The study, commissioned by e-learning provider Skillsoft, surveyed 3,000 people and found that 97 percent of IT pros report daily stress stemming from user complaints, managers, and deadlines. Common complaints included stress due to taking on other people's work; lack of job satisfaction; lack of control over daily duties; and managerial pressure, interruptions, and bullying.

My initial reaction? "You gotta be kidding." How could IT be the most stressful profession? What happened to air traffic controllers? Brain surgeons? Prison guards, cops, and firefighters? Stay-at-home moms and dads?

I did a little digging, and it turns out that over the years studies have come out claiming that any one of dozens of occupations is "the most stressful" -- including bookkeepers, librarians, and even bartenders. In fact, according to the American Institute of Stress (http://www.stress.org/), the "most stressful occupation" survey has long been used as a tool by unions to get better wages or by vendors to promote a product, such as deodorant.

A couple points, however, are clear on stress: 1) It's all about the individual's expectations and temperament. And 2) Unchallenging and repetitive work can be more stressful than tumultuous jobs. So cheer up: That never-a-dull-moment gig might be good for your ticker.

Simulated stress dept.