10 Recession-Proof Jobs

**Jarhed** · 04-17-2009, 04:28 PM

I question numbers 3, 6, & 9. Seems there have been lay-offs in those positions.

******
By Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer

It's safe to say that the current job market is in the pits.

Since the recession began in December 2007, 4.4 million jobs have been lost; more than half of that decline occurred between November 2008 and February 2009, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.* Additionally, there are 12.5 million unemployed people and the unemployment rate was 8.1 percent in February 2009. Also in that month, employment declined in nearly all major industries.

The only industry to add jobs in February was health care, with a gain of 27,000 jobs. Job growth occurred in ambulatory health care and in hospitals, adding 16,000 and 7,000 jobs, respectively, according to the BLS.

While there doesn't seem to be much certainty about the economy, there is one fact that remains true no matter what: Certain industries are recession-resistant.

"Some jobs are recession-proof because they provide goods or services that are essential to everyday life," says Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., author of "150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs." "Other recession-proof jobs protect us from harm and make the justice system work."

For example, Shatkin cites water and liquid waste treatment plant operators as a recession-proof job because "even in the most dire economic times, people need to drink, wash and flush."

While nobody's job is 100 percent secure, plenty of jobs and industries are somewhat resilient. For boosted job security, Shatkin suggests looking for work not only in a recession-resistant occupation, but also within a recession-resistant industry.

For instance, he says that people tend to forget that the education industry employs many people who aren't teachers; health care employs workers who never come near a patient; and the high-tech industry employs many people who aren't engineers or technicians.

If you're looking for a new job, focus your efforts on the following areas and you might increase your odds of landing a great position.

1. Registered nurse
Resistant reason: Nurses are always in demand, recession or not. People will continue to get sick and seek medical attention no matter what the state of the economy, which ought to give RNs sound job security.
Training needed: A bachelor's or associate degree in nursing, plus completion of an approved nursing program. RNs must also complete a national licensing examination to obtain a nursing license. Further training or education qualifies nurses to work in specialty areas.
Growth through 2016*: 23.5 percent
Salary**: $46,242

2. Public relations specialist
Resistant reason: As advertising budgets are sliced and other marketing efforts are nixed to cut costs, many companies will rely solely on their public relations departments to promote the company brand. Additionally, as rumors spread about layoffs, bailouts and bankruptcy, PR specialists are needed more than ever to put out these fires along the way.
Training needed: A college degree in a communications-related field like journalism or advertising is helpful, though not necessary. If you lack a degree, employers will look for demonstrated communication skills.
Growth through 2016: 18 percent
Salary: $41,549

3. Teacher, post-secondary
Resistant reason: Since it's becoming harder to score a job, people are riding out the recession by going back to school. Furthermore, workers and job seekers alike are earning higher education to increase their marketability in the work force.
Training needed: Training varies based on the subject you teach and where you teach it. Four-year colleges and universities, however, usually require candidates to hold a doctoral degree for full-time, tenure-track positions.
Growth through 2016: 23 percent
Salary: $46,991

4. Police officer
Resistant reason: First, police officers are employed by the government, which definitely doesn't hurt job security. Second, the sad fact is that crime happens every day and the economy isn't helping. Desperate times call for desperate measures, which for some people include stealing and other offenses -- in some areas, police officers are busier than ever.
Training needed: Law enforcement agencies encourage applicants to take courses or training related to law enforcement subjects after high school. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, usually at least 20 years old, and must meet rigorous physical and personal qualifications.
Growth through 2016: 11 percent
Salary: $49,288

5. Insurance sales agent
Resistant reason: Though many Americans are on a tight budget, people are generally willing to spend money on the big stuff, such as coverage for natural disasters, health-care expenses and automobile accidents. With so many people losing their jobs -- leaving them uninsured as a result -- insurance sales agents have a larger client pool to work with.
Training needed: You have to have a state license to sell insurance; requirements vary by state, but generally require insurance-related course work and passing several exams. A college degree is not required, but is strongly encouraged.
Growth through 2016: 13 percent
Salary: $39,656

6. Pharmacy technician
Resistant reason: As the population ages, people probably will need more medication, as do the many people suffering from depression and anxiety as a result of the recession. Plus, many people have health-care coverage of some kind, even with the downturn, which makes it possible for people to continue to pay for medications.
Training needed: Most are trained on the job, but employers prefer applicants who have formal training, certification or previous experience.
Growth through 2016: 32 percent
Salary: $28,624

7. Funeral director
Resistant reason: Death is a fact of life. No matter what the economy does, people will continue to pass away and families will continue to grieve while seeking assistance to plan services for their loved ones.
Training needed: Every state requires that funeral directors are licensed. State licensing laws vary, but most require you to be 21 years old, have two years of formal education, serve a one-year apprenticeship and pass an examination.
Growth through 2016: 12 percent
Salary: $87,383

