Gaming the System: 6 Recession-Proof Jobs (and 5 Jobs That Put You at Risk)
Gaming the System: 6 Recession-Proof Jobs (and 5 Jobs That Put You at Risk)
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Top 6 best recession-proof jobs
Medical professionalThere are many jobs and specialties within the medical profession. Registered Nurses (RNs), pharmacists, physicians, surgeons, paramedics, dentists, dental assistants, and even veterinarians all fall within this category. People and animals get sick regardless of the economy, so they always need access to qualified professionals who can help.
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Top 6 best recession-proof jobs
Specialized care, therapy, and counselingThis field is next to the medical-care field ‒‒ think elder care, physical therapists, occupational therapy, substance-abuse counseling, chiropractic care, home health aides, mental health professionals, social workers, and more. People value their well-being. They will invest in
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Top 6 best recession-proof jobs
services that allow them to be productive and pain-free. Some of these services are covered by insurance, which encourages people to use them — even when money is tight.
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Top 6 best recession-proof jobs
Law enforcement officersThe exact relationship between crime and economic cycles is complex. Some crimes anticipate a downturn, others coincide with it, and some don't show any correlation at all. Through any economic climate, communities want to invest in physical safety for local businesses and residents, which means that police
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Top 6 best recession-proof jobs
officers and the professionals who support them remain in demand during an economic recession.
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Top 6 best recession-proof jobs
Public utility servicesElectric, water, sewage, waste, trash, and recycling services all survive economic downturns. After all, utility workers are critical to maintaining order and public health. Interestingly, consultancies that serve those utilities seem to share that benefit, as well. For example, many cities are required to conduct annual audits of their
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Top 6 best recession-proof jobs
trash-service providers. Consulting firms that perform such audits will have work to do, even in a tough economy.
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Top 6 best recession-proof jobs
Financial servicesMoney movement is important, which explains why financial professionals are always in demand. Accountants, auditors, actuaries, claims adjusters, tax preparers, insurance underwriters — the list of financial service jobs is long and varied. Many positions require professional certifications, such as Enrolled
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Top 6 best recession-proof jobs
Agent (EA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst).
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Top 6 best recession-proof jobs
Education servicesEconomic booms may come and go, but investing in the future is always important. Jobs in primary education, secondary education, higher education, special education, and adult education are highly relevant regardless of the economic climate. Those who want to pursue this path should know that the way education
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Top 6 best recession-proof jobs
gets delivered is shifting. In addition to traditional classroom instructors, new models of distance and on-demand education are becoming more relevant. So, a job in education can be flexible in both location and delivery style.
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5 worst jobs to have in a recession
Construction and supporting industriesThe construction industry is highly dependent on the health of the economy. When access to business and personal lending becomes tight, construction projects get put on hold. Even smaller-scale home remodeling projects can see delays. This affects all contractors, such as general
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5 worst jobs to have in a recession
contractors, roofers, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Supporting industries, like lumber and cement manufacturing, see a negative ripple effect as well
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5 worst jobs to have in a recession
Home furnishing retailA new leather couch, a gorgeous wool rug, or a stunning chandelier — these beautiful touches make your home special. Unfortunately, they are not as urgent as paying your electric bill. Putting food on the table, or buying your kids new shoes to replace the ones they have outgrown will win over a new dining room set as
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5 worst jobs to have in a recession
well. In an uncertain economy, people hold off on making large purchases, which affects furniture and home furnishing stores.
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5 worst jobs to have in a recession
Auto dealerships and other motor vehicle salesWhen a family is down to one paycheck, fun toys have to wait. Companies that sell RVs, boats, and motorcycles see a decline in sales, along with car dealerships. People tend to invest in repairing their existing cars as opposed to buying or leasing new ones.
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5 worst jobs to have in a recession
Vacation travelFamilies still take vacations in a tough economy. However, those vacations look very different in a recession. An economic downturn inspires staycations and local adventures. Traveling to exotic destinations, fancy hotel stays, and fun excursions all tend to flatline or decline. Even business travel takes a hit as professionals search for budget-friendly options.
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5 worst jobs to have in a recession
Printing and related servicesBusinesses tend to eliminate non-essential expenses when budgets get cut. Services like data imaging, plate making, bookbinding, and brochure and business card printing suffer a decline in demand. Large-scale print shops have high equipment costs and not much room to cut expenses. Managing labor costs
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5 worst jobs to have in a recession
through layoffs becomes one of the few bridges available for survival.