5 Low-Rate Survival Jobs You’re Lucky To Not Have To Do

Many people hate their jobs, no matter how safe or easy they might be. When you have been in a position where you can simply “get another job” if you don’t like the one you’re in, it can be hard to imagine having to risk your life and health every day, just to earn a fraction of what you do now. The lack of economic opportunities forces workers into hazardous industries where safety regulations are lax, equipment is outdated, and risks are often fatal. These jobs come with high mortality rates, severe injuries, and long-term health complications. Below are five of the most perilous professions undertaken by people in poor countries, illustrating the harsh realities they face daily.

1. Gold Mining in the Peruvian Mountains

Peru is one of the world’s leading producers of gold, but the small-scale and illegal mining industry is incredibly hazardous. Gold miners, often working in remote mountainous regions like Madre de Dios, use mercury to extract gold from ore—a process that exposes them to toxic fumes. Prolonged exposure to mercury leads to neurological damage, kidney failure, and birth defects.

Beyond chemical dangers, miners work in precarious conditions inside unstable tunnels prone to collapsing. Landslides and explosions are common, and many miners get trapped underground. Without proper safety equipment, they breathe in fine dust particles, leading to lung diseases such as silicosis. Life expectancy for these miners is alarmingly low, often ranging from 40 to 50 years due to exposure to toxic chemicals, accidents, and chronic illnesses.

2. Honey Collecting in Nepal’s Cliffs

High up in the Himalayan cliffs, the Gurung people of Nepal practice traditional honey hunting, a profession passed down through generations. These men scale towering rock faces using handmade rope ladders to collect honey from the world’s largest honeybees. The job is physically demanding and extremely dangerous.

The bees, known as Apis laboriosa, are aggressive and can deliver painful stings, sometimes leading to allergic reactions or anaphylactic shock. The risk of falling is also significant, as the hunters work at dizzying heights with minimal safety gear. Many have suffered fatal falls while attempting to retrieve honeycombs. Additionally, climate change and deforestation are pushing these bees to higher altitudes, making the job even more perilous. Life expectancy for honey hunters is difficult to estimate, but frequent accidents and falls mean many do not live to old age.

3. Brick Kiln Work in India and Pakistan

Millions of people, including children, are trapped in the brick-making industry in countries like India and Pakistan. This form of modern slavery forces families to work under extreme conditions, often to pay off generational debts. Brick kiln workers toil in scorching temperatures exceeding 45°C (113°F), inhaling toxic fumes from the burning coal and clay dust.

Exposure to high temperatures leads to heatstroke, dehydration, and chronic respiratory diseases like tuberculosis. The repetitive nature of their work—molding, carrying, and stacking heavy bricks—causes severe musculoskeletal disorders. Many workers develop lifelong deformities due to backbreaking labor, and since medical care is often inaccessible, minor injuries become fatal infections. Life expectancy for brick kiln workers is significantly lower than average, with many succumbing to lung diseases or heat exhaustion before reaching 50.

4. Fishing in Bangladesh’s Bay of Bengal

Fishing is a key industry in Bangladesh, yet it is one of the deadliest professions in the country. Fishermen venture out into the rough waters of the Bay of Bengal in poorly maintained wooden boats, braving violent storms, tidal waves, and strong currents. Many vessels lack life jackets, radios, or emergency equipment, making capsizing a common fatality.

Shark and pirate attacks are additional threats faced by these fishermen. Many are kidnapped or killed by pirates who steal their catch and boats. Exposure to the elements, malnutrition, and dehydration further deteriorate their health. Some fishermen spend weeks at sea with little food, surviving only on the fish they catch. Many die young due to drowning, malnutrition, or untreated infections. Life expectancy for these fishermen is significantly lower than the national average, often ranging from 40 to 50 years.

5. Sulphur Mining at Indonesia’s Ijen Volcano

One of the most grueling jobs in the world is sulphur mining at the Ijen Volcano in Indonesia. Here, miners trek deep into the crater of an active volcano to extract sulphur, also known as “devil’s gold.” They work without proper protective gear, inhaling toxic sulphur dioxide fumes that corrode their lungs and cause severe respiratory illnesses.

Miners carry baskets loaded with 70 to 90 kilograms of sulphur on their backs up steep, rocky terrain. The excruciating labor destroys their bodies, leading to chronic pain and joint issues. Many suffer from skin burns caused by exposure to acidic gases. With little to no healthcare access, minor injuries often become life-threatening infections. The average life expectancy of a sulphur miner is shockingly low, with many dying in their 30s or 40s due to lung diseases and exhaustion.

The Grim Reality of Dangerous Jobs

The people who take on these dangerous jobs do so out of sheer necessity. With limited access to education and employment opportunities, they risk their lives to earn a meager living. Many are exploited, receiving minimal wages despite the life-threatening conditions they endure. Governments and international organizations have attempted to improve conditions, but progress is slow, and many workers remain trapped in these hazardous industries.

Until economic opportunities improve and stronger labor protections are enforced, these workers will continue to face extreme dangers for survival. Their sacrifices highlight the brutal reality of poverty and the urgent need for global intervention to ensure safer working conditions for all.

Despite the dangers, these workers display incredible resilience, courage, and determination in the face of adversity. Their stories deserve recognition, and their lives should not be expendable in the pursuit of profit. The world must take notice and push for change to protect the lives of those who endure some of the deadliest jobs on the planet.