8. Environmental science technician
Resistant reason: The Obama administration plans to create 5 million "green" jobs over the next 10 years. Despite a slowing economy, a large percentage of the U.S. work force continues to dedicate itself to the environment.
Training needed: Most environmental science technicians need an associate degree or certificate in applied science or science-related technology. Technicians with a high school diploma and no college degree typically begin work under the direct supervision of an experienced technician and eventually earn a two-year degree in science technology.
Growth through 2016: 28 percent
Salary: $36,655

9. Network systems and data communications analyst
Resistant reason: Many technology-based positions can be performed by outsourcing, but certain technology workers, such as network systems and data communications analysts, must deal with problems onsite.
Training needed: An associate degree or certificate is sufficient, although more advanced positions might require a computer-related bachelor's degree.
Growth through 2016: 53.4 percent
Salary: $40,827 and $71,637, respectively

10. Fast-food worker
Resistant reason: Unfortunately, fast food is all some people can afford these days. While so many other companies saw a decrease in sales and income last year, McDonalds, for example, saw global sales increase 6.9 percent throughout 2008, and its operational income increased 14 percent.
Training needed: No previous training is needed for this position; on-the-job training is provided.
Growth through 2016: 17 percent
Salary: $16,568

**KelJu** · 04-17-2009, 05:15 PM

I am number 9 who supports 1 and 6.

Right now are company is experiencing the most explosive growth in its 30 year history. The starting pay really sucks, but the job is pretty awesome, and the experience is the real value.

**Jarhed** · 04-17-2009, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by KelJu

I am number 9 who supports 1 and 6.

Right now are company is experiencing the most explosive growth in its 30 year history. The starting pay really sucks, but the job is pretty awesome, and the experience is the real value.

I too am a number 9. In '08 I was laid of from my job of 10 yrs. Now I work as a contractor doing the same job, but for a different company. Many of my old co-workers were laid-off as well!

**Yanick** · 04-17-2009, 06:02 PM

I'm number 1 but its not as recession proof as you'd think. Sure they need nurses, but the money to pay them just isn't there. Hiring freezes and lay off's all over the NY area.

**min0 lee** · 04-17-2009, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by Yanick

I'm number 1 but its not as recession proof as you'd think. Sure they need nurses, but the money to pay them just isn't there. Hiring freezes and lay off's all over the NY area.

A close friend of mine was laid off 4 months ago....still can't find a job.

They closed 2 NYC hospitals because of money, that is scary.

**vader** · 04-17-2009, 07:31 PM

I am in nursing school now, you guys should move south. Plenty of opportunties down here

**tallcall** · 04-18-2009, 08:00 AM

Florida needs nurses, doctors, and teachers very badly. We expect almost 50% of the teachers to retire within the next few years and there aren't very many qualified people stepping up to take over (I also think this is partly because the education system needs an overhaul down here and their hiring practices absolutely suck).

**Yanick** · 04-18-2009, 11:22 AM

Min0, I sat for my license over a month ago. I've sent out countless resumes. Places that take new grad's and just about everywhere. I have yet to be called for an interview anywhere. I heard Brookdale fired about 200 or so employees. LICH is closing down. Things aren't as recession proof as most make it out to be.

Vader, I actually got a call from a staffing agency about work in Louisiana. They give you anywhere from 10-15k to relocate but its not worth it for me.

tallcall, admit it. You just want us to give you a sponge bath!

**T_man** · 04-18-2009, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by Jarhed

7. Funeral director
Resistant reason: Death is a fact of life. No matter what the economy does, people will continue to pass away and families will continue to grieve while seeking assistance to plan services for their loved ones.
Training needed: Every state requires that funeral directors are licensed. State licensing laws vary, but most require you to be 21 years old, have two years of formal education, serve a one-year apprenticeship and pass an examination.
Growth through 2016: 12 percent
Salary: $87,383

Wow thats low. Making that much money off people's deaths is just.... wow.

**min0 lee** · 04-18-2009, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by Yanick

Min0, I sat for my license over a month ago. I've sent out countless resumes. Places that take new grad's and just about everywhere. I have yet to be called for an interview anywhere. I heard Brookdale fired about 200 or so employees. LICH is closing down. Things aren't as recession proof as most make it out to be.

Vader, I actually got a call from a staffing agency about work in Louisiana. They give you anywhere from 10-15k to relocate but its not worth it for me.

tallcall, admit it. You just want us to give you a sponge bath!

We have a lot of people overseas come over to the medical field, when I see an American I am almost shocked to see one.
There was a large migration of Philippines in the nursing field a while back.

