In your job search, you will find different jobs, but in such uncertain economic times, finding a secure and stable job is a priority. Therefore, before accepting any job offer that comes your way, you should know whether they are recession-proof or not. However, workplace expert Alexandra Levit says no job is completely recession-proof, but career durability is key to long-term employment. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, learning adjacent skills, and working with (artificial intelligence) AI to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving job market.
Recession-proof jobs are highly stable and are not adversely affected during economic downturns. Photo: Marekuliasz (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
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Key takeaways
Recession-proof jobs are essential roles that remain in high demand regardless of economic downturns. Every job is vulnerable, even those considered recession-proof, due to AI and technological advancements.Career durability involves identifying adjacent skills that remain valuable even if your primary role evolves or becomes obsolete. 
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During a recession, many companies seek ways of staying afloat by minimizing costs as much as possible. One cost-minimization strategy they are likely to explore is reducing their workforce. When that happens, you are likely to lose your job, and to avoid it, you should opt for recession-proof jobs. These jobs guarantee peace of mind as you are not likely to lose employment since the services or products offered are essential and in high demand.
What are recession-proof jobs?
Recession-proof jobs fulfill essential needs in high demand and are not affected by the state of the economy. Whether the economy is booming or not, recession-proof jobs will continue.
How to tell if your job is recession-proof?
Alexandra Levit, an American writer, consultant, speaker, and workplace expert, explained in an interview that it is a common belief that some jobs are completely recession-proof, but the reality is that every job has some level of vulnerability, especially with advancements in AI and automation.
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According to Alexandra, even careers once considered, such as information technology (IT) and writing, are now at risk due to AI’s ability to handle technical and content creation tasks. She explained:
Those jobs are some of the most in jeopardy with the advent of AI-based technologies because they can do the technical stuff first and foremost. In contrast, people who work in the trades may be less vulnerable but still vulnerable. Without being alarmist, everyone needs to realize that the business world is changing extremely rapidly. The advent of AI-based technologies will impact everyone at every level and in every role.
You need to strive for career durability. Career durability means that you can remain gainfully employed for an ongoing period, the conceivable future, despite whatever external disruptions arise. That would be things like a pandemic or an adverse climate event. To enhance your career durability, look at the adjacent skills in your area that will still be needed even if your immediate job becomes obsolete, changes, or is no longer necessary.
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For example, I write for the Wall Street Journal or have a few times in the past, and if I am looking around, I notice that the column will likely be able to be written by AI within the next 5 years, which could leave me out of a job. However, suppose I look at my career durability in that case; I look at the other skills associated with that column—fact-checking, interviewing sensitive sources, and editing—I need to develop these adjacent skills so that when the writing skill becomes something technology can do, there’s still a place for me. I’m still adding value to the process. And that is the key to career durability.
The expert said that rather than looking for a guaranteed safe job, one should focus on adapting to change. She suggests regularly assessing your industry and asking, “What’s the next thing that could be automated or taken over by AI, and how do I prepare?”
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Best recession-proof professions
Which is the best job to have during a recession? During economic decline, people lose jobs in sectors that do not offer essential needs. To avoid such mishaps, you should strive to work in recession-proof occupations. Below are recession-proof jobs.
1. Health care
Health care is an essential and indispensable service since people will always need it regardless of the state of the economy. Photo: SDI Productions
Source: Getty Images
Health care is an essential and indispensable service since people will always need it regardless of the state of the economy. Therefore, healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, physicians, and medical technicians will always be required whether the economy is good or bad.
To get started in the healthcare industry, you should pursue education in your area of interest, such as nursing or medicine. You can opt for a degree, diploma, or certificate course and then seek certification by passing relevant licensing exams. Gain experience through internships, residencies, and volunteer work.
2. Public safety and law enforcement
Public safety jobs include police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. Photo: Dcdebs
Source: Getty Images
No matter the state of the economy, public safety is a priority. Although public safety is usually seen as a government responsibility, the private sector has offered services. The need for professionals such as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics does not reduce during tough economic times.
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To qualify for a job in the public safety industry, you should complete education and training in your chosen field. You also need to pass the required exams before starting on-the-job training.
3. Education jobs
Professions within the education sector are likely to remain unaffected during economic decline. Photo: Zave Smith
Source: Getty Images
The demand for education remains high regardless of the economic situation. Professions within the education sector are likely to remain unaffected during economic decline, making it one of the recession-proof industries. Therefore, you will not likely be affected if you are a teacher or lecturer.
