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Girls Just Wanna Have Funds reports 8 industries that are a pretty safe bet even during a recession, and Yahoo’s HotJobs echoes the sentiment and adds in a few more. What do these industries all have in common? Unlike real estate, which is heavily driven by individuals’ liquidity, these are all areas that are NOT optional when it comes to having employees and spending money. I’ve mixed and matched and added my own comments.
- Computers / IT / Web Development – If you have the skills to help companies increase efficiency and reduce costs using technology solutions, you’re a hot commodity.
- Criminal Justice / Police / Security – Crime rates certainly aren’t going to go down as the economy comes to a screeching halt. I’d guess that this field is in even MORE demand when jobs are scarce and tensions are running high.
- Education – There is ALWAYS a need for teachers. Always. Even in great economic times, there are never enough teachers.
- Energy – Despite high travel costs, we still need oil and gas — not just to get to work, but also to run our homes. Electricity, alternative energy, etc., and especially areas of lower-cost energy, will never go away.
- Environment – Green building, green manufacturing, green everything is HUGE as we start to realize the impact of our actions on the world around us.
- Health Care & Medicine – "Luxuries" like cosmetic surgery may not be real growth areas right now, but especially with the physical effects of economic stress, the medical field is in no danger of slowing down. And it’s not only physicians who have job security, but also nurses, assistants, and technicians.
- International Business – Things may be tough in the US, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad everywhere.
- Psychology / Counseling / Substance Abuse Treatment – As with medicine, psychological and mental health fields are going to remain in high demand, especially as people deal with the stressors of the economy.
- State and Federal Government – Even with a recession, the government has to keep operating.
I would also add freelancing writing and graphic design to this list. Outsourcing specialized tasks, either in the US or overseas, saves companies TONS of money by helping them keep their payroll lean and mean with a small staff headcount. I’ve never been busier as a freelance writer, and my colleagues pretty much all saying the same thing. Companies always need written materials, and the smart ones won’t stop marketing just because the economy is slow because they know that pretty much guarantees their failure.
Do you have or know of another recession-proof job? Do tell! Leave a comment.
Contents © Copyright 2008 Kristen King
Tags: women and business, women in busines, women, woman, womens business blog, recession-proof jobs, good jobs during a recession, recession-proof industries, job security, biz chicks rule, kristen king
Always a need for teachers? Then why is it that despite all my certifications-including in “critical needs” areas, i still can’t get a teaching job-18 months later- after losing my last teaching job?
The food industry should be added to your list as it has been largely unaffected and continues to offer growth and development opportunities (especially within Europe) Also engineering positions have been largely unaffected as the need to have skilled professionals such as electrical/mechanical engineers continue to find employment (UK) though there is speculation that the inevitable “second wave” will play its role in the coming 2-4 years (government reports_ UK)
Most industries will feel the pinch of what is happening, though there are still industries growing. It is just the ROI is not as favourable as it was in earlier years.
Yes, the situation is dire worldwide, but, there are signs of improvement in certain industries.
1111 days ago
[...] April 24, 2009 · No Comments In this age of economic uncertainty, volatile markets and job loss, it has been mentioned that some industries might be recession-proof. [...]
1142 days ago
[...] done some research and wouldn’t you know it, web design comes up first on this list of the top 9 recression-proof industries. I guess this means I’m going to have to stay locked up in my office at least until the [...]
Im sorry, but this list is very misleading. First, please dont preach the the “government needs to keep on going.” Clearly the state of CA is in a deep fiscal crisis which of course will trickle down to schools, hospitals and smaller government agencies. Since school districts depend on the state for nearly 90% of thier funding, your comment about teaching being a safe occupation is just plain wrong. If there is no money to pay teachers, teachers will get laid off. Plain and simple. The districts will be forced to increase class size, implement hiring freezes and lay off teachers-regardless of how well they perform. So optimism is nice-but not practical nor helpful in times like this. Its time to get real.
This article is overly optimistic. No industry is recession proof. It doesn’t matter how much workers may be needed if there is no money to pay for them. And three of the “recession proof” jobs listed above are being affected by the recession in a big way. International business is suffering, not just in the US; Microsoft is even laying off workers. Many educational institutions, local and state governments have hiring freezes in place and have cut funding to many services, including some on your list. Items 4 and 5 are two of the few industries where there is job growth going on.
Yes i want to add up agriculture industry and industry related to basic neccessity of life. i.e. food and cloth. Whatever changes come to the environment basic neccessity will remains.
Wal-Mart…
They will thrive in this type of economic slowdown.
I would also add a food industry to the list.. Regardless of recession people need to eat.. Companies such as Danon, Kraft etc. keep their profits pretty stable even at the hardest time.
1420 days ago
[...] Chicks Rule lists 9 Recession Proof Industries. While you could use this list to start a job search, if you are really savvy you might find a way [...]
Great list! Lots of talk of recession, gas prices, unemployment. I see thousands of high paying jobs posted by reputable employers. I beleive people can find a job if they truly look.
http://www.realmatch.com
http://www.monster.com
http://www.simplyhired.com
If you want one, you’ll get one…be positive!