According to a new nationwide survey, America's toughest jobs are firefighting, construction, military service, and emergency medicine, all demanding physical risk and high stress. Firefighters topped the list, with 48% of respondents naming it as the most difficult profession.  The poll of 2,000 Americans also ranked construction workers (44%), military personnel and doctors (both 38%), and police officers (37%) among the hardest-working.  Respondents highlighted the mental and physical toll of these jobs, especially those involving danger or life-or-death decisions. Trade workers in particular reported feeling underappreciated, with 81% saying their contributions go unrecognized.  Half of trade workers described their jobs as difficult, compared to just 21% of non-trade workers.  According to the survey, 88% would encourage young people to go into trade careers, pointing to benefits like practical skills, job stability and avoiding college debt. Over half of trade workers experienced workplace “close calls” last year, and nearly a third left jobs they felt were unsafe, according to Talker Research.  While jobs like teaching and nursing, often emotionally demanding, ranked lower, the survey suggests Americans most respect roles that involve physical danger and essential services.