There can be a lot of reasons or triggers why people start to smoke. Some start smoking at a very young age because of peer pressure or family issues. Others smoke to cope with their stress or as a psychological coping mechanism. However, there are people who smoke or started smoking because of their professions. Below are the top 5 jobs that can trigger smoking:

1. Call Center Agent

Majority of call center agents around the world are smokers. This can be attributed to the nature and culture of their work. Most call centers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These call center representatives work in a graveyard shift or in a rotational shift. They admit that they smoke to wear off the stress and drowsiness in the late hours. Smoking has become a culture in most call centers across the globe. However, there are few who smoke because they are just influenced by their fellow agents, or they learn to smoke just to fit the culture in the work place.

2. Waiters, Waitresses, and Bartenders

Among the worst jobs for your lungs is bartending. Waiters and waitresses in smoke-filled bars tend to develop smoking habit to lessen the impact of secondhand smoke. Non-smokers who work for more than 8 hours in a smoke-filled bar are more likely to suffer from smoking related illnesses. Seeing people smoke and smelling tobacco smoke can also greatly influence a person to smoke.

3. Construction Workers

It is a common scenario in a construction site to see workers smoking during breaks. Most construction workers find it more relaxing to smoke after eating a hearty meal. Smoking gives them the sensation of calmness and relaxation after a long day’s work. They feel more relaxed after puffing a stick or two.

4. Security Personnel

Nicotine is a known stimulant. Security personnel on night shifts are convinced that they can fight drowsiness if they smoke. That is why even non-smokers working in a night shift are tempted to light a cigarette to fight their drowsiness in the late hours. It is also a good way to let the time pass while on duty. This is the reason why most security personnel are more likely to smoke more sticks of cigarettes compare to other smokers.

5. Writers

Lots of people say that being a novel or a book writer is a very difficult, challenging and stressful job or career. Writing requires creativity and inspirations. However, sometimes writers come into a point that they can’t find a better way to express their thoughts. Some writers would admit that to be able to write, they even have to smoke a few sticks of cigarettes while thinking of a better story. Writing can also be very stressful like meeting your deadlines, writing a better ending, etc., and it can trigger smoking. Maybe this is the reason why some famous writers suffered and died from smoking related diseases like lung cancer, emphysema, and heart attack.

It doesn’t mean to say that just because these professions trigger smoking, you should smoke. There are many ways to fight back the temptation and any other forces that stimulate your mind to smoke. It’s just a matter of choice.

About The Author

Dr Antonio Howell, MD is just a guy trying to make a difference in the world by helping people quit smoking. Visit drantoniohowell.com for more information.