Let’s discuss recession-proof work! Whenever a recession is mentioned in the media, there is a widespread fear of job security, and there’s certainly justification for this.
Let’s take a quick look at recent history. During the 2008 recession, more than 10% of Americans were unemployed. 2020 brought a stunning loss of more than 33 million jobs.
Job layoffs and recessions often reduce the availability of job openings, necessitate fierce competition for jobs, and result in much less than desirable work conditions.
College degrees no longer guarantee employment security as they once did. People with degrees may have to settle for low-paying jobs.
During a recession, few industries remain stable. And although the effects of a recession appear diverse to us all, everyone has to deal with a recession.
What makes a career recession-proof?
Jobs that are recession-proof are likely to remain steady or increase in value during a recession. While some jobs are tied to the economy, such as hospitality or tourism, others remain steady or even increase regardless of economic conditions.
This generally refers to necessities or daily activities that people will pay more for if times are difficult, such as food, healthcare, and fuel.
These tasks are likely to last for many years, regardless of any fluctuations in the economy. They’re a great selection for those seeking ongoing employment.
19 recession-proof jobs
Although no job is guaranteed, there are a few profession fields that are less affected during recessions.
1. Medical & healthcare providers (healthcare industry)
If you’re a physician, physician assistant, nurse, dentist, mental health professional, or radiographer, you’ll find a job in the medical field during a recession.
Our physical and mental well-being is not affected by economic conditions. People will still get sick even in a recession. Patients will require surgery and having babies shortly after patients arrive.
Looking for steady, well-paying work? Healthcare is a fantastic industry in which to do just that. No matter what the state of the economy is, there will always be plenty of comfortable, secure jobs available.
2. IT professionals (Tech industry)
Technology is more critical than ever. Whether it’s IT support, cell phone repair, computer or system construction, technology companies are less affected by the economic downturn than other industries.
Not only that, but tech companies are also offering many jobs that are not only recession-proof but also low-overhead tasks.
3. Utility workers
Utility worker jobs are one of the list of recession-proof jobs because the need for support personnel in waste treatment, electricity, and other industries is constant regardless of economic conditions.
These are necessary services for daily life, so there is high demand for them. Examples of jobs include electricians and plumbers. The labor pool in this sector is quickly thinning out, as workers grow older.
4. Accountants
Ben Franklin once said that in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes. Companies need accountants if the tax system persists.
Accountants help both individuals and businesses with various financial matters, including recording and filing taxes. So accountants have excellent job security in bad economic times.
5. Credit and debt management counselors
Unfortunately, many people use credit cards and collect more debt during periods of financial hardship. A recession is no different. When individuals accumulate additional debt, they will need more assistance with management.
These experts or counselors can negotiate with your bank to reduce your debt and help you avoid bankruptcy. They can also help you manage your money from greater financial fallout due to a recession.
6. Public safety workers
Security guards, ambulance drivers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers are often needed during times of economic decline.
These safety-related jobs are a good choice to make during a downturn. Perhaps you can consider changing into a job like this.
7. Federal government employees
Federal government jobs are one of the best recession-proof occupations you can have. Civilian and military positions are less impacted by a recession and offer greater security.
Although contract disputes in Congress may lead to changes for hiring and budgets, the federal government is a fairly safe job. Opportunities exist in the military for career enhancement or the possibility of a higher-degree education at no charge.
8. Teachers and college professors (High on the list of recession-proof jobs)
Children continue to need teachers regardless of economic conditions. Education for K-12 students will continue as long as there is a need for instructors.
Classroom sizes can expand and home schooling will become more popular, but as experienced teachers retire and leave the educational system, the shortage of teachers will continue to grow.
Teaching is one of the most unionized professions and has a long list of job guarantees in terms of job security.
Faculty professors also benefit from such perks as tenure regardless of the current economic conditions. During the recession, enrollment in higher education actually increased.
9. Senior care providers
The need for workers at assisted living centers and in- home care providers has increased as the number of senior citizens in the country increases. This is still true even in a recession.
Everything from ambulance and transportation services to certified nursing assistants and home health aides.
10. Delivery and courier services
Online shopping has grown considerably in recent years, as many brick-and-mortar shops have closed. Long gone are the days when you would just buy clothing and books.
You can receive anything delivered today including meal prep kits, household items, food, and alcoholic beverages. Many companies now offer the option to work at home and have couriers deliver their items to their offices.
11. Pharmacists and technicians
Paramedics and hospitals will see patients constantly, just as pharmacies do. Pharmacies also experience steady patient flow during economic downturns, making them recession-proof occupations.
12. Grocery store employees
Discretionate spending is one of the first things to cut back if you lose your job, and this includes eating out. No matter how tight your budget is, a trip to the grocery store is inevitable, and this keeps economy grocers in business.
Pro-tip: Avoid specialty or high-end grocery stores when applying as they may not be as economically stable as lower-end outlets.
13. Auto mechanics
It is surprising to learn that auto repair workers are among the list of job-saving occupations in a recession. Vehicles can easily break down at inopportune times, such as during a downturn.
During financial hardship, families may keep vehicles longer than usual, requiring more maintenance on older vehicles.
14. Public transportation workers
Public transportation needs are ever present in cities with heavy populations as many people commute to destinations and work. As the number of repossessed vehicles rises during economic downturns, so does dependence on public highways, thus posing a safety risk.
Transit workers, such as bus drivers, mechanics, engineers, and ticket booth agents, are some of the countless transit occupations that will remain secure during the economic downturn.
15. Lawyers and legal professionals
While some legal jobs are not recession-proof, certain legal professions, such as bankruptcy law, criminal defense, and divorce lawyers, are less impacted by economic downturns.
The good news is that work such as court reporters, courtroom security, court clerk, legal assistant, and paralegal are jobs that will be unaffected by economic downturns. When large corporations lay off their workforce, employees with lower salaries will continue working.
16. Funeral home director
In a recession, much seems to stop, including life. Even death can occur during a recession and it is essential that loved ones be commemorated.
While certainly not a simple career, funeral directors can assist families during the difficult process of saying goodbye to their loved ones by offering them the noble send-offs they deserve, making them one of the best recession-proof jobs available.
17. Veterinarians
If you love animals, then being a veterinarian is one of the best recession-proof jobs available. Spending on vet care alone increased from $4.9 billion in 1991 to $35 billion in 2015. Millions of Americans own pets.
You can see how this is a recession-proof business. In addition, helping animals is another major perk of the job.
18. Social worker
The profession outlook for social workers is projected to increase by 12% between 2020 and 2030. Social workers help individuals cope with and overcome the challenges of their lives, such as health issues and unemployment.
They often work in settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, human service agencies, and other settings. The median pay for a social worker is $51,760 a year, making it one of the recession-proof jobs to have.
19. Insurance providers
Patients still need insurance coverage, regardless of the state of the economy. Things like car insurance are mandated, regardless of whether we are in a recession or not.
You can become a supplier for a company or work for numerous businesses. While there is a lot of sales work involved, this is a job that is recession-resistant and profitable.
Consider these recession-proof jobs!
However, it is not always possible to find certain 100% recession-proof jobs. On the other hand, there are some jobs that are safer than others.
There are other jobs that are not as affected by a recession as some others might claim. Actuaries, debt collectors, auditors, and repossession agents are some examples of such positions. There are several recession-proof companies as well.
The reality is that there is no simple solution to securing your job. Recessions can increase your stress and anxiety. One of the best ways to be ready is to keep an eye and be prepared.
Don’t hesitate to take the necessary steps now to prepare for a secure future if you are concerned about losing your job. It’s also worth learning new skills to boost your job prospects.
