Monday, March 2, 2009

Recession Survival Kit


If you want to recession-proof your career, the key is to focus on work that continues even when most people don’t have disposable income to spend. So while consumers may not hit the mall as often, you can guarantee that people will continue to get sick, pay taxes and use energy. These are just a few of the careers and industries that can be expected to thrive in a down economy.
1. Health Care: People will always get sick — sometimes even more so when they don’t have the insurance or money to take preventative measures or eat healthy food.
2. Energy: Although consumers are likely to cut back, they’re not going to stop using energy. In fact, this industry may grow, as companies look for more efficient ways to deliver using less energy.
3. Education: No matter how dire the economy is, there are always jobs for teachers. Kids will still go to school, and many out-of-work adults may decide to continue their education.
4. Utilities: Just like the energy sector, it’s safe to assume that people are not going to stop lighting their homes. So utility administration, maintenance and other related jobs should remain intact.
5. Accounting: Death and taxes are a sure thing. In a recession, people and companies are likely to get desperate for more deductions and a hard look at their books.
6. Pharmaceuticals: As long as doctors prescribe them, people are still going to take drugs. So whether you’re behind the pharmacy counter or in the lab, you can rest easy.
7. Sales: As a general rule, anyone who is a source of income for a company will be safe, so salespeople — especially in recession-proof industries — have little to worry about.
8. Liquor Industry: Alcohol is another outlet for troubled times, so distributors and manufacturers in this industry will continue to thrive.
9. Government Contracting: Despite money troubles, roads must be maintained and schools must be built. Contract your work out for government functions for job security.
10. Food: People need food to survive, and it’s not likely that anyone is going to just stop eating — no matter how bad the economy gets.
Although today’s job market may be bleak, there are some bright spots if you know where to look. While recessions hit some sectors hard, others go on like clockwork — or even experience growth. So whether you’re hunting for a job or still feeling ostensibly secure, now is a good time to evaluate your options and consider one of the aforementioned recession-proof careers.

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