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Don't be a newspaper reporter, the job prospects are dismal; but there's a big need for actuaries

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Careercast.com has rated the best and worst jobs in the United States for the past 25 years. http://www.careercast.com/jobs-rated/worst-jobs-2013<br/><br/>Here’s the list of the worst jobs for 2013:<br/>abdone/Getty Images/iStockphoto

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The Worst Job: 1. Newspaper Reporter. <br/><br/> The survey found that newspaper reporter is the very worst job in the U.S., as so many papers have either folded entirely or have gone digital only. It looks like a cool job on TV though.<br/><br/> “People who love to write can consider working for online publications or make the transition to a job in advertising or public relations,” says Tony Lee, publisher, CareerCast.com. <br/>“There are many jobs in communications that offer better hours, greater stability, a work/life balance and a healthier hiring outlook than being a newspaper reporter.”<br/>diego cervo/Getty Images/iStockphoto

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2. Lumber Jack. <br/><br/> It can be dangerous, you work in remote locations, the pay is low and there's poor job prospects. <br/>Jupiterimages/Getty Images

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3. Soldier. <br/><br/> It's stressful and dangerous. <br/>Oleg Zabielin/Getty Images/iStockphoto

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4. Actor.<br/><br/> It's hard to get a full-time gig that pays the bills. Only a select few really make it big. <br/>Jupiterimages/Getty Images

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5. Oil Rig Worker. <br/><br/> It's risky and you often work in very remote locations.<br/>Roger Milley/Getty Images/iStockphoto

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6. Dairy Farmer. <br/><br/> The work is challenging and often only the big players survive meaning there's less work overall.<br/>Irman Peter/Getty Images/iStockphoto

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7. Meter Reader.<br/><br/> Technological advancements hurt other professions that ranked among the worst jobs of 2013, including meter reader, which is more often done digitally than in person.<br/>William Berry

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8. Mail Carrier. <br/><br/>The job of mail carrier also landed near the bottom of the list, due to post office closures and snail mail being replaced by e-mail, the Internet and text messaging.<br/>Matthew Sherwood/The Globe and Mail

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9. Roofer. <br/><br/> As the construction industry recovers there will be more work, but do you want it? Long hours exposed to the elements for meagre pay doesn't suit everyone.<br/>Getty Images/iStockphoto

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10. Flight attendant. <br/><br/> It's a high stress, low paying job in a shrinking job market, the survey found. <br/>Thinkstock

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The Best Jobs:<br/><br/> “The best jobs offer the ultimate career goal – personal fulfilment,” says Mr. Lee.<br/> “They also offer a bright outlook and abundant job opportunities for years to come.” <br/><br/>Here’s the list of the best jobs this year:<br/>Marianna Massey/Getty Images/iStockphoto

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1. Actuary.<br/><br/> High pay, low stress, a robust hiring outlook, a healthy work environment and minimal physical exertion combine to make actuary the top job for 2013. An actuary assesses risk probabilities, often for insurance purposes, using statistical data, environmental impacts and situational trends.<br/>Comstock

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2. Biomedical Engineer.<br/><br/> Demand in the industry has grown strongly as the health care industry turns to these professionals for improvements in treatments. <br/>Alexander Raths/Getty Images/iStockphoto

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3. Software Engineer. <br/><br/>Every business has a need for those who can make their networks and applications run better. <br/>Roman Antonov/Getty Images/iStockphoto

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4. Audiologist.<br/><br/> Demand is expected to be high in coming years as the population ages. <br/>tina burch

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5. Financial Planner. <br/><br/>The aging population is more concerned about their retirement funds and are turning to financial planners for help.<br/>Jupiterimages

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6. Dental hygienist. <br/><br/>Demand for people in this occupation has been strong. We all like to keep our teeth and the job has a good wage and allows flexibility in working hours.<br/>Getty Images

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7. Occupational Therapist.<br/><br/> There’s expected to be high demand for these workers as the population ages.<br/>Charla Jones/The Globe and Mail

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8. Optometrist. <br/><br/>Because we all have eyes and we want to keep them healthy.<br/>MARIO ANZUONI/Reuters

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9. Physical Therapist.<br/><br/> Again, the aging population is driving growth in this industry.<br/>Jacquelyn Martin/The Associated Press

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10. Computer Systems Analyst. <br/><br/>As more companies move to digitize all parts of their business this profession is seeing strong demand.<br/>shironosov/Getty Images/iStockphoto

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