Growing up, it’s easy to think that some jobs are just the best—like working on a cruise ship being an endless vacation. But as adults, we learn that every job comes with its own set of challenges, paperwork, and annoying details. Recently, professionals from various “cool” jobs opened up about how their work is actually less enjoyable than people might think. From tough working conditions to unseen downsides, get ready to read through some honest confessions.

50 People Share Their Less-Than-Glamorous Job Experiences

Veterinarian: “I thought it’d be about helping cute animals. But, it’s constant sadness and death. When do you go to the vet? On your pet’s worst or last day.”

Veterinarian: “This profession can break your heart. We appreciate those who understand how stressful and difficult it is. Thank you!”

Small Company Worker: “Working at a small company that thinks it’s a big company—everything but the salary. It eats at your soul.”

Chef: “The hours are ridiculous and the pay is bad. It’s not as glamorous as it seems.”

Chef: “After cooking for many years, I still hate it. I couldn’t handle it in a professional kitchen without losing my mind.”

Game Tester: “Running into a wall 500 times at different angles to find bugs—it’s boring.”

Library Worker: “People think it’s quiet and peaceful, but you deal with drug deals, homeless people sleeping, and inappropriate computer use.”

DJ: “I did it for years, and all I wanted after some time was to read a book or watch a movie before bed.”

Working with Animals: “It’s incredibly mentally taxing, frustrating, nonstop, and full of regulations. The pay is often bad, even after so many years of education.

Fame-related Jobs: “Acting, modeling, etc., can damage self-esteem, pressure to be ‘good enough,’ and abusive environments. Staying in the spotlight is tough.”

Architect: “Designing is just 10% of the job. The rest involves permit documents, client demands, and long hours with lower pay.

Music Industry: “Long hours, managing huge egos, and the struggle with the sexism. Not to mention the pay isn’t good either.”

Teaching: “It was great for years, but now it’s so stressful. I’ve been bitten, hit, and screamed at by both kids and parents.

Bank Worker: “Even a homicide detective told me my job was more interesting than hers. I produced evidence for serious crimes like human trafficking and terrorism.”

Dog Care: “Dog grooming destroyed my back. Dog daycare involves cleaning messes. Training has risks with aggressive dogs. It’s tough seeing abused animals.

Travel-related Jobs: “Having the company pay for your hotel and meals is fun for about a week. Then it becomes a serious drag.

Travel Agent: “It’s just sales of something you’ve never seen. You don’t get great deals, but tons of complaints about things you can’t control.

Fireworks Worker: “People love the show but don’t appreciate the hard work of those who prepare it. There’s so much work behind the scenes.

Mattress Tester: “Everyone thinks it’s all naps, but it’s like being in a sleep lab with people watching and taking notes. Not so relaxing.

IT Professional: “Deadlines, projects, and complaints make it less enjoyable than most people think. It’s a job many don’t understand.”

Office Jobs: “People don’t realize how physically taxing sitting all day can be. It causes health issues and mental fatigue. I’d rather go back to physical labor.

Travel Documentary Filmmaker: “You work 18-hour days and don’t really get to experience the place, just focusing on shots and coverage.

Retail and Bookstore Jobs: “Working at a small bookstore means dealing with difficult bosses. Chain stores are as demanding as any other retail job.

Airline Pilot: “Long hours, time away from home, and stress. The wages aren’t what they used to be either.

Graphic Designer: “Tight budgets prevent creativity. Bigger agencies burn you out super fast. It’s a competitive field with not-so-great pay.

French Fry Taste Tester: “Apparently, it’s the worst job ever. It’s surprising but true.

Government Worker: “Social Security Administration is high-stress due to high case loads and outdated systems.

Veterinary Medicine: “Euthanizing healthy animals due to terrible owners, dealing with politics, and seeing animal abuse—it’s tough.

Engineer: “Every role has its pressures and challenges, sometimes more than you’d imagine.

Game Development: “Testing involves repetitive tasks which can make you lose interest in video games entirely.

Wedding Planner: “Planning is super stressful. The glamorous moments are just a tiny part of the job.

Corporate World: “The stress never stops and it can really wear you down.

Video Game Store Worker: “It often turns out to be less glamorous than expected, dealing with tough customers and managing inventory constantly.

Lawyer: “Expectations are high, but the reality involves long hours and stress with less glamor than shown on TV.”

These stories remind us that every job has its ups and downs, and sometimes the reality is far from what we imagine. But knowing the full picture helps appreciate the hard work that goes into every profession.