Infidelity is one thing no one wants to be the victim of. Being cheated on can drive the victim of infidelity to build up insecurities and fears, leading to a desire for answers. The reason for infidelity, what types of people cheat, and how to look out for warning signs, amongst many other questions, are raised in an effort to protect yourself from future harm. But in this act of self-preservation, it is easy to fall into paranoia, leading to dangerous generalizations.
Why people cheat varies from person to person, with evidence suggesting intelligent people are more likely to cheat on their partners. Survey data from Ashley Madison, a controversial dating website that facilitates secretive extramarital affairs for those who are married, revealed what people in which professions would be unfaithful to their partners. The survey, conducted back in 2018 by Ashley Madison, asked over 1000 users to fill out a survey about their work.
Another infidelity website, Victoria Milan, collected data from over 5,600 women, giving insight into their extramarital affairs and their occupations. The reason for infidelity in the workplace may emerge from workplace dynamics, stress levels, and opportunity factors that create conditions ripe for infidelity. According to the surveys and multiple studies, here are the top 10 professions for infidelity.
1. Medical Professionals
According to statistics, the profession with the highest rates of infidelity amongst women was in medicine and healthcare. Medical professionals account for 23% of women engaged in extramarital affairs. Isabella Mise, Director of Communications at Ashley Madison, suggests that “A combination of long hours of potential stress mixed with a natural reaction to stress just might be the reason these women in the medical profession seek out an affair.”
Healthcare workers are exposed to erratic and long work hours in high-stress environments. These environments are combined with the emotional weight that comes with their professions. Healthcare workers often experience feelings of grief, exhaustion, and severe mental and physical burnout due to the nature of their jobs. Emergency room staff work 18 times more likely to cheat than part-time workers.
A 2021 study found 21% of doctors and nurses reported current or past unfaithful relationships. Over 80% of the unfaithful individuals were doctors. Interestingly, researchers found men were 5 times more likely to be engaged in infidelity than their female counterparts. These men were also more likely to engage in sexual acts in the doctor’s room while at work.
2. Trade Workers
Data shows that men who work in trade fields such as construction, plumbing, and electrical trades are the most likely to cheat out of any profession. Trade workers represent 29% of unfaithful men in major surveys. Their erratic work schedules create perfect conditions for secret relationships. Irregular hours and shift work patterns help trade workers avoid getting caught.
Their erratic hours also provide ample opportunities for extramarital affairs and rendezvous. Many also work independently or in small teams away from main offices. The physical nature of trade work also plays a role. These jobs attract confident, hands-on individuals who may seek variety in personal relationships. Trade workers often travel between job sites, creating believable alibis for suspicious absences.
3. Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Business owners and entrepreneurs rank third for both male and female cheaters. Entrepreneurial people love to control all facets of their lives, including their romantic relationships. As they are very driven by control, they “are likely to take charge of their sex life the way they do their business,” the survey suggested. This suggests there may be a link between entrepreneurial personalities’ desire for dominance in business and in their romantic relationships.
Research suggests entrepreneurs apply risk-taking behavior to personal relationships. The same drive that builds successful businesses may lead to infidelity. Networking events and business travel provide numerous opportunities for individuals to engage in adultery.
Studies show entrepreneurs use work as an emotional outlet during relationship stress. Some channel relationship problems into business intensity, while others seek validation through affairs. The demanding nature of building businesses often leaves partners feeling neglected and relationships strained.
4. Information Technology
IT professionals are stereotypically seen as introverted; however, high rates of tech workers have admitted to infidelity. Men in technology represent 12% of unfaithful partners, while women account for 8%. Long hours working closely with colleagues create an environment that allows bonds to form. Tech workers often participate in intense project collaborations requiring extended time together. Late-night coding sessions and working together over the weekend to meet deadlines can blur professional and personal boundaries and spaces. The intellectual connection formed during complex problem-solving can evolve into emotional intimacy.
Remote work arrangements in technology also provide cover for affairs. Working from home eliminates getting caught as no colleague’s oversight is present. It also creates flexible scheduling perfect for secret meetings. Many tech professionals travel frequently for conferences and client meetings, creating an ideal alibi for adulterous meetings.
