30 Best Recession Proof Jobs 2024
30 Best Recession Proof Jobs 2024. One of the biggest concerns of employees is job security when a recession hits. There’s no such thing as a 100% recession-proof job. Recessions sometimes strike jobs in unexpected ways, depending on the cause of the recession and the local impact.
The ability to have job security during economic downturns can provide peace of mind and keep you on a good financial trajectory. Recessions are painful, and few people can claim immunity. No one knows this better than those out of work and looking for a job.
Still, some professions, such as jobs in construction and finance get hit harder than others during a recession.
There are also industries that fall into the category of “luxury spending.” Families splurge on them when there’s extra income. When money gets tight, or when delaying a purchase would be prudent, these industries (and the jobs associated with them) suffer.
Are government jobs recession-proof?
Public sector jobs, while not generally recession-proof, do offer more security than private sector jobs, and the advantage widens during recessions. These patterns are present across genders, races, and educational groups.
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What Are The Best Recession Proof Jobs In 2024?
1. Federal Government Employees
Governments still need to function regardless of how the economy is doing. If you work for the federal government, economic troubles are less of an issue. Sure, disagreements in congress can lead to budgetary disputes and government shutdowns. But for the most part, these are some of the best jobs to have in a recession.
2. Developer
Developers typically work in the IT space, creating software and maintaining systems crucial to our developed world. The pandemic showed that even if the world stops, sound technology and reliable communications are a must-have. Developers might experience a shift in job focus during a recession. Publishers are less keen on investing in new creative projects, but developers are still needed for existing software.
3. Bankruptcy Lawyer
Unfortunately, bankruptcies are more common during a recession. People lose their jobs, exhaust savings, and have no choice but to declare bankruptcy. It’s a sad reality that many must face. Bankruptcy lawyers can help people navigate the complex process. They handle the legal side of things and can even negotiate better terms for their clients.
4. Pharmacist
Pharmacists work with physicians to administer the prescriptions people need to stay healthy. People still need their medications, and pharmacists play an essential role in this. While a recession will decrease the demand for non-essential drugs, it can increase the demand for medicines that treat anxiety, stress, and other conditions caused by economic struggles.
5. Public Utility Worker
If you’ve ever experienced a natural disaster, you know how crucial public service workers are to a functioning society. We’re talking about the folks who work on electrical lines, sewage systems, natural gas distribution, etc. Without these people working around the clock, we wouldn’t have the daily services we rely on. Things could get dangerous, and society as we know it would crumble
6. Teacher
There are obviously pros and cons to being a teacher these days, but job security during a recession is a clear plus! As long as children and adult learners are looking to expand their knowledge, teachers are a must. Even as home learning becomes more prevalent, there’s still a need for educators. It’s not just the grade school teachers, either. College-level professors are in demand as more people try to improve their skills and job prospects.
7. Insurance
It doesn’t matter whether you’re an appraiser, underwriter, or sales agent. Insurance is an industry with some of the best recession-proof jobs you can find. Insurance providers typically experience a hit during recessions. Few people are working, and more people put their insurance at the bottom of the priority list.
8. IT Professional
IT experts have some of the best job security of any modern profession, especially with more and more of the world shidting to an online space. People had to rely on robust networks to communicate with family, shop for groceries, and work remote jobs.
9. Public Transit Worker
While many have no choice but to rely on their vehicles to get to work, those who live in areas with public transportation will change the way they commute during a recession. Public transit usage tends to climb during these times since it’s cheaper than buying gas and it eliminates the headache of finding parking.
10. Delivery Worker
Believe it or not, delivery workers actually have a fairly recession-proof job. Why? It all comes down to stores shifting their priorities to online platforms. It’s expensive to run a brick-and-mortar store. The last recession killed many popular brands, so retailers are eager to move their operations online. With every order comes a need for delivery workers to take it to its final destination.
11. Correction Officer
Correction officers work in the prison system. They can also act as probation officers, sit on parole boards, etc. Prisons continue with business as usual when recessions occur. People still serve out their sentences and go through the prison system. Everything operates normally.
12. Mental Health Professional
Mental health providers offer a valuable service during a recession. Any economic downturn can wreak havoc on the general public’s mental health. Life gets more challenging, stress factors are more prevalent, and anxiety becomes a genuine threat to the population’s well-being. Mental health providers are there to help people work things through.
13. Real Estate Investor
Real estate investors have many opportunities to expand during a recession. However, there are inherent risks. Investors who rent out their properties might experience trouble. Rental default is common, and eviction rates climb. Evictions are an expensive route to go, so some landlords will suffer. But even still, the job is full of opportunity. People will always need places to live!
14. Senior Caregiver
Caregivers include everyone from nurses and orderlies to cooks and cleaners. Senior caregivers address an important need in our society. Seniors require special care and deserve to age with dignity in a safe and comfortable place. Whether at a retirement village or home, seniors often need help from experienced caregivers.
