The Six Most Recession-Proof Businesses
by www.SixWise.com
Most Americans surveyed by a 2008 Fortune Magazine poll believe
the economy in the United States is on a downward spiral.
They agree if a recession isn't here already, it soon will
be.
|
Teachers enjoy a relatively stable job market, no matter
what the economy is doing.
|
The poll of 1,000 Americans found that:
-
18 percent are somewhat worried about losing their job
in the next year, and 8 percent are very worried
-
65 percent believe U.S. economic conditions are getting
worse
-
57 percent believe the United States is heading into
a recession in the next 12 months
-
48 percent have been cutting back their spending in the
past 12 months
-
15 percent have not been able to keep up with their credit
card payments, and 9 percent have not been able to keep
up with their mortgage, rent or other loan payments
In the midst of such tumultuous times, layoffs, unemployment
and financial hardship are top worries on people's minds.
"No question that if the economy goes into recession,
or is already in it, unemployment and job security are going
to get worse," said John Challenger, CEO of Challenger,
Gray & Christmas, a consulting firm that provides outplacement
services for executives and middle mangers in an ABC News
article.
"The risk of layoffs will grow and the number of layoffs
will grow. That means often you can get caught without a job
through no fault of your own," he continued.
|
If you can speak a foreign language, have a lot of
knowledge about another culture, or have a desire to
work in another country, your skills will be in demand,
even during a recession.
|
But, as the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining,
and in the case of a recession, the following jobs are it,
Challenger told Yahoo! HotJobs. These are the businesses that
will thrive no matter what the economy is doing, quite simply
because they provide services that society in general cannot
go long without.
-
Health Care: Health services occupations including
medical assistants, home health aides, physical therapists
and medical records technicians account for close to half
of the 30 fastest growing occupations.
-
Education: Teaching is generally immune to a
shaky economy, particularly if you're teaching in an area
with a high growth rate, such as the South and Southwest.
-
Energy: Anything related to alternative
fuel sources, oil and gas and other energy sources
will likely flourish in coming years.
-
Environmental: If you have "green"
skills in sustainability and other environmental issues,
you will be in demand.
-
Security: Police officers, international security
experts and others who fight crime will still be in need
even if the economy turns sour.
-
International Business: Working in another country,
or simply being an expert about another culture or language,
will work to your advantage during a recession.
If you currently feel your job is in jeopardy, or you're
looking for work, don't despair -- remember that certain skills,
like dedication and perseverance, will always be in demand.
"I think there will always be opportunities for people
who want them. If you're hardworking, if you're persistent,
if you keep your skills current with today's marketplace ...
you'll be fine," said Cathy Paige, vice president and
general manager of employment service Manpower's Northeast
division. "The world is always looking for hardworking,
good employees."
Recommended Reading
How
to Find Your Dream Career: 11 Key Steps
Why
Returning to College After Age 30 (Age 40, 50, Etc.) Might
Be Just The Right Choice For You
Sources
ABC
News January 23, 2008
Yahoo
Hotjobs
CNNMoney.com