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Stay Hired, Stay Paid: 10 Recession-Proof Jobs For Any Economy
Whether you’re still a student or just considering your next career path, stability is number one on your list, especially in today’s slowing economy. With potential fears about an upcoming recession, you want to know what jobs you could move on to next that’ll keep you “safe” in any type of economy.
Gone are the Boomer days when you could stay and rely on one employer for decades; now, it’s all about being adaptable and entering a career that holds strong. The good news is that some industries just don’t quit, no matter what happens on Wall Street. Think healthcare, education, and other roles that people rely on no matter what.
So if you’re exploring new opportunities, switching industries, or planning “just in case” 💩 happens, here are 10 solid, recession-proof jobs to help you weather the storm.
1. Healthcare
Everyone needs medical professionals, but don’t feel like you have to catch up on years of schooling to enter this industry. Here are some entry-level, but still essential, healthcare jobs that have fewer educational requirements of a high school diploma and/or completing a certification program.
- Medical Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Surgical Technologist
- Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse
- Home Health Aide
- Emergency Dispatch
- Dental Assistant
- EKG Technician
2. Public Safety
These roles protect the community as a whole, and if you want to make a positive impact, here are some positions to consider.
- Police Officer
- Firefighter
- EMT/Paramedic
- Correctional Officer
- Public Safety Dispatcher
- Code Enforcement Officer
3. Education
There will never be a shortage of students, and they’ll continue to need education throughout any downturn. If you don’t want to become a full-fledged Teacher, there are other ways to enter the industry, such as:
- Teaching Assistant
- Substitute Teacher
- Library Assistant
- School Secretary / Administrative Assistant
- After-School Program Director
- School Counselor
- Special Education Teacher
4. Law
Some fields in law hold strong during a recession, such as criminal defense, health care, and bankruptcy. Here are some options that don’t require a law school degree:
- Legal Assistant
- Legal Secretary
- Paralegal
- Court Reporter
- Jury Consultant
- Mediator
- Probation Officer
- Policy Analyst
- Law Librarian
- Electronic Discovery Specialist
- Claims Adjuster
5. Finance
Since you can’t go through life without finances and taxes, consider a profession in the following:
- Financial Analyst
- Accountant
- Loan Officer
- Auditor
- Financial Planner
- Staff Accountant
- Tax Associate
- Wealth Associate
- Credit Analyst
6. Trade
The skilled trades industry shows no signs of slowing down, as there is high demand due to the shortage of qualified workers. If you like working with your hands, then consider the following:
- Truck Driver
- HVAC Technician
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Welder
- Carpenter
- Mechanic
- Locksmith
7. Mental Health
Similar to health care, the mental health industry is fairly stable as demands for it rise even during a recession. As we all continue to stress, have anxiety, and other mental health issues, these roles can provide security for yourself and comfort to others:
- Mental Health Aide
- Behavioral Technician
- Peer Support Specialist
- Community Health Worker
- ABA Therapist
- Life Coach
- Social and Human Services Assistant
- Case Worker
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Therapist
8. Grocery Stores
In a recession, people will cut back on dining out at restaurants and cook more at home. Some roles to consider:
- Cashier
- Stock Clerk
- Butcher
- Bakery Clerk
- Produce Associate
- Store Manager
9. Utilities
The services provided by utility jobs, like electricity, water, and waste management, are fundamental to daily life and business operations. Would you last long without being connected to the internet? Some options to think about:
- Electrical Lineworker
- Utility Technician
- Gas Service Technician
- Water Treatment Operator
- Utility Worker
- Gas Controller
- Wastewater Engineer
10. Rideshare & Delivery
People need their packages, and with more and more online orders being placed, these roles will stay in demand. Consider supplementing your full-time job with these options if you want to try it out first:
- Delivery Driver (Amazon, UPS, FedEx)
- Courier
- Truck Driver (Local/Long Haul)
- Food Delivery (Uber Eats, Door Dash)
- Mail Carrier (USPS)
The Money Move
There are MANY more roles for each industry, and it would be impossible to list them all. However, I hope the above gives you a good idea of what direction to start in to pursue more information about recession-proof jobs, whether by visiting your local career center or taking online courses.
Consider your interests, what you’re already good at, what you could be passionate about, and what transferable skills you have. Skills like multitasking, communication, time management, adaptability, collaboration, and leadership are just some of the skills you can use no matter the job.
Good luck, and you got this!
