ALT-1 Best Jobs
While the economy is currently in recovery-mode, millions of people are still out of work and struggling to find a long-lasting and well-paying job. In this case, it's time to think about changing careers. Some job and career fields are actually on the upswing in these bad economic times. Labeled as "recession-proof," they haven't been affected by the recession simply because they're still in high-demand.
If you're currently out of a job, then these are certainly the fields you'll want to be a part of. Not only are they great fields to get into, but you won't have to worry about losing your job. Here are the ten best recession-proof jobs/fields, as listed by a number of economists and professionals.
1. Health Care - Medical Field
As big of an umbrella this is, the medical field is booming in the economic recession. You'd be crazy not to consider going into a medicine-related profession. While it may take some schooling, it's surely worth it. After all, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical-related staff will always be needed. People aren't going to stop getting sick just because of the economy. For a long-term career, I highly recommend the medical field.
Doctors, nurses, and surgeons are currently in high demand across the country, especially considering the amount of schooling each requires. All kinds of specialized medical jobs need fulfillment, so don't limit your dream to just the hospital. Family doctors and physicians, pediatricians, gynecologists, chiropractors, podiatrists, optometrists, and veterinarians are currently in high demand and great jobs to look into. Other jobs include medical assistants, hospital staff, paramedics, physical therapists, psychiatrists, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and nursing aids/orderlies/attendants.
2. Education - Teachers
Education is another great field to get into nowadays, as schools are always looking for new teachers to fill empty voids in their teaching staff. Currently, high school teachers are the most sought after. Math and science teachers are highly needed as more of these classes are being added to school curriculum. High school administration staff is also needed all around the country (which includes principals and school system administrators). School psychologists and counselors are also in high demand.
Teachers are also needed on the elementary and post-secondary level, which includes colleges and special field professors. Other education jobs include teaching assistants, special education teachers, foreign language teachers, and students affairs professionals that work on college campuses. Since kids are always going to school, teachers will always be in demand. It doesn't take much additional education, so definitely consider getting into the education field.
3. Technology - Computer and Network Systems Analysts
Chances are, most people don't even know what this is. Actually, these jobs took up the top three spots in TIME Magazine's list of the best recession-resistant jobs in 2008. And now, in 2010, they're still in high demand. Since the U.S. continues to lead the world in technology, jobs in the technology field (especially those relating to computers and networks) are always in demand. Computer science is a great career to get into, as your choice of jobs is near endless.
Systems analysts work to solve problems related to a computer's hard drive and hardware, while a networks analyst works to correct problems within a computer's wireless Internet network. So many other jobs can be had within the technology field, including data communications analysts, software designer, network/computer systems administrators, and database admins. If you're good with computers, then technology is a great field to get into.
4. Dentistry - Dentists and Dental Hygienists
The dental field is another great one to get a job in, as people are always going to have teeth and mouth problems. Currently, dental hygienists (the people who give cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, etc.) are in top demand. Dentists, dental assistants, oral surgeons, and orthodontists are great jobs to have. Schooling is necessary, but it'll surely be worth it - teeth are something that people like to take care of, and dentists will always be needed.
5. Energy-Related Jobs
Ever since President Obama took office, his administration has been working to find a more efficient national energy system, including alternatives to using fossil fuels. Projects started over a year ago are still looking for people to fill jobs, which is why energy is a great field to get into. While researchers, energy scientists, and technicians are needed, other jobs include power plant operators, insulation workers, electrical power line installers/repairers, and nuclear medicine technologists.
6. Environment-Related Jobs
"Going green" has now been branded to fit the work force. With a national push towards a healthier, safer, and greener America, environmental jobs are now opening up everywhere. Environmental engineers, scientists, and researches are all needed to find better ways to protect the environment (finding alternatives to fossil fuels also falls under this category). Other jobs include hydrologists and geoscientists.
7. Financial Services - Accountants and Insurance Specialists
With everyone looking to get their finances organized and settled, the need for specialists is growing. Accountants are in high demand, as businesses need someone to turn to in order for finances to be settled. People will also turn to accountants for help with their taxes. Insurance specialists are needed, especially by small business owners, but also by ordinary people needing advice on which way to go with their money. Financial advisers, tax auditors, bankruptcy lawyers, actuaries, and sales agents are also in great demand.
8. Criminal Law - Police and Investigators
Police officers are always needed, so going into a career of law enforcement isn't such a bad idea. Since they're responsible to the public, you rarely see police officers getting laid off. Detectives and criminal investigators are also wanted in many areas. The jobs you see on TV are actually real, so why not get involved in law enforcement? Since crimes are always happening, jobs will always be open. Patrol officers, lieutenants, sheriffs, deputy officers, probation officers, court reporters, and paralegals are in high demand.
9. Government-Related Jobs
Any job with the government is a good one, because you can rarely get fired when working for the government. In fact, more than half a million federal employees will retire by 2016. New jobs are beginning to open up, so don't be afraid to get involved. Agencies like NASA, AmeriCorps, the CIA, and the FBI have open positions waiting to be filled, while positions on state and local levels are also open. Other jobs include immigration and customs inspectors, urban and regional planners, and government property inspectors.
10. Grab Bag - Other Jobs
There are numerous jobs out there that have been seen as recession-resistant. They include firefighters, salesman, repairmen, construction workers, secretaries, morticians, clergy, librarians, air-traffic controllers, writers/editors, mathematicians/economists, bus drivers, archivists, and funeral attendants. Clearly, there is a wide variety of jobs waiting to be taken, so don't wait around.
If the economy is hitting you hard, it's time to fight back. There are so many recession-resistant jobs on the market that it's hard to believe so many people are currently unemployed. Not only are these jobs in high demand, but they pay extremely well - you'd be crazy not to think about entering one of these fields. By reading this list and knowing which fields are in highest demand, you'll have a great-paying and long-lasting job again in no time.
