9 Recession-Resistant Jobs

The reality that a recession is looming — if not already here — is starting to settle in with most people. While many are staying put in jobs they already have for fear of being first cut in a round of layoffs, it’s not a bad idea to consider a new career that can withstand future bouts of economic uncertainty.

No job is truly recession-proof, but some are more resilient than others when the economy starts tumbling downwards. We’ve picked 9 jobs worth considering if you’re looking for better job security and overall opportunity, regardless of the economy’s status.

What does it mean to be recession-resistant?

As we mentioned, no job is recession-proof. Even the most secure roles are subject to layoffs, organization restructuring, and other means of cutting back on company costs.  

Jobs have varying degrees of recession resistance than others; some require more schooling or advanced degrees than others. Others are more necessary to keeping important aspects of our world and our society afloat. Others yet are more skilled positions that become more sought after during economic recession. Whatever the case may be, certain roles are simply more “safe” than others.

Let’s look at 9 recession-proof jobs (“proof” being used lightly here) that tend to fare better when the economy is down.

9 recession-proof (or rather, resistant) jobs to consider

Software engineer/developer.

Growing demand on an already too-small talent pool makes software engineers and developers one of the most recession-proof roles. Companies already have a hard time hiring for these sought-after positions, and they won’t be quick to let them go.

Our world is growing increasingly reliant on technology and the people who create the solutions for it. The demand for software engineers continues to grow and, while hiring may freeze or decrease significantly, companies still need programming talent to help bring these solutions to life — some especially more so if their product or service can help people during a recession.

Funeral home manager, hospice care, or other end of life professions.

Death is still just as natural a part of life during a recession as it is any other time. Folks who work in end-of-life progressions like funeral home management, hospice care, or other specializations will see business year-round. There’s no calendar for these sorts of professions or a time of year when business is “better” than another. Death is inevitable, and those who work in jobs around it will always have a job.

Mental healthcare expert.

Mental health is more widely accessible and universally accepted than it ever has been, and a recession can conjure up low feelings for many. Good therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors are already in demand and will be sought out widely as people start to feel the financial, emotional, and mental effects of economic recession.

Financial advisor.

A good financial advisor is someone worth having in your corner all the time, but especially during a recession. Someone who can navigate financial turbulence with you or better advise on where to put your money and how to spend it wisely is a must-have when times are uncertain, making it one of the best recession-proof jobs.

Teacher.

Nationwide, we’re experiencing a teacher shortage. Some states are even loosening the requirements and training necessary for becoming a teacher as a result. Teaching is — unfortunately — not the most lucrative profession, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Kids still need to go to school and learn regardless of what’s happening with the economy, so teachers will always be in high demand.

Marketer.

People tend to spend more conservatively during a recession, but that doesn’t mean businesses still don’t have things to sell. A talented marketer can help break through the noise and generate business for a company and market services, goods, or other offerings to a target audience by creating messaging as to why people should purchase.

Lawyer.

Despite frequent reports, crime doesn’t increase during economic recessions, but that doesn’t make lawyers any less in demand during a recession. They still need to take cases, stand trial, and provide legal advice for curious parties.

Divorce attorney.

Like death, divorces still happen during recessions – though during the 2008 economic crash, divorces did ultimately get delayed as couples feared having to take on costs as single people. But with finances being a major driver of divorce, attorneys are still needed.

Medical staff or physician.

People still need to take care of themselves or seek care when they’re sick during a recession. Those who are in medical care will find their jobs are recession-resistant, especially considering how much schooling one has to go through in order to become a physician or any sort of specialist.

How to recession proof your job

No job can be recession-proof, again, but there are things you can do to make your career more secure, like upskilling or reskilling with different, universally in-demand skills. You can do this through a number of ways, like

• Earning an official certification from an organization who has created curriculum
• Earning a certification from an online course, trade school, or a bootcamp
• Returning to or joining a university/college for a degree
• Taking a free online course and displaying your skills on a portfolio, resumé, or through gig work
• Joining chapters or groups related to your profession and networking

Learn one of the most recession-resistant skills there is: Coding

Coding is one of the most in-demand skills in any profession. Traditionally “technical” skills are becoming more universally needed in non-technical industries and roles, and the software industry continues to see record demand, despite recession.

At App Academy, we encourage anyone to upskill by learning how to code through our free program, App Academy Open, or our selection of bootcamp courses for those who want to change careers to software engineering or development.