**vader** · 04-18-2009, 04:40 PM

I have met more than a few Phillipino nursing students sense I have started.
And Yanick, you mean that 15,000$$ is not enough of a draw for you, how about Savannah Ga, that's where I plan on going.
Don't be afraid to leave NY, 15k goes alot farther down here than it does up there, and taxes are lower too

**KelJu** · 04-18-2009, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by vader

I have met more than a few Phillipino nursing students sense I have started.
And Yanick, you mean that 15,000$$ is not enough of a draw for you, how about Savannah Ga, that's where I plan on going.
Don't be afraid to leave NY, 15k goes alot farther down here than it does up there, and taxes are lower too

I was just in that area 2 weeks ago on a systems upgrade. I also went to Atlanta for four days for another job. GA is so much batter than AL it's not even funny.

**danzik17** · 04-18-2009, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by vader

I have met more than a few Phillipino nursing students sense I have started.
And Yanick, you mean that 15,000$$ is not enough of a draw for you, how about Savannah Ga, that's where I plan on going.
Don't be afraid to leave NY, 15k goes alot farther down here than it does up there, and taxes are lower too

Yup...that is a huge draw for me. Wish my company would open up a location in like North Carolina or something.

**Yanick** · 04-18-2009, 11:39 PM

The Nursing licensing in the Philippines is honored in the US, so they can just come here and practice without going through the hassle of defending them. Atleast that is what I have been told, there is a huge population of them in NY.

As far as traveling goes, I'm staying in NY. I have already applied to schools down here to do my Osteopathic Medicine pre-req's, Long Island has a pretty well respected DO program (NYCOM), my whole family is here, my girlfriend, not to mention I wouldn't want to live anywhere but here honestly. I like the multicultural fast paced type of city life. I go to other places and meet people from other places and just feel 'off.' Not trying to be all high and mighty, just saying I was raised here and I'm an NYC'er through and through. I'd love to travel and see the world, but more for leisure and not business. Also Nurses out here make considerably more money. The cost of living probably makes it all equal out but I'm looking at 65 +/- 2k/year minimum. The place I'm going on Monday offers ~75k for night shifts, 12 hour shifts, 3x/week (pretty much all hospitals out here do the 12hour shifts). The patient population if very diverse, the ER's are very fast paced with lots of experiences to be had, connections to be made and skills to be developed.

**tallcall** · 04-19-2009, 04:22 AM

Originally Posted by Yanick

tallcall, admit it. You just want us to give you a sponge bath!

Skip the sponge....I like it au natural!

**vader** · 04-19-2009, 08:23 AM

Yanick, lots of places down here start RN's at 65k a year. I have a friend who graduated just last May and is already making that much, plus overtime

**maniclion** · 04-20-2009, 06:44 AM

Is #8 the generic term for my position, I've been using Alternative Energies Application Consultant, but Environmental Science Technician sounds cool, people would think I'm a scientist or something, which in reality I am. I have helped so many actual scientists with their projects I'm beginning to believe our country just lets anyone who can afford tuition to do this valuable research but yet don't have 2 brain cells to rub together to take a minute to learn basic engineering skills......

**Tom234** · 04-21-2009, 03:16 AM

I went to Atlanta for five days for another job

**FishOrCutBait** · 04-21-2009, 10:10 AM

Im going for my BS in ecology, and then get credentialed to teach science.

I can has bullet-proof fall-back.

**min0 lee** · 04-21-2009, 10:36 AM

The Bullet Train project..if it goes through should be good.

**maniclion** · 04-21-2009, 11:55 AM

A couple guys I know turned their patio into a classroom and now they hold classes to teach people how to be "green". They basically tell them to buy LED light bulbs, get power strips that turn off so the DC transformers are vampiring watts and more watts of electricity just sitting their plugged in. They introduce them to Energy Star, organic foods and tell them where to buy the cheapest "green products", what type of clothes to buy, best building materials that are sustainable, etc. It comes easy for them because they just "greened" their lifestyle and now they make pretty good money teaching retirees, trendy rich people and bored housewives something very simple. I mean just about every company makes GREEN alternatives to their normal products, hell I even saw a Bamboo Guitar.....

**lola1182** · 04-22-2009, 03:43 PM

thanks for the post, jarhead. good points!

**Jodi** · 04-23-2009, 03:57 PM

I had a friend who went to Mortuary school. I was like wtf? How could you do that. He said because I will never be out of work. How true he is but still.....

**Burner02** · 04-24-2009, 01:28 AM

Someone just yesterday mentioned about going home and becoming a funeral director.
Told him I couldn't do it...am too animated in my speech and would probably be too tempted to do stupid things like place a whoopi cushion in the coffin during viewing...pretty sure not all would appreciate my sense of humor...

**Mudge** · 04-24-2009, 11:40 PM

Originally Posted by T_man

Wow thats low. Making that much money off people's deaths is just.... wow.

Creamatoriums make good money too, probably because not a lot of people like the job. I knew a guy who worked in one when he was younger, he was an oven operator - and he quit after awhile because he couldn't take it anymore.

Bodies would sit upright in the oven, and I could go on but I think you get enough of the picture but some people just don't want to do that kinda job. Same with garbage men, they can make 60k a year because its a crappy job.

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