To become a teacher, complete an education course and obtain relevant qualifications such as a diploma or degree. Gain some teaching experience through student teaching and substitute teaching roles.
4. Legal practitioners
Issues regarding various aspects of the law, such as family matters, business disputes, criminal cases, and personal injuries, will always arise and require legal services. Photo: Tanya Constantine
Source: Getty Images
The demand for legal services remains consistent in any economy. Issues regarding various aspects of the law, such as family matters, business disputes, criminal cases, and personal injuries, will always arise and require legal services. Therefore, legal practitioners, such as lawyers, solicitors, and judges, will always have jobs.
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To become a legal practitioner, earn a degree in a preferred area of specialization, then complete law school studies and pass bar examinations. Obtain a practicing license and start gaining experience.
5. Financial analysts and accountants
Financial services are crucial during economic downturns. Photo: Courtneyk
Source: Getty Images
Money matters are important during a recession. Businesses seek financial experts, such as financial analysts, accountants, and auditors, to manage their funds appropriately and survive the harsh economic times. Therefore, financial services are crucial during economic downturns.
To get started in this field, you must complete a course in finance, economics, or a related field and obtain certifications such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Get an entry-level job or gain experience through internships.
6. Specialised care jobs
Specialised services are indispensable as they cater to vulnerable people. Photo: Ijuba Photo
Source: Getty Images
Even in dire economic times, specialized care services remain in high demand. The services are indispensable as they cater to vulnerable people such as the old, people with chronic illnesses, and mental health issues. Professionals involved in these jobs include therapists, specialized nurses, mental health experts, and home health aides.
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A diploma or degree qualification is a requirement for specialized care jobs. Depending on your specialization area, you may require certification and a license to start practicing.
7. Utility workers
Utility workers provide essential services, including water, electricity, communication, sewage services, and gas. Photo: Simonkr
Source: Getty Images
People cannot do without certain utilities, so their demands will remain consistent regardless of the economic situation. Utility workers provide essential services, including water, electricity, communication, sewage services, and gas.
You can begin a career as a utility worker by completing a vocational study or technical program in a preferred field. A certification from a relevant body and a few years of experience may be required.
8. Grocery store workers
Food is an indispensable need, and people will need it daily, making grocery store jobs considerably stable. Photo: Marco VDM
Source: Getty Images
No matter the state of the economy, the demand for groceries will remain consistent. Food is an indispensable need, and people will need it daily, making grocery store jobs considerably stable. Grocery store workers like managers, cashiers, and stockers will likely retain their jobs in tough economic times.
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To land a job at a grocery store, apply for entry-level positions such as cashier or stocker. Gain work experience and seek to be promoted to senior positions, such as manager.
9. Funeral service providers
Funeral industry jobs, such as morticians, crematorium technicians, funeral attendants, and cemetery caretakers, will always be available. Photo: Brazzo
Source: Getty Images
People die, so the need for essential funeral services remains consistent in good and bad economic times. Funeral industry jobs, such as funeral managers, embalmers, morticians, crematorium technicians, funeral attendants, and cemetery caretakers, will always be available.
Landing a job in this industry is relatively easy, depending on your chosen area. Jobs such as cemetery caretakers may not require education qualifications. For some jobs, such as morticians, you must complete a course in mortuary science and get a government license and certification.
10. Public transportation workers
Public transport workers such as drivers, train operators, and maintenance staff are considered recession-proof. Photo: Kali9
Source: Getty Images
Transportation is an essential service for most people, especially those who do not own private vehicles. Public transport helps move people and essential commodities. Public transport workers such as drivers, train operators, and maintenance staff are considered recession-proof.
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To get started in this crucial industry, you require training in your specific area of interest, such as driving. After completing the training, obtain a license from a recognized authority before entering the job market.
11. IT and cybersecurity professionals
Businesses embrace the latest technologies, and thus, IT and cybersecurity professionals are always in demand. Photo: Jacob Wackerhausen
Source: Getty Images
Information technology and cybersecurity are essential in many businesses today. All businesses should embrace technology in their operations to increase their efficiency, especially during a recession. Consequently, jobs such as IT experts, data analysts, and cybersecurity specialists are in high demand.
Obtaining a degree in a relevant field, such as computer science or information technology, can help you start your career.
