The choices we make can weigh on us far more than we often admit. While some decisions are made almost automatically—such as what to eat for dinner—others carry significant emotional, financial, and psychological pressure. A new study has identified which life decisions people find the most stressful and risky, and the results may be unexpected.
The comprehensive study, published last month in the journal Psychological Science, surveyed more than 4,000 participants. Instead of presenting hypothetical scenarios, researchers asked respondents to describe real, recent decisions they personally found challenging. Analyzing these responses revealed clear patterns in which types of decisions generate the most stress.
Work and Career: The Biggest Source of Stress
Decisions related to work and career ranked at the top of the list. Across age groups and genders, accepting a new job was identified as the most stressful and risky decision. Closely following was the decision to quit a job, highlighting how central career choices are to people’s sense of security and identity.
Money, Driving, and Starting a Business
Financial decisions ranked third overall, particularly investments in stocks, cryptocurrencies, and stock market trading. Surprisingly to some, the decision to drive a car placed fourth on the list. Researchers note that driving can be especially stressful under conditions such as fatigue, poor weather, lack of focus, or driving under the influence.
Starting a personal business came in fifth, reflecting the uncertainty and risk associated with entrepreneurship. Buying a home or real estate was ranked sixth, often described by participants using terms such as “property purchase,” “investment,” or “major financial commitment.”
Health and Social Life: Less Stressful Than Expected
The final four spots on the list were occupied by decisions related to health and social life. Undergoing surgery ranked seventh, while vaccination came in ninth. Researchers point out that vaccine-related stress may be linked to rising mistrust, citing declining flu vaccination rates in the United States as an example.
Marriage and moving to another country—two major life changes—ranked eighth and tenth, respectively, suggesting they are perceived as less risky than commonly assumed.
Surprising Findings
One of the most unexpected results was that decisions involving health or social relationships—such as dating or traveling alone—did not rank among the most stressful.
“We were interested to see these results, but the data clearly show the opposite,” said study author Renato Frey, professor of psychology at the University of Zurich. “Above all, people think of risky decisions in terms of their careers.”
The researchers intentionally left the term “risk” broadly defined. For some participants, risk referred to financial consequences, while for others it meant long-term life impact. Age also influenced perceptions: older respondents viewed accepting a new job as riskier, while younger participants were more stressed by the idea of quitting one.
The authors hope the findings will help improve support systems for people facing major life decisions. “These nuanced patterns help us understand which population groups are exposed to which types of risk,” Frey concluded.
The 10 Most Stressful Life Decisions, According to the Study
Accepting a new job
Quitting a job
Investing money (stocks, cryptocurrencies, stock market)
Driving a car
Starting a personal business
Buying real estate
Undergoing surgery
Getting married
Getting vaccinated
Moving to another country
