by Laureen Manera

Created on: January 19, 2009   Last Updated: January 27, 2009

In an economic downturn, job loss is probably the biggest concern for everyone. However, there are some jobs and careers that are seemingly immune from the economy. In fact, certain positions actually see more business when the overall economy is bad. Others may not see a particular increase, but remain steady. So what are some of these fields?

1. Healthcare. Especially in nursing, where there is a profound shortage. People always need the services of hospitals, doctors, and nurses no matter what the economy is like.

2. Accounting. This is another one that is basically unaffected. Accountants are always in demand.

3. Education. Again, teachers are needed no matter what. And like nurses, there is a general shortage of good teachers.

4. Utilities. Things like electrical workers, sanitation, water treatment, phone companies. These things are usually not optional for most people, and will be needed no matter what.

5. Law Enforcement. This is one area that sadly often even sees an increase during a recession: crime. Police and security officers are relatively safe from layoffs in hard times.

6. Hairstylists. This one may be a bit iffy, but generally there will be a need for their services regardless of the economy. Many women, especially, would rather go without food than miss an appointment with her stylist!

7. Government Jobs. Outside of education and police work, there are many other necessary government positions that are relatively sheltered from a bad economy. For example, while the postal service has had rounds of layoffs over the years, there will always need to be letter carriers. It depends more on your area and whether they're hiring at the moment.

8. Environmental. As our civilization becomes more "green", new positions are opening up almost daily in this field. This is one area that is likely to continue to see steady growth.

9. Air Traffic Control. Yet another very important job that there will likely always be a need for.

10. Funeral Home. Morbid as it may seem, this is perhaps one of the safest career choices in a bad economy, as far as job loss goes. Just as people are born every day, people die every day as well. This is one job that is largely unaffected by economic woes.

This is just a short list of a few of the many needed jobs and careers that are relatively recession-proof. Not every industry is in trouble in tough times. You just need to know where to look.

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