Jobs for a Recession

[DrinkingHarp]

Recession-Proof Jobs in 2008
by Larry Buhl, for Yahoo! HotJobs

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A steady stream of discouraging economic news is bringing with it talk of the dreaded "R" word. Economists at Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley say the U.S. is heading for its first-blown recession in 16 years, and a recent CNN poll found that 57 percent of the public believe the U.S. is in a recession already, with the economy topping the list of voter's worries.

A recession could hit some job-seekers hard. "A lot of people won't have the luxury of going for their first choice in a down economy," said Sophia Koropeckyj, an economist at Moody's Economy.com.

However, many employment sectors are expected to remain strong despite a possible recession, and job-seekers may have more success if they focus on recession-proof professions.

The Bright Spots

John Challenger, CEO of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, told Yahoo! HotJobs that careers in the following fields may offer a good chance of weathering a storm this year.

* Education. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has historically shown teaching to be relatively recession-proof. But demographics are important: High-growth areas like the Sun Belt offer much better prospects than the Rust Belt.

* Energy. "This is a major issue for the global economy, and jobs related to oil and gas, alternative energy and even nuclear are likely to see strong growth," Challenger said.

* Health care. Almost half the 30 fastest growing occupations are concentrated in health services -- including medical assistants, physical therapists, physician assistants, home health aides, and medical records and health information technicians -- according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

* International business. "If you have a strong knowledge of other cultures, and an ability to work in another country, you'll find plenty of opportunities," according to John Challenger. "If you're first generation Chinese, with business skills and Chinese language skills, you're in good shape.

* Environmental sector. There is a huge and growing industry geared to combat global warming. "Not only will professionals with skills in sustainability issues be in demand through the end of the decade, we are likely to shortages of professionals with 'green' skills," said Rona Fried, president of sustainablebusiness.com, a networking service for sustainable businesses.

* Security. "Crime doesn't stop during a recession, and police officers, port security specialists and international security experts will continue to be in demand," Challenger emphasized.

Other Sectors Feel the Slump

Koropeckyj and other economists agree that many troubled industries will feel the pain from the deflating housing bubble.

"The housing slump will touch anything related to housing, from real estate to investment banks, to engineering and architecture," Koropeckyj said. Though public sector jobs grew at a fast clip in the last five years, state and local government jobs are likely to slow as home values, and, consequently, tax revenues, sink.

The housing slump could even extend to industries dependent on discretionary spending, like restaurants and retail, she indicated. Manufacturing, too, long in dire need of an upswing, is likely to keep waiting for one through 2008, Koropeckyj said.


I will add....

Auto Mechanics  -  who can afford a new car?
Home Remodeling - people will keep up their houses better since they can't sell/buy
Bars/Pubs   - more people drinking due to depression
Discount stores  - cheaper = affordable
Shoe repair  - heard on the news people can't find enough shoe repair stores
Recycle Centers  - money for bottles/cans/paper


Please add your ideas for others to look for opportunities

[stiffler]

Binmen

video/dvd stores

[The Iceman]

In  a recession the only way to secure your job is give yourself a job and be your own boss

[ExiledGael]

Binmen

video/dvd stores

Hasn't chartbusters gone into administration in the south? Think the old t'internet has seen off the rental market.

Any type of repair stores should thrive particularly electronics.
Bicycle stores are apparently going through something of a boom as people try to avoid buying cars/fuel.

[DrinkingHarp]

In  a recession the only way to secure your job is give yourself a job and be your own boss

So I thought , easier said than done.

It actually depends on the category or market.

[Double Cross]

Bailliffs and Repo men will be very busy in 2009. Not a nice job to be in, but the money is good.

[orangeman]

I was talking to guys who install SKY tv and they say they've never been busier.

[DoYerJob Linesman]

I was talking to guys who install SKY tv and they say they've never been busier.

Gary getting a good turn orangeman?

[The Watcher Pat]

my job's recession proof...Working in a benefit centre.. I have never been as busy!

[RedandGreenSniper]

Civil service work seems to be fairly recession proof

[Wee Roddy]

A Priest. When people have time to reflect, especially when they are on their arse at home, they tend to get repentive, therefore the local padre will be of huge benifit. By the way does anyone know what sort of tin, or where does it come from, that a prist would "earn " per annum.

[RedandGreenSniper]

Counsellors, shrinks etc will do very well with people going mad with money worries etc

Off licenses will do well, less going to the pub.

The oul fella's business is fairly recession proof - he's a monumental sculptor - people are still dying so still need headstones

[DrinkingHarp]

Friend of mine told me he cleans up foreclosed houses for banks and Realtors.  300-1200 per house depending on size, condition and distance from his home office. He is averaging between 6-10 a week.

Forgot to mention he hires 4-6 temp workers (agency) to do the worker so he doesn't have to deal with taxes and such. He pays the agency 14 per hour and the agency pays their employees 8-11 an hour. He supplies a dumpster (if needed), all chemicals (cleaning) and tools/equipment. While the team is cleaning he bids out other houses. He also gives the temps a cash bonus (under the table) if the house is cleaned within a certain time frame and cleaned to his standards.

[johnneycool]

A Priest. When people have time to reflect, especially when they are on their arse at home, they tend to get repentive, therefore the local padre will be of huge benifit. By the way does anyone know what sort of tin, or where does it come from, that a prist would "earn " per annum.

Are the PSNI still looking for any old taig to make up the numbers or has that dried up as well?

[The Iceman]

A Priest. When people have time to reflect, especially when they are on their arse at home, they tend to get repentive, therefore the local padre will be of huge benifit. By the way does anyone know what sort of tin, or where does it come from, that a prist would "earn " per annum.

Not sure what Priests earn now but a mate of mine was getting 9000 sterling a year in 2001 - Nun's were being paid less than 6000 sterling at that time too.
they get accommodation and food on top of that but in fairness it's not a lot of money for the job they do.

I think cleaning out the foreclosed houses sounds like a good number.