Job cuts are a reality of life for an increasing number of people. Although retraining for a new career, while out of work, can be an option it is not really a reality for most people. However, if you are still in a position to choose your career direction, or you are one of the lucky ones able to invest the time and money in a major career shift, you might want to know where the stable jobs are.
Personally, I am not a big believer in job security in any sector. The days of spending decades with the same employer are over, but it goes without saying that this is in part also by choice. Having said this, there are always certain careers that are going to be in demand no matter what, and are professions either individuals, or the government will have to spend on. So unless you have serious interpersonal issues, a questionable skill set, or no motivation at all, these jobs could lower unemployment-fears.
Lawyers will always be in high demand. Especially in times of economic uncertainty and when bankruptcies are sweeping the globe like a flu on steroids. There is going to be plenty of work for lawyers in times to come as the financial mess settles and desks will be swamped with bankruptcy litigation files, and securities fraud suits. All parties involved in these happy events will need lawyers.
The population will continue to grow despite the recession. Perhaps it will even boom considering people are staying home more and going out less for entertainment, the results of which we might see in a year or so. Schools are chronically short on good teachers, and teaching happens on more than just the elementary and high school levels. If you are out of a job now, or want to supplement your income, think of the skills you have that you could teach others for a fee.
Brainstorm whether you can do any of the following with what you know from your job and your own educational background:
If it can teach people skills they could apply to get themselves a better or new position, save money, or in some other way benefit them you will be in demand. If you are still considering a career, becoming a teacher has many perks such as summers off, good hours and competitive pay.
Qualifications you needs: Depends, but to be a teacher you need a Bachelor degree in teaching education.
Salaries: Depends, but starts at around $40K, going up to even $100K or more.
3. Nurse
Health care is, and always will be, big business. The population is aging, but children are also always being born and ultimately we value our health more than anything. We may not think about it as much as we should, and it doesn't look like we value our health as we're lining up for our second serving of fast food for the day, but when faced with a major health crisis we do turn to our health care professionals to fix it.
There is also a nursing shortage at this time, and the demand for care will only increase as we grow collectively older and live unhealthy lifestyles.
Qualifications you need: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); students can also earn a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and then go back to school to earn the BSN.
Salaries: Average is $66,500 in major nonprofit hospital.
4. College Admissions Officer/College Administration
Working in a college or university is pretty much recession proof: people will continue to send their kids to school, even more so when the unemployment rates are high. The number of mature students is also on the rise as people return to college to make a career shift or upgrade their credentials.
In addition, many colleges are funded by the government, and many of the employees are unionized. This brings a certain level of job security in tough times.
Qualifications you need: A bachelor’s degree.
Salaries: In the 40K range, but there lots of other perks (great hours, free school, great vacation time).
5. Financial Adviser
Who would you call when the markets are good? Your financial adviser. Who do you call when they are sliding like an inexperienced kid going down a hill on a skateboard? Exactly: your financial adviser.
Financial advisor's make money in good and bad markets, and that is one major reason why it is a career you might want to consider. Another major benefit is that it does not require a particular area of study. As long as you take, or have taken, investment, risk management, tax, and estate planning classes, you are fine with whatever business or financial degree you might already have.
Qualifications you need: There's no particular emphasis of study preferred, a degree in economics, law, business, accounting, finance, or mathematics offers a good footing for the position.
Salaries: Most make well over $100,000, and can reach $500K to $1 million based on clientele & experience.
6. Funeral Director/Mortician
As the population ages, more people will also be dying. While nothing is sure in life, we all know where eventually we will end up. This steady, and guaranteed, client base ensures morticians they will not be out of a job anytime soon. As we say in Holland: "One's death is another one's bread".
Qualifications you need: College programs in mortuary science usually last from 2 to 4 years. All States require funeral directors to be licensed. Licensing laws vary by State, but most require applicants to be 21 years old, have 2 years of formal education that includes studies in mortuary science, serve a 1-year apprenticeship, and pass a qualifying examination.
Salaries: Median annual earnings for wage and salary funeral directors were $49,620 in May 2006.
7. Bartender
This seems like an odd choice, because you would link people cut back on their expenses in bad economic times. However, people do drink in good times and bad, and being a good bartender with a decent to good clientele can pad your pocket with tips.
Clearly you want to aim for a more upscale establishment with a clientele that hopefully has not lost it's job in the ban
Qualifications: experience in the field
Salaries: Varies. Consists of tips and depends on the bar/restaurant and whether or not you have a loyal customer base. You will make more in more upscale establishments.
8. Law Enforcement
Cities will always need police officers to keep the peace. Law enforcement is an integral part of our society, and it is not about to change.
Qualifications you need: High school, but a degree in legal studies can be an asset and ensure better chances of advancement in your profession.
Salaries: Varies, but starts around $40k.
9. Information Technology
Businesses rely greatly on technology. Although many IT specialists have gone into the financial sector over the years, countless other big businesses will continue to need these services. There is currently also a shortage of qualified IT professionals.
Qualifications you need: Bachelor of Science degree in computer science or engineering
Salaries: Start around $50K but can go up to $150K in non-executive positions
10. Veterinarian
Next to our kids we are willing to spend big money on our pets. Vets will always be in demand as well as a consequence, and the recession does not make us give up our beloved dogs and cats.
Qualifications you need: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) from a 4-year program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine. All States and the District of Columbia require that veterinarians be licensed before they can practice.
Salaries: Median annual earnings of veterinarians were $71,990 in May 2006.
Comments
why would veterinarian be at 10 and not 5 or so?
I think Vets are further down the list because animal care is something most people will only due if they can afford it. Unlike medical care, where if Mama is ill, the family will mortgage the house and work extra jobs to save her, we won't do that to save the dog. We love the dog, but if it's his time, we have to accept it and say good bye. Sad, yes, but I think that's reality. I love my dog, but I would feed my family first as well.
Commercial vets (for farmers/ranchers etc) should do better though. I imagine there just aren't as many of those so they don't bring the number up that high.
That's just my guess, take it for what it's worth. LOL.
I beg to differ on Software Engineering jobs being stable. There is a lot of hype and misinformation about this. Believe me I was in it for 30 years. GOOGLE this article:
"Computertraining.com: Fact, fiction, or just false advertisement?"
i agree, my dad worked for IBM for 25 years then he got laid off. he told me never get a job dealing with computers because they replace people all the time, when they get older they cut you and replace you with somebody younger.
I completely agree with most of these careers. Although i do have to agree with David, Engineering jobs are not always stable. These jobs can turn around really fast and hurt you financialy in a short amount of time.
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