Unfortunately many people are forced into a career change by recession. However, the light at the end of the tunnel is the many industries which remain relatively, or in some cases completely unaffected by economic downturn. A positive attitude and feeling of self worth is essential, because you may need to retrain to enter these industries. If you’re lucky, you may have already have been in an area of one of these industries.
Why are some industries considered by economists as recession-proof industries? The reason is because they produce and sell products that consumers use regardless of their economic status or level of income. Sales, nursing and accounting are just a few of these recession-proof professions, according to a ranking by the career Web site Jobfox.
The following is a non-definitive list of recession-proof industries:
- Medical Services, Health Care, Pharmaceuticals
- Essential & Emergency Services: Fire, Police, Ambulance
- Necessities: food/grocery stores
- Cosmetics, Health Food
- Home / vehicle repair & maintenance
- Home renovation / improvement
- Tax preparation / simplification
- Career/Job search
- Energy supply: Electric, Oil, Gas
- Security/Alarm services & companies
- Weapons Industry & the Armed Forces
- Tobacco, liquor, pornography & gambling.
Some of these industries won’t appeal to everyone, for a variety of reasons. Objections may include a religious or moral stance on the last point for instance. You may even have been let go from an unsuccessful company in one of these industries, so you believe the whole industry is in trouble. For instance take the trillion dollar global Health Food industry. It’s not inconceivable that a small Health Food company won’t survive the recession, however it doesn’t mean the industry is in trouble.
So you’re been laid off, what options do you have? A complete change of thought process may be needed, albeit understandably difficult to cultivate when you have just been told your skills are no longer required. However it’s important for your self worth to realise that your skills are no longer required by that company, that doesn’t mean they aren’t required by your industry.
Similarly you may find if your skills were in manufacturing or packaging, mentally approaching your industry from a new angle may open up options in a new area.
Why can’t your manufacturing or construction background give you a product knowledge advantage in selling or advertising the same product?
Take it a step further, with some computer skills, you may be able to affiliate with companies in the industry to sell these products online, without ever having to touch the products or call on customers.
The impact of recession on an individuals’ self-confidence can be devastating, however it can also be the catalyst for a new beginning. Arm yourself with the knowledge that you have gained skills, experience and the ability to be trained.Couple these with desire and dedication to learning new skills and you open up a myriad of possibilities in a large range of recession-proof industries.