I used to be an academic advisor, counselor, and college adjunct. It was a profession I did not enjoy at all. Teachers bring their work home with them, the pay is better at private schools, and you must stay in one place a long time to get secured pay increases.
I became a freelance writer in the gig economy, which is growing all the time, so I could work on my own terms. However, if you are in the market for changing jobs, you should consider jobs that always thrive in bad economies for increased job security. So, what jobs are recession proof?
Liquor Store Owner
No, not the most glamorous occupation. But if there is one thing that sells in a good or bad economy, its liquor, wines, and spirits. The average liquor store owner makes $51,000 annually, and more with multiple locations.
Still, this is a work intensive job so expect 12-hour+ working days.
You must keep immaculate records. A moderately-sized inventory can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Inventories for larger stores can easily cost a million. Also, location is everything.
Medical Professional
People will always need medical help. And, your salary rises commensurately to your skill and the number of certifications that you possess. An EMT banks about $31,000 annually. The starting salary for nurses is about $50,000. A physical therapist makes about $60,000. Doctors make $175,000 on average, and much more depending on experience and skill.
Still, you’ll have to go to school and endure numerous certification and training courses. You’ll have to be able to deal with sick and injured patients in constant pain. Also, the work hours are long.
Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Mental Health Professionals
There will never be a shortage of people stressed out about their finances, especially in an economic downturn. People need counseling or someone to talk to even in the best of times, whether about depression, anxiety, debt, divorce, and so on.
Psychiatrists are trained doctors. They can prescribe medicine and design treatment therapies based on counseling and appropriate drug dosage. It can take years of study, training, and certification to become a psychiatrist. Phycologists deal with psychotherapy and behavior assessment yet cannot prescribe medication.
A psychiatrist can make $227,000 annually. The average salary for a psychologist is about $72,000. A family counselor can make about $50,000.
Cop
Until a global utopia is established, humanity will never be rid of crime. There will always be a need for cops and law enforcement professionals. However, this is a dangerous job. The hours are long and grueling. Additionally, the salary is appreciable larger if you work in larger, metropolitan cities.
The starting salary for most cops is about $29,000 but can go as high as $76,000 with time and experience. You’ll also qualify for a pension equivalent to 50% of your salary after 20 years of service.
Public Utility Worker
People need public utility workers the most during the bad economic times. Public recycling centers, trash collectors, waste and sewage treatment workers, water department employees, and so on, are depended upon to secure public health and infrastructure order. The average utility worker makes about $41,000 annually.
Recession Proof Doesn’t Mean Tailor Made
There are always good opportunities to be found even in bad economies. However, consider the educational, training, certification, and time requirements before switching professions.
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Allen Francis was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years with no money, no financial literacy, and no responsibility when he had money. To him, the phrase “personal finance,” contains the power that anyone has to grow their own wealth. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including focusing on your needs instead of your wants, asking for help when you need it, saving and investing in your own small business.
