Is your job recession-proof?

In this tough market while some industries like retail and manufacturing are vulnerable, while there are some other industries which will remain ‘recession resistant’. Certain things will continue even though people do not have enough money to spend, e.g. people will continue to get sick, pay taxes and use energy. Hence, these areas are expected to thrive well even in economic downturn.

Are you working in a recession-proof business? Here is the list of careers which are expected to remain unaffected in recession:

1. Education and Training – In spite of low income kids will go to school, and many out-of-work adults may decide to continue their education or take up various vocational training to add values to their résumé. Hence the demand of skilled teachers will always be high even in collapsing economy. Along with teachers administrators, independent consultants and sales executives to supply text books and other learning materials will remain in business.
2. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals – As long as we are alive we are prone to sickness and the need for medicines, therapies and health insurance will never cease. Thus, people like doctors, nurses, lab technicians, pharmacists, researchers, insurance agents and others will be in demand.
3. Energy and Utility – No matter how much consumers reduce consumption, they’re not going to stop using energy and they’ll still light their homes. Hence, geoscientists, nuclear power reactor operators, engineers, utility administrator, technicians and others working in this industry may relax. In fact, this industry may grow, as companies look for more efficient ways to deliver using less energy.
4. Law and Order – In practical world criminal activities will never stop. There will always be a need for security, whether it’s public assets or private assets. So a career in this field will always be secured.
5. Technology – Technology touches everyone’s life. Thus, software designers, programmers and networking and systems administrators are required to meet business needs. Yes, there may be some consolidation and right-sizing because of budget cuts, but spending in technology has to continue.
6. Government Sector and Government Contract – Even in recession public officials will be required for smooth functioning of the government. Bureaucrats, administrators, Consultants, tax collectors, and accountants are safe from layoff. Moreover, despite economic turbulence, roads must be maintained and schools must be built, so people doing these works can breathe easy.
7. Sales and Marketing – As a general rule, anyone who is a source of income for a company will be safe. In recession, companies need a talented sales force to get new customers and grow business opportunities. So salespeople have little to worry about.
8. Environmental Services – As concerns about global warming swell, more and more companies are “going green” and will hire engineers and scientists to develop “green” technology.
9. Skilled Services – Irrespective of recession skilled labor will be in demand. Plumbers, tailors, hairstylist and other skilled workers will never go jobless. Therefore, it is advisable that you don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Develop a skill for secondary income and start freelancing.

If your job do not fall in any of the aforementioned fields then instead of panicking be smart to start thinking about recession-proofing your job. Consider the following tips to make yourself the one person that every manager would hate to lose:

• Be Financially Efficient – Think of ways to generate revenues or cut costs and be indispensable. Take initiative to put those ideas into action. Try to finish your assigned work on time and error free and then see if you can be of assistance to anyone else in your department.
• Become Visible – This is not the time to take vacation. Come to office on time and stay long. Show enthusiasm in your work and be eager to take new assignments. Make sure you’re adding value at work by going above and beyond your basic job responsibilities
• Never stop networking – The day you get a pink slip is not the day you want to start calling old colleagues, asking former bosses out to lunch, and getting in touch to say hello to all the interesting people you’ve known over the years. The time to do that is now. Remember, with networking comes opportunities.
• Don’t be a whiner – Recession is the worst time to be a whiner. Management wants people who can boost morale during tough times and not panic others by whining.
• Update your résumé and skills – Take classes and focus on enhancing your skills. Keep your choices open take headhunter calls seriously and investigate prospective employers in other, healthier industries or smaller businesses that might require your talents.

Finally, don’t worry. Economy has been through recessions before and has managed to tough them out every time. This dark time will also end, just be positive and keep your options open.