Recession-Proof Career Paths

Are you worried about the long-term viability of your job in a recession?

If so, you’re not alone. A recent study by Strada Education found that 62 percent of Americans are concerned about losing their job. Even jobs that were once considered stable, permanent options may not be a best bet in these unprecedented times.

You don’t need to go into thousands of dollars in debt in order to attain a degree or certificate that can provide you with better earnings and a higher standard of living.

If you’re thinking about pursuing a new career path, resilience is what you’re looking for. Here are some of your best options.

IT workers

Information technology is a broad category that encompasses a lot of different career choices. As many employers made the shift to working at home, IT workers were in more need than ever. Assisting employees with home set-up and managing company networks from afar proved to be some of the most important tasks in a remote world. While the long-term effects of remote work are yet to be seen, it’s possible that the work landscape has changed for good—many employers may continue to keep a section of their workforce remote, allowing for flexible hours. That means IT workers will be even more in demand.

Computer support specialist
2019 median pay: $54,760

Pharmacy technicians

The job outlook for pharmacy technicians has trended toward growth. The projections for 2018-2028 were faster than average for other industries, at 7 percent growth rate—in 2018 there were over 420,000 workers employed as pharmacy technicians. Just because the economy slows, doesn’t mean people stop getting sick or don’t need medicine. You can train to become a pharmacy tech on the job or at your community college, very quickly. This job can be a great springboard into other careers in the medical industry as well.

Pharmacy technician
2019 median pay: $33,950

Mechanics

Do you enjoy working on cars in your spare time? Why not use this recession as an opportunity to turn your hobby into a career? Even though many are working at home, people still need their vehicles to get to the grocery store and doctor’s appointments. And with the increase of industries like Instacart and other food delivery services, those workers will need to have reliable sources of transportation. They will turn to auto repair shops they can trust, who employ certified mechanics. You could also seek a career as a mechanic at a dealership.

Automotive mechanic
2019 median pay: $42,090

Nurses

It goes without saying that hospitals need nurses. Even before the pandemic, the projected job growth for nurses was much faster than average, at 12 percent from 2018-2028. Maybe you’ve been thinking about getting your nursing degree for a while but haven’t had the chance to make the career switch yet. Or maybe the career field you imagined you’d be in isn’t the best choice at the moment. Either way, nursing is a challenging but rewarding job.

Registered nurse
2019 median pay: $73,300

Home health aides

Working in home health care requires a bite more training after receiving a high school diploma or GED. This is a career option that is in great demand, with a projected 36 percent growth outlook for 2018-2028. You could potentially work in a variety of different settings, including hospitals or clients’ homes, and many patients require specialized personal care. It is also a great way to get acquainted with the medical field if you are interested in pursuing a further degree at some point.

Home health aide
2019 median pay: $24,060