You don't have to have a degree in psychology to understand that certain careers put abnormal stress on workers. When a worker feels stressed, is away from their family for long periods of time, or endures other professional conditions that strain personal relationships, the odds of that worker engaging in domestic violence increases—at least, this is what common sense tells us.

If you, your spouse or partner, or a loved one who you live with are in a particularly stressful career, be aware of the heightened risk of domestic problems. Aside from high-stress jobs, other careers impose unique triggers that can contribute to domestic violence.

Professions That May Increase Your Risk of Domestic Problems

To be clear, anyone can engage in domestic violence. From accountants to executives and mailmen, a career alone does not determine who will be embroiled in a domestic dispute. Some careers, though, fit the known risk factors for domestic violence. Those careers include jobs that require long periods away, jobs that involve alcohol, and those that are unfulfilling.

Jobs That Require Long Periods Away from Loved Ones

It is difficult to maintain a healthy relationship from a distance. When a trucker, traveling salesperson, frequent-flying executive, or other professional spends long stretches of time on the road, they may:

• Be at a higher risk of cheating on their partner and of having their partner cheat on them
• Not communicate regularly with their partner, causing serious issues to fester
• Grow apart from their partner, which may contribute to arguments, breakups, and domestic disputes

We know that estrangement from a partner is a risk factor for domestic violence, and being away from one another can absolutely cause formal or informal estrangement.

Bartending and Other Careers Where Drinking Is Permitted

Not every bartender, club promoter, or creative professional drinks on the job—in fact, most don't. However, those who do drink on the job may be at risk of engaging in domestic disputes.

Drinking can contribute to infidelity, acts of violence, and poor judgment. Anyone who drinks regularly on the job is, therefore, at a heightened risk of domestic disputes.

Any Career That Does Not Fulfill the Employee

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that “low self-esteem” and “low education and income” are two risk factors for someone to engage in domestic violence. While not everyone needs a college degree or training in a trade to find a fulfilling career, we know that such education and training can broaden one's career opportunities.

Whether due to lack of education, training, or some other factor, those stuck in jobs that they don't like—especially jobs that feel like “dead-end” gigs—may feel frustration, inadequacy, and other destructive emotions. If one doesn't channel these emotions in a healthy way, they could erupt in instances of domestic violence.

Hire an Attorney If You're Facing Domestic Legal Issues

Job-related stressors can quickly spiral into domestic chaos. Even the most loving of couples can find themselves in domestic discord that leads to formal legal proceedings.

If you are facing a domestic violence charge, or simply want advice or answers, call LLF's Criminal Law Team and the LLF Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to discuss your case.