12. Tradesmen
Essential tradesmen jobs include electrician, plumber, CNC machinist, HVAC technician, welder, and carpenter. Photo: Ariel Skelley
Source: Getty Images
Tradesmen offer crucial services in various sectors that enable business operations. For instance, machines need regular repairs and maintenance; only skilled tradesmen can do this. Therefore, jobs such as electrician, plumber, CNC machinist, HVAC technician, welder, carpenter, painter, and steelworker are recession-proof.
Completing vocational training or a technical program puts you in the best place for employment in the industry. You may also need a certification and some experience to kickstart your career.
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13. Veterinary services
Veterinary services are in demand regardless of the economic situation. Photo: People Images
Source: Getty Images
Like humans, animals get unwell, and they require medical attention. Veterinary services are, therefore, in demand regardless of the economic situation. Veterinary jobs, such as animal health officers, are recession-proof because animals require medical attention all year round.
To become a veterinary or animal health officer, you must complete a relevant course, such as animal health. You will also require certification and license from a professional body before commencing the work.
14. Renewable agriculture and farming
Jobs in the agricultural industry include agronomists, agricultural economists, agribusiness managers, and farmers. Photo: Thomas Barwick
Source: Getty Images
Agriculture and farming are important sectors that must operate even if the economy is in recession. Renewable agriculture sustains food production; therefore, industry professions are considered recession-proof. Jobs in this sector include agronomists, agricultural economists, agribusiness managers, and farmers.
15. Personal care services
The need to look neat and feel good puts personal care services in high demand. Photo: Wilpunt
Source: Getty Images
People need to look neat and feel good all the time. Therefore, personal care services are recession-proof occupations because people will require them even in tough economic times. Jobs in this sector include fitness trainers, cosmetologists, skin care specialists, manicurists, and personal care aides.
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You can start providing personal care services by training to learn your preferred skills. Sometimes, you may require certification and a license to begin working in the industry.
Top skills and qualifications for recession-proof jobs
Alexandra says to thrive in any industry, the ability to work with AI is now a must-have skill. She explains:
AI is everywhere, so you must know how to use it. You have to understand what we call these applied technology skills. Knowing what tools are available to do your job and then using them appropriately.
The expert mentioned other essential skills including:
Agility – The ability to pivot when business needs or industry trends change, including if environmental disruption arises.Emotional intelligence – Skills such as problem-solving, diplomacy, and communication—are becoming more valuable as technology takes over routine tasks. Alexandra added, “And if you don’t have those skills, and many people don’t because they haven’t had to use them for their jobs, you better develop them quickly.” Value addition – If you can adapt and add value in any scenario due to your knowledge and experience, you are more likely to stay employed. 
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Common misconceptions about recession-proof jobs
Alexandra said one of the biggest misconceptions is that certain careers are completely immune to economic downturns. She clarified:
Disruption-proof jobs are whatever you make of your job—no job, in its current form, is recession- or disruption-proof. The misconception is that specific jobs are on the chopping block. And yes, specific tasks of certain jobs are on the chopping block.
There’s no job category where you will be safe if you sit around and ignore how it’s changing. There’s nothing where you can keep doing what you’re doing and not worry about it, which is what I’m saying.
Like a car mechanic or plumber, there’s something that people want an individual to do. The truth is that those jobs are safer right now because people still want a human involved in the process, but those jobs could also be changing. And if you’re not using the latest technology, you will quickly be rendered obsolete by other people in that trade who know how to use the technology.
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The expert emphasizes, “You won’t lose your job to AI—you’ll lose it to someone who knows how to work with AI”.
What sectors are hit hardest by a recession?
During an economic downturn, some sectors are adversely affected more than others because of various factors, including reduced consumer spending and decreased business investments. The worst jobs during a recession include working in sectors such as real estate, the automotive industry, the hospitality and tourism industry, and the manufacturing industry.
What’s the best job to have during a recession?
The best job during a recession is one that offers essential services and goods and is not likely to be negatively affected by economic constraints. Recession-proof jobs include legal, health care, education, farming, and financial services.
What is the most future-proof job?
As technology advances and job market dynamics change, future-proof jobs will likely be in demand. Such jobs include cybersecurity, data science, health care, marketing, and communication.
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What sells the most in a recession?
As everyone tries to adjust due to tough economic times, only essential goods and services are in high demand. In a recession, essential commodities like food, medical supplies, and education will likely sell the most.
Job stability is one of the top priorities for many people, but sometimes, it is not the case in tough economic times. Although no job is immune to economic downturns, recession-proof jobs offer more stability than others. You can land a job in one of the recession-proof industries by selecting a preferred profession and undergoing the required training and certification.
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
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