How to become recession-proof

August 12, 2022

In July, job growth in the United States unexpectedly soared across all industries, according to the Labor Department. Inflation has also started to slow down, with the price of gas and airfare now falling. But while the signs of an impending recession seem to be fading, economists are reluctant to declare us out of the woods just yet. 

With lingering fears of another economic downturn, many workers may still be wondering about their job security. Those preparing to enter the workforce or considering switching careers may be on the lookout for positions that are “recession-proof”—offering strong job security even in the worst of times. The reality is that no job is completely recession-proof, but labor experts say certain industries tend to be more resilient than others:

• Health care
• Government
• Computers and information technology
• Education

These are industries that provide essential services or play fundamental roles in people’s lives. Some even thrive when the economy is faltering. For instance, during the Great Recession of 2008, colleges and universities in the U.S. saw enrollment grow by nearly 16 percent. 

If you don’t have the qualifications or experience to switch into one of these industries, though, it may be helpful to think in terms of recession-proof skills. Economists say certain skills—like flexibility, project management, and communication—can help you stay competitive in an uncertain job market.

You may have already honed many of these skills, which are sometimes called “soft” or “human” skills, through previous educational, employment, or perhaps even personal experiences. The trick, then, is highlighting them in your resume. For others like project management, professional development courses, certificate programs, or webinars can help fill in the gaps. 

Many organizations, ranging from employers to government agencies to nonprofits, offer resources for cultivating both these human skills and the technical skills needed to pivot to jobs that will survive an economic downturn. Learn more about these resources and how the Global Opportunity Initiative is helping to support workers in today’s economy—and in every economy. 

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