by Fran Mascioli

Created on: January 10, 2009   Last Updated: January 23, 2009

There are a few "recession-proof" areas to apply for employment. The food processing industry and the health care industry are going to need employees all the time. These are the areas that people will not cut back on during difficult money crunches. We all get hungry and we all get sick. Nursing is one of the greatest career opportunities during economic prosperity or loss. Equally as needed in the health care field are are hospital billing clerks, secretaries, sanitation department workers, emergency ward security guards and certified nursing assistants.

The public safety sector is a reliable source of income during a recession. Firemen and police officers will be needed whether the economy is good or bad. City employed sanitation workers will not have to worry about job loss during bad economic times. A utility company is a safe bet for employment. Services will be required by the public and private sector for any electricity, natural gas, water supplies or phone services. Another area is the plumbing business. Plumbers will still be repairing pipes and installing hot water heaters, even in the poorest sections of town. These services are a necessity. Or try the local school district. Teachers and school administrative staff will always be required in any city.

A recession is defined as six full months of negative economic growth. During a time of decline in any country in the area of production of goods and/or services, several industries will suffer. People may not be able to buy a new vehicle, or new appliances. Therefore, during a recession, the repair business sector should see an increase in the use of their services. The auto repair industry and the appliance repair industry will both be excellent career choices. Another area that will not see layoffs in large corporations will be the accounting staff. Companies always need to have their books kept in order. With any financial turmoil, many companies will be restructuring their financial departments, looking for areas to save money. Steady employemnt will be required. In fact, the neighborhood small business will probably require a bookkeeper.

Many businesses will suffer in the sale and services of goods. However, certain industries will survive by getting their goods to the public (especially the food industry). Therefore, several delivery/trucking companies will probably survive these times with little disruption. The postal service (both private and federal government) should not see a decline in deliveries.

Temporary employment agencies are an excellent source of income. They are literally job brokers, putting the employee in direct contact with employers. They can provide a temporary assignment while you are looking for another position. But, more importantly, they may be able to find you a permanent position. This resource should not be overlooked when job seeking.

It's important to remember that if you are employed with a large, stable company, they will probably survive a short recession. If the recession lasts longer than six months, you may receive a layoff notice. But until the notice arrives, you should not jump ship. There will be less opportunities and more prospective employees competing for every available job in the marketplace.

During a recession, the sale of recreational vehicles will decline. Also, family outings to vacation resorts will suffer tremendously. Therefore, these areas of employment are not recommended.

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