No matter how you slice it, the economy is looking pretty grim. While many people have remained untouched by the sudden layoffs and rising cost of living, those in unsteady careers are starting to feel the pressure – and rather than waiting for the inevitable, many are choosing to switch careers to a more “recession-proof” industry. If you’re one of these people, Kwanzoo has a new quiz just for you.

Of course, there’s no such thing as a truly recession-proof job. If you’re searching for a career in this financial market, keep your goals in mind: you should aim for a career that will allow maximum flexibility to prepare for the worst. An ideal recession-proof job shouldn’t require too much special certification or education that wouldn’t apply to a different industry, and it should give you the kind of experience that can translate to another job.

Here’s a little more information.

Financial Analyst

Ideal Education: Bachelor’s Degree (University of Phoenix online courses available)
Average Salary: $57,100
Best For: Experienced professionals

The more companies tighten their belts, the more they need to turn to reliable financial analysts and advisers. And that could be you. While there are no hard and fast requirements for becoming a financial analyst, it’s generally accepted that they should be college-educated, hopefully with a relevant degree, such as business, law, administration, accounting, or economics. Luckily, business degrees aren’t hard to come by, even if you left school some time ago. The University of Phoenix offers many different business degrees that can be pursued entirely online.

Pharmacy Technician

Ideal Education: HS Degree
Average Salary: $31,200
Best For: Younger people with few commitments

Health care costs are on the rise, but that doesn’t mean people aren’t getting sick. Getting in to the healthcare industry is always a smart move, but maybe you don’t have the time, money, or commitment for something like nursing school – don’t worry, there’s still an option for you. As a pharmacy aide or technician, you can find steady employment in an ever-growing industry. While you’ll most likely end up working at a grocery, drug, or other retailer, work as a pharmacy tech has more potential for advancement than many other positions at these stores. Your interests can be protected by the same unions, but with optional certifications, job experience, and a willingness to work nights and weekends, you can end up earning a very comfortable living.

Law Enforcement

Ideal Education: Bachelor’s Degree (University of Phoenix online courses available)
Average Salary: $50,000
Best For: Highly disciplined people with clean records

Crime increases during times of financial hardship, so there’s no question that the demand for police officers and detectives can only get bigger. Though the work is very demanding, dangerous, and stressful, for many, the benefits outweigh the risks: health and pension plans available to law enforcement officers are some of the best around. It is possible to retire with half-pay after only 25 or 30 years in service. Those with checkered pasts or emotional issues might have difficulty qualifying: since police officers are armed and able to use lethal force, they are thoroughly vetted during the application process. While a high school diploma is all that is necessary, a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, such as the one available from the University of Phoenix, is very helpful.

Automotive Repair

Ideal Education: Vocational Training in Automotive Service Technology
Average Salary: $45,000
Best For: Mechanically inclined people

In an industry where many people can no longer afford to buy new cars, automotive repair needs can only increase. Many manufacturers and dealerships sponsor courses at vocational schools that allow newly-hired trainees to work, gain on-the-job training, and get the necessary classroom learning experience all within a few months. Once this training and experience is gained, many mechanics move on to open their own shops and be in business for themselves.

Home Care Aides

Ideal Education: HS Degree
Average Salary: $20,000
Best For: Compassionate and dedicated people

For those with few needs, no one to support, or who are supplementing the main breadwinner’s income, a position as a home care aide might be the right choice. Aides usually work part-time for a home health care agency, and their responsibilities center around assisting elderly or disabled people in living independent lives. They are usually required to have driver’s licenses. Many opportunities exist with different home health care agencies, and since many are partnered with Medicaid, these agencies are likely to stay in business despite fluctuations in the economy. The work can be highly stressful and emotionally draining, and it is important for home care aides to maintain appropriate boundaries with their clients (who often have difficulty distinguishing between an aide and a friend). If you don’t mind keeping irregular hours and working part-time, this job position might be for you.

Air Traffic Controller

Ideal Education: Bachelor’s Degree (University of Phoenix online courses available); FAA Training Program
Average Salary: $100,000
Best For: Dedicated people with clean records

Air traffic controller positions don’t open up often, but within the next decade, much of the current generation of controllers will be eligible to retire. While not all of them will, jobs should be opening up soon, and if you don’t mind a high-stress position that requires a fair amount of training and vetting, this might be for you. Nearly all controllers are hired by the FAA, which offers good benefits and comfortable retirement after only 25-30 years of service. Historically, air traffc controller positions have been extremely secure. Applicants should have four years of higher education or three years of work experience (or some combination of both).

Teaching – K-12

Ideal Education: Bachelor’s Degree (University of Phoenix online courses available); Teacher Training Program
Average Salary: $40,000
Best For: Good communicators

Being a teacher probably doesn’t require as much time investment as you think. While teachers should have a Bachelor’s Degree (or even a Master’s), those who wish to teach K-12 are not required to take an accredited teaching program. While those who hope to work in public schools must pass a licensing test that proves competency, preschool, vocational, and private school teachers are not held to the same standards. However, positions can be competitive, and completion of a teaching program is an asset. Depending on the subject you hope to teach, experience and knowledge in the subject area might be enough. Bear in mind that teaching can be a stressful position, and while demand is always on the rise, competition is fierce and layoffs are not unheard-of.

Dental Hygienist

Ideal Education: Bachelor’s Degree (University of Phoenix online courses available); Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene
Average Salary: $62,000
Best For: Anyone willing to pursue the degree

While becoming a dental hygienist requires an Associate’s Degree specifically for this job, it’s still a smart career choice: hygienists are always in demand, often write their own schedules, and due to wages as high as $40/hr, can often work part time. It’s a very smart choice for people who are looking for a low-key career that will keep them going for many years. While dental care has become more of luxury in this failing economy, people are still coming in for their regular cleanings.

Good luck in searching for your new career! And if you’re looking for help in building your career-related website, remember that Kwanzoo has some awesome tools – like the widget above – help you grow your site. Acquire users, drive traffic, and engage readers with our widgets. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help!

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