15. Social Worker
Social workers are the unsung heroes of society. They help people overcome problems at home. Whether that’s drug abuse or child neglect, they’re there to help families. Unfortunately, these problems can get worse during recessions. With the economic stress surrounding every move, people get angry and lash out at their children or spouses. We need social workers to deal with that fallout.
16. Accountant
We’ve all heard the saying: “Nothing is certain in this world but death and taxes.” The latter is where accountants come in. An accountant is responsible for managing money. They help people do taxes, make smart financial decisions, and move money around.
17. Grocer – Grocery Store Employees
Many businesses have no choice but to shut their doors during a recession. We’ve seen it in the past. Even well-established brands aren’t safe. But one type of retailer has more job security during a recession than others. Everyone needs groceries. That’s one constant that doesn’t go away. Prices might go up, and people might have to spend less.
18. Veterinarians
Studies of past recessions showed that veterinarians do relatively well during these times of economic decline. Many vet clinics have no issues staying in business. Some pet owners have to make the tough decision to forgo traditional care. But things like pet insurance are becoming more common. Not only that, but low-cost treatments are necessary for many jurisdictions.
19. Funeral Home Director
It doesn’t matter whether we’re in an economic recession or an economic boom. People still pass away. During tough economic times, families might forgo fancier ceremonies and flashy caskets, but the need for funerals remains. Surviving families still grieve, and there’s always a need for burial plots, cremation urns, and wakes.
20. Car Mechanic
Auto shops might notice a decrease in elective work and major repairs during a recession. But, there are some things drivers can’t avoid. For example, they can’t drive without faulty brake pads or a broken transmission. Many people rely on their vehicles to get to work, so it’s an expense they must stomach even if money is tight.
21. Divorce Attorney
Unfortunately, divorces are very common during a recession. Money is one of the biggest points of contention among couples. When economic struggles are unavoidable, disputes are bound to happen. The data about divorce rates are split, but there’s no denying that economic pressure plays a role in couples splitting.
22. Credit & Debt Counselors
Not everyone who gets in over their head with debt declares bankruptcy. But they still often need help clawing their way out of the hole. Debt and credit counselors can help consumers prioritize debts, pay them down using strategies like the debt snowball method, avoid high-interest debts and predatory lenders, and improve their credit score. Many can also help consumers negotiate with creditors.
23. Healthcare Jobs
No matter the current economic situation, one thing remains certain – people will always require medical attention. Jobs within the healthcare sector usually remain safe during a recession. Careers such as doctors, nurses, hospital administrators, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and physiotherapists will still have plenty of work, no matter how much the GDP fluctuates. Senior Care workers will also always be in demand, no matter how the economy is faring. People will continue to age, and they will need assistance.
24. Public Transportation Workers
Public transportation is crucial during a recession. Making it to work on time is essential to secure and maintain your position, and many people won’t be able to afford the high costs of a personal vehicle. With spiking gas prices and the cost of maintaining a car, using public transportation may be a much more economical option.
25. Actuary
An actuary is someone who analyzes risks. They use tons of data to determine how risky potential investments are, helping businesses make crucial decisions that support the bottom line. They’re a big part of the financial side of doing business. As you can imagine, actuaries are in high demand during a recession. Actuaries guide organizations in the right direction and can play a significant role in helping them come out of recessions without too much harm.
26. Hospice Worker
Hospice care is another crucial job that doesn’t wait for economic conditions to improve. There’s no way to stop time or put someone’s declining health on pause. As a result, hospice care is a field with excellent job security even in a recession. Hospice care is unique to traditional healthcare.
27. Firefighter
This is another Recession Proof Jobs 2022. Firefighters provide a valuable public service, and their work is necessary even in economic downturns. Fires are becoming increasingly common with climate change. Pair that with more vacant buildings, and it’s a recipe for disaster. That’s why firefighters make our list of the best recession-proof jobs. Fire departments get their funding from taxes and municipal funds.
28. Debt Management Professional
Here’s another unfortunate reality of recessions. People go into debt and have trouble paying it back. Many end up maxing out credit cards to stay afloat. Meanwhile, those with existing debt might have to look into management services to make paying it off a little easier. Debt management professionals work with lenders to negotiate better interest rates and more manageable terms.
The Worst Jobs Not Recession-Proof To Have In A Recession
1. Vacation travel
Families 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.
2. Home furnishing retail
A 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 well.
3. Construction and supporting industries
The 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.
4. Auto dealerships and other motor vehicle sales
When 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.
Are we going into a recession 2024? | How to Know If the U.S Is Entering One
Nearly 22 million jobs disappeared during the last short recession, and in July 2020 there were still 16.9 million people unemployed, according to the United States Department of Labor (Bureau of Labor Statistics). There are many different signs but there’s no one indicator.” During the second quarter of 2022, growth slowed at a 0.9% annualized rate, which some economists would consider to be the start of the recession.
