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An economic collapse, like the one many of us remember in 2008, can have a devastating ripple effect across the entire world. When things start to slow down, people have to tighten their purse strings. And when that happens, businesses struggle and start laying off workers. That results in even tighter purse strings, leading to a downward spiral. If you remember what happened in the Great Recession, some people fared better than others, mainly because of their jobs.
There are a handful of jobs that have proven to be recession proof. This means that even when things are tight and money isn’t flowing as abundantly, certain goods and services are still going to be in demand. If you have one of those jobs, you should still be able to bring home a paycheck and keep your family afloat, so long as it’s not an all out end of the world scenario.
So what jobs am I talking about? Here are 17 of the best jobs to have during a major economic recession or depression.
1. Paramedic — There will always be a need for emergency services. The money to fund these services comes through taxes, which we all know is as inevitable as death. Even during a depression, there is still money to pay for things like paramedics and ambulances. This is a service no one wants to do without and the money will be found to keep it active.
2. Truck Drivers are another necessity. There has to be a way to get goods from point A to point B. While the work may not be quite as abundant, it will be there.
3. Police Officers will be in high demand. When an economic collapse happens, crime tends to spike. This position is similar to that of a paramedic. People want to feel safe, and that includes government officials, so they will make sure there’s enough money to pay the police force.
4. Farmers may actually experience an uptick in their local businesses. After all, people have to eat. If you are a farmer who can set up a local stand, you have a great shot at selling your goods as long as you can compete with the supermarkets. A collapse generally equates to higher food prices. People will not be able to afford fresh food prices at the store and will support local farmers instead.
5. Utility Workers are also going to keep working. Power line, meter repair, and telephone repair workers will all have steady work. Basic necessities like power, water and phone services are always going to be around.
6. Security Guards may also see an increase in work. With a tight economy, there will be plenty of people who will risk jail by attempting to steal. Others may be bitter towards a company where they lost their job. These companies want to protect their investment and will be willing to pay for security to keep it safe.
7. Medical Professionals are always going to have a place in the job force. A poor economy does not mean people stop going to the doctor or needing medical attention. Doctors and nurses will still have jobs to report to. There may not be as many hours for nurses, but the jobs will be there.
8. Teachers have been around for hundreds of years and they are not going anywhere. While there are often budget cuts that limit the number of teaching jobs available, teachers will always have a place in society. A person may need to move to another city to find a teaching job, but a little flexibility can ensure there is a steady paycheck coming in.
9. Pharmacy Technicians are fairly safe from an economic collapse as well. The doctors will still be in business and they will still be prescribing medicines to their patients.
10. Internet Marketing will be very popular during a recession. Businesses will cut back in some areas, but they have to market themselves and doing that via websites and other internet marketing strategies will be the best, most cost-effective option. People who have IT training will always have a marketable skill and can still earn a decent wage, even in a recession.
11. Correctional Officers and prison employees have a pretty steady future. Unfortunately, a recession tends to result in more crime, which means more people will be headed off to jail or prison.
12. Mental Health Professionals will be busy as well. A recession can lead to depression and a whole host of other problems. Private facilities may not fare too well, but there will always be a demand in the public sector.
13. Clergy Members will also have secure jobs. Many people will rely on their faith to get them through the hard times, and they will seek spiritual guidance.
14. Bartenders are going to be very busy. People will want to drown their sorrows and visit their local bars more often. Drinkers may not tip as well as they used to, but they will find money for alcohol.
15. Firefighters are another public service that people simply cannot live without. Being willing to relocate will help ensure you can find a job doing what you know. There will be some job cuts, but firefighting services are always going to be around. Wildlife firefighters are also an option. Oftentimes, these people are contracted to help out all around the world.
16. Engineers in all fields will always have a place in the job market. Green technology is going to be a big deal. Infrastructure is also important and one of the first things the government will funnel money to in order to stimulate the economy.
17. Morticians and funeral homes are always going to be around. Death is a part of life and it doesn’t stop when the economy slows. While fancy headstones and elaborate caskets are not going to be big sellers, urns and other more economical burials will be a part of life that simply has to be budgeted for.
It’s wise to get the training and certifications you need to get one of these jobs. Don’t put it off until you can’t afford the education needed. Many of these professions require several years of education. Tenure and being a little higher on the ladder will also ensure you are safe from lay-offs and cutbacks that tend to occur when the economy collapses.
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Butcher
You would think Gun Smith or auto technician would make this list.
There is a lot of difference between “the economy collapses” and a recession. 2008 was a recession. If the economy really is going to collapse, you would be talking about skills to have, not jobs to have.
My thoughts exactly.
If the next crash is close to the last, jobs for Engineers will be few and far in between. IF there are few or no new projects, Engineers are not needed. Been there done that.
that’s when you the Engineer become the inventor and create your own inventions that will solve world problems.
??? I’m sorry when the economy collapses how are any of these going to even be jobs. No money no pay, time to look out for your famly. Farmer, handy man and jobs you can barter with will be in demand.
It really depends on how bad the collapse is. For this post, I’m thinking a collapse like the one seen in 1929 or slightly worse. But if it’s a TOTAL collapse, then yea, farmers and handy man jobs will be the best ones to have.
Security for those farms will also be good jobs. Have gun, will travel for food.
Mechanics and repair techs. No one will be able to buy new stuff, so repairing things is more economically viable
Waste disposal jobs will also be there.
During the ‘Great Depression’ people took their departed loves to the local family graveyards and buried them. If they had a coffin, it was homemade from whatever lumber they had.
Cremation isn’t super hard either, if you have enough wood and a gallon or two of petrochemicals.
Between military and a degree, I have 6 off the list.
Handyman / all-around repair person. Post economic collapse as today things are going to break and need repaired or replaced.
I have a handyman / home repair business and things are always breaking and in need of repair. Yes people can put things off for a while when they break, but at some point things have to be fixed. And I find people just don’t have the skills or tools to repair things these days.
Stock lots of supplies (screws, plumbing and electrical parts) and have the tools to do the repair job and you will not lack for work.
I would add the profession of Auctioneer.