5. Educators
According to the surveys, female educators represent 12% of cheating women compared to their male counterparts, with a much lower percentage. Educational settings involve close collaboration with like-minded professionals. Teachers spend long hours together planning lessons, attending meetings, and participating in school events. This proximity, combined with shared professional passion, creates emotional bonds that may cross boundaries. Women tend to bear more classroom stress which might further push them into infidelity.
6. Finance Professionals
Both men and women in the financial sector are relatively equal in their likelihood to cheat. 8% of men in finance are likely to be unfaithful partners, while 9% of women engage in infidelity. Investment banking, insurance, and accounting require long work hours and frequent business travel. Client entertainment and networking events often involve alcohol and social situations that blur professional boundaries.
The competitive nature of finance attracts ambitious personalities who may seek validation through multiple relationships. Success in financial careers provides resources that facilitate affairs. Higher incomes enable secret expenses for hotels, gifts, and entertainment. The power dynamics inherent in financial success can make individuals more attractive to potential affair partners.
7. Sales
A workplace survey shows sales workers account for 14.5% of reported workplace affairs. The nature of sales work creates perfect conditions for relationship infidelity. Sales workers often travel, meeting new people constantly. Client entertainment and networking events provide numerous opportunities for chances to cheat. The relationship-building skills essential for sales success translate easily to flirtatious interactions.
Performance-based compensation in sales creates stress that may drive individuals toward affairs for validation. The constant rejection inherent in sales work can damage self-esteem, leading some to seek confidence boosts through extramarital relationships. Irregular schedules and flexible work arrangements make having an affair easy enough.
Read More: Woman Reveals Two Major Signs a Man Is Cheating, and People Agree
8. Retail and Hospitality
The surveys demonstrate that 8% of males who work in the service industry are likely to cheat. The social nature of their jobs, especially in bars, creates ample opportunities for infidelity. Bars, restaurants, and retail stores usually employ young, attractive workers who interact closely during long shifts. Evening and weekend schedules often conflict with traditional relationship time, creating distance between partners. The party atmosphere in many hospitality venues normalizes behavior that sets the scene perfectly for infidelity.
Customer service roles require charm and social skills that can be exploited in romantic endeavours. Workers develop confidence in social interactions that may lead to cheating with customers or colleagues.
9. Legal
Lawyers, judges, and legal staff show consistent appearances in infidelity studies. The legal profession attracts ambitious, articulate individuals comfortable with rule interpretation. Long hours and high stress characterize legal careers, creating relationship strain. Law firms often require extensive travel for depositions, court appearances, and client meetings. These work trips provide natural cover for affair activities. The intellectual nature of legal work creates deep professional connections that may evolve into personal relationships.
Power dynamics within law firms can contribute to inappropriate relationships. Senior partners often mentor younger associates in close working arrangements. The competitive nature of legal careers may drive some individuals to seek validation through multiple relationships.
10. Entertainment
Despite how infidelity and promiscuity are shown in the media, workers in the entertainment industry have lower rates of infidelity than assumed. Only 3-4% of surveyed cheaters work in arts and entertainment, contradicting previously held stereotypes about entertainment workers.
However, the entertainment industry does create unique relationship challenges. Irregular schedules, frequent travel, and attractive colleagues provide opportunities for affairs. The creative passion that drives artistic careers can translate to intense personal relationships.
Celebrity culture within entertainment may attract individuals seeking validation through multiple partnerships. The public nature of entertainment careers can make affairs more exciting due to increased risk and attention. However, entertainment can be predatory, with power dynamics heavily shifted towards those with money and control.
Understanding the Research Limitations
These statistics come primarily from infidelity websites and divorce attorney experiences. The data may not represent the general population accurately. Correlation does not equal causation, meaning that someone’s profession does not make them more likely to cheat. Individual character matters more than career choice in determining whether someone will cheat or not. There are many other factors to consider that influence whether someone engages in infidelity. These include moral and personal values, relationship satisfaction and current life situation.
Read More: A New Form of Cheating is Emerging, and Women Are Warning Others