Your job is never guaranteed, but in times of economic downturn, some industries may be more stable than others. The more specialised your work, the more likely it is that you will keep it. And if you work in an industry that offers fundamental and necessary services or contributes to a company’s earnings, you should be fine.
Let’s delve deeper into what a recession is and what industries and jobs are best to be in during a crisis.
According to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), a private, non-partisan organisation focused on economic issues, a recession is “a significant fall in economic activity that is spread across the economy and lasts longer than a few months.”
It’s okay if it sounds a little unclear. The basic line is that we know we are likely in a recession when goods and services production suffers, unemployment rises, and household income and spending decrease.
The only certainties in life are death and taxes. There are, however, some vocations that fare better in difficult times.
According to experts, the industries with the most “recession-proof” employment security during economic downturns are health care, government, computers and information technology, and education.
According to Laurence Ball, an economics professor at Johns Hopkins University, customers depend on these services “whether the economy is booming or in a recession,” which makes these companies more resistant to fluctuations in interest rates.
Especially considering the fact that educational institutions have had trouble hiring and keeping staff in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ball thinks that this industry may hold up well in crisis.
During recession, more people will turn to education “as a way to get new skills and improve their lives.” This might result in an increase in the need for staff at educational institutions across the United States, Ball said.
“People are more apt to go to college if the job market is bad,” he says. “And if you’re graduating from college, and the job market still looks bleak, graduate school becomes much more attractive.”
According to Karen Dynan, an economics professor at Harvard University and former chief economist at the United States Treasury, Even if you’re seeking for job or not, it’s absolutely essential to advance your skill set to become a more valuable and competitive provider.
“Check out which talents are most frequently mentioned in job advertisements that interest you and start practising them, or ask your employer if your company offers any professional development classes or webinars,” Dynan said.
“There’s not a lot you can do above and beyond your normal job responsibilities,” she said. “But learning what skills employers are looking for, and being able to perform those skills well, is your best insurance.”