and sales managers hovered around 40%. Conversely, bartenders, designers, and managers were among those least worried: 94% of bartenders, 79% of designers, and 76% of managers indicated that living without communication would not harm them. In related roles such as logistics managers and system administrators, about 72% felt similarly unfazed by limited contact with others. The results suggest that engagement with work routines, creative or client-facing activities, and autonomy may buffer some individuals from loneliness.

Over time, public attitudes toward loneliness appear to shift. When compared with data from 2021, the share of people who fear being without loved ones has declined by about 2 percentage points. Looking further back, a longer horizon shows the current level is more than five times lower than the figures seen in 2009, hinting at evolving cultural and social dynamics that include greater acceptance of solitude and stronger internal resources for coping with isolation.

In conclusion, the survey touches on a lasting human theme: loneliness is not spread evenly across society. Some groups experience heightened anxiety about solitary life, while others show resilience and a readiness to view solitude as an opportunity for growth. The findings underscore how occupation, income, age, and personal disposition interact to shape responses to being alone. This broader understanding can inform workplaces, communities, and policy discussions about social well-being and support networks.

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