Depending on your job responsibilities, you might work very long hours during the day. Not only is this both mentally and physically draining, but it can also truly hinder your all-important work-life balance. Ultimately, with several tasks to complete on a daily basis, it may become increasingly challenging to enjoy some well-deserved rest.

But who is working the most hours? And who, instead, is free to take some time for themselves? Here, with some help from van leasing company, Van Ninja, we explore which self-employed workers face constantly prolonged shifts, while also determining those who can benefit from more flexible schedules.

The busiest workers: jobs with the longest working hours

Having a regular job can have an empowering effect, enhancing your overall well-being. As with everything though, balance is key, and all employees should have some spare time to unwind and refuel.

Due to the nature of their roles, some workers may not have this sacrosanct luxury. Who tops the chart of professionals with the longest working hours?

1. Tractor drivers: working 60 to 62 hours per week

Let’s not beat around the bush – those involved in the agricultural sector are known for spending countless hours in the fields. Growing fresh greens and taking care of animals is a rewarding and gratifying job and it allows you to breathe in clean air while immersed in the glorious countryside.

That said, it is a very demanding profession. In particular, tractor drivers work on average 60 to 62 hours per week – bank holidays and weekends included. From ploughing fields and planting seeds to spraying and harvesting crops, there are numerous tasks to tick off the to-do list. What’s more, tractor drivers are also expected to know the ins and outs of their vehicle and carry out repairs and maintenance checks on a regular basis.

2. Merchant navy engineers, ratings, and offshore drillers: working 52 to 55 hours per week

Sunbathing on the beach as the waves crash peacefully on the shore is a relaxing and stress-free experience. Working out at sea, however, is certainly not as restful. Merchant navy engineers, ratings, and offshore drillers may all have different sets of duties, but they do have one thing in common: extensive work shifts.

Working anything from 52 to 55 hours each week, life on the high seas comes with both crucial and time-consuming tasks. Merchant navy ratings, for instance, help with the day-to-day running of a ship, such as operating lifting gear, inspecting cargo holds, and cleaning the deck area.

Naval engineers and offshore drillers monitor complex equipment and take command of technical operations, and their expertise is essential at any moment. The salary is a good incentive for taking on the extra hours and responsibilities though. They can expect to earn up to £70,000 and £60,000 per year respectively, which is sure to float their boat.

3. Bodyguards: working up to 51 hours per week

A bodyguard needs to keep their eyes peeled – and their muscles ready – at all times. Their job may sometimes sound glamorous, but it conceals some delicate responsibilities. In fact, bodyguards protect individuals or groups of people from potentially harmful situations, whether that is violence to kidnapping.

Hence, they may be expected to work, on average, up to 51 hours per week. They are also likely to go over the traditional ‘9-to-5’ schedules, often working away from home both in the evenings and on public holidays. Wages range from £17,000 to £50,000 per year, possibly influenced by the riskiness of their assignment.

The most flexible jobs: the chance to juggle your job and personal life better

While some employees have no choice but to spend long hours in the workplace, other professionals have the chance to juggle their jobs and private lives more effectively.

Who is leading the way when it comes to balanced working hours?

1. Florists: working 28 to 30 hours per week

Who doesn’t like receiving flowers or plants from time to time? Florists sell beautiful bouquets for several different occasions or events, with the aim of decorating wedding venues or consoling families at funerals. Ultimately, it is a rewarding job that uplifts people’s moods.

One of the main advantages of this profession is that it provides great flexibility. In fact, florists tend to work on average from 28 to 30 hours per week and may only spend weekends in the shop on a rota. When not behind the counter or watering their plants, they cruise around in a van and deliver petals and odorous blossoms to their clients. Given the flexible nature of their job, many florists choose van leasing, which gives them the chance to jump at the wheel whenever required.

2. Money advisers: working 30 to 32 hours per week

Playing an important role in the business, finance, and social care industries, money advisers aid people who need a helping hand. As their title suggests, they offer guidance to individuals who have accumulated debts that are too difficult or large to handle.

As well as supporting those with a difficult financial situation, money advisers can benefit from a balanced work-life routine. On average, they spend 30 to 32 hours in the office each week, with flexible evenings, weekends, and work patterns. What’s more, they can aspire to earn up to £28,000 per year – and, considering the amount of time they dedicate to their jobs, it is certainly an inviting salary.

3. Fitness instructors: working 32 to 34 hours per week

With the frenzy of everyday life, keeping in shape is the perfect way to nurture both our physical and mental well-being. Fitness instructors organise exercise routines and programmes for people to improve their health. While helping others, they are also maintaining their own wellness by working balanced, reasonable hours every week.

In fact, on average, fitness instructors perform their duties for 32 to 34 hours a week. Based on customer demand, they can also freelance and regulate their shifts accordingly. All things considered, they can hope to reach a sound maximum wage of £25,000 per year.

All jobs are challenging and demanding in their own ways. However, there are some that require you to keep going for longer. Would you rather be a tractor driver or a florist? Would you choose to be an offshore driller or a fitness instructor? At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you enjoy what you are doing – and never forget to set aside precious time to rest and unwind.