Top 5 Recession Proof Jobs

Where to Find Work and Stay Employed During Recessionary Times

Jul 30, 2009 Daniel Gansle

Despite economic recession, a few occupations are hiring and retaining workers. Here's how to find a job with less chance of being laid off.

Today’s economy is unquestionably volatile. Just as the United States was recovering from the technology sector crash that began around the dawn of the new millennium, a larger crisis was brewing in the financial sector. The popping of the housing bubble shook Wall Street to the core and the entire country felt its dire consequences in the form of foreclosures and mass layoffs which continue to this day.

Despite all the gloom and doom, several sectors of the economy are showing surprising resilience and continually hiring workers. While the financial, housing, construction, retail, and technology industries continue to struggle with persistent layoffs and stagnant hiring, other sectors have continued to prosper and to add jobs. Here are the Top 5 recession-proof careers:

Federal Government Employment

With a growing wave of baby boom retirees, the Federal Government is in need of a few good men and women. While no position is ever guaranteed, these positions generally offer greater job security and a coveted benefits package. Additionally, some offer transit and cost of living subsidies. Not all posts are located in Washington, D.C.; offices are spread throughout all 50 states. State and local governments are another option worth looking into.

Security and Intelligence Jobs

In this day and age, security and intelligence are both a top priority. A poor economy and the threat of terrorism makes these occupations even more critical. Security positions include police officers; security personnel in hotels, government offices, schools, and retail establishments; investigators; private contractors; loss prevention specialists; and electronic security specialists. Intelligence jobs are in demand particularly in Federal agencies (e.g., CIA and FBI), the military, and government contractors.

Jobs in Teaching and Education

As long as babies fill maternity wards in hospitals worldwide, the need for skilled educators will never abate. But it’s not just children who need schooling; the market for adult education is growing stronger each day. And in today’s environment of layoffs and unemployment, adults who find themselves suddenly out of work often opt for career retraining or education in a new career field altogether.

Employment in Healthcare

A career in healthcare can be demanding and stressful, with long hours and lots of time on one’s feet. But the fact of the matter is that these jobs are in hot demand, and the need for skilled healthcare workers is growing each day. Healthcare careers such as dental assistants, nurses, doctors, technicians, office assistants, health insurance specialists, physician assistants, nursing home workers, receptionists, and home health care workers will grow exponentially, particularly with the baby boom generation beginning to retire.

Environmental (Green) Jobs

As part of his plan to fix the U.S. economy, President Barack Obama has promised to add five million new green collar jobs. These include positions in green technology, renewable energy production, green building, conservation, and research and development. The goal is to increase the role of renewables in America’s energy mix in addition to reducing global warming and our reliance on fossil fuels.

While other sectors of the U.S. economy may falter, these recession-proof career fields will continue to add workers in the years to come.

The copyright of the article Top 5 Recession Proof Jobs in Career Advice is owned by Daniel Gansle. Permission to republish Top 5 Recession Proof Jobs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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