The Best Jobs to Survive the Recession
There is no doubt that the last two years have been tough from an economic perspective. No matter the job people have or had, industries left and right have been hit hard. Sadly, since December of 2008, more than 2.5 million people have been laid off. In addition, millions of startup and small companies have failed - companies that were built on life savings, as well as heart and soul. Although experts believe it will take another two years or so for the financial situation to turn around, people still have to work, care for the family, and pay bills. Therefore, one of the best things a person can do is to look at the list of the best jobs to survive the recession.
With this information, individuals that have lost jobs would have a much better plan for choosing the right field. However, people that are still working but in industries or fields currently on shaky ground might also look at the list of best jobs to survive the recession, giving serious thought about making a career change. Obviously, people want to do everything possible to work in a stable job while making decent money on which to live.
The list of best jobs to survive the recession includes some industries that would be considered obvious, as well as a few surprise avenues. People need to realize that a college education expands the playing field and increases earning potential but even for people without a college education, jobs exist that can and will survive the recession. For high school graduates, the list of the best jobs to survive the recession would include:
- Restaurants
This does not necessarily mean high-end establishments but, more likely, family restaurants. - Office Supply Stores
Because everyone uses a computer and with a growing number of individuals starting an in-home business, stores such as this typically do well. - Child and Elderly Care
Although millions of people have lost jobs, people still working realize they cannot afford to quit so child and elderly care continue to be sound areas of employment. - Grocery Stores
Everyone still needs to eat: whether it’s work as a stocker, customer service representative, or cashier, grocery stores continue to be busy.
The list of the best jobs to survive the recession for college graduates is slightly different. Although there are many opportunities, the areas with the most stability include healthcare, education, government, information technology, finance, and business. Some possibilities that might be considered cover:
Sales and Finance
- Marketing Managers
The degree earned would be for Journalism or Advertising and with the right company, income averages $98,000 with high growth potential. - Financial Managers
The degree here would be Finance with income around $90,000, also providing good potential for growth, putting it on the list of the best jobs to survive the recession. - Financial Analyst
A degree in Business Administration puts a person in an extremely great job, one that pays $66,000 on average. - Accountant
While there has been slight leveling off, this remains on the list of the best jobs to survive the recession for people with an Accounting degree, creating earning potential of $55,000.
Computer
- Systems Software Engineer
A person would need to complete his or her degree in Computer Information Science. At first, an individual would expect to earn around $85,000 with extremely great growth potential. - Computer Systems Analyst
With a degree in Computer Information Science and Systems, a person could earn $69,000 with a great future
Engineers
- Chemical Engineer
While the vast growth has leveled off somewhat, with a degree in Chemical Engineering, this still makes the list of the best jobs to survive the recession with an average salary of $78,000 - Electrical Engineer
This is actually a great choice requiring a degree in Electrical Engineering. For this, experts are forecasting more than 10,000 new jobs for the year 2009, with average pay of $75,000 - Mechanical Engineer
This position would require a degree in Mechanical Engineering, also one with new jobs on the horizon and an average salary around $68,000 - Civil Engineering
The degree for this would be Civil Engineering, providing strong growth potential and average income of $68,000
Education
Although teachers on all levels are not paid the highest salary, the country always needs great educators from pre-school all the way through high school. People that do the best in this field are those with a passion for teaching, as well as mentoring. Without doubt, through the year 2030, baby boomers have a stronghold on the educational system. With so many open positions, this is without doubt an area needing to be considered.
- Professors
For people that want to move into college/university teaching, higher education is required, but in return, there is good stability and great pay. For this reason, it is important to add this to the list of best jobs to survive the recession.










This entry was posted on Friday, June 12th, 2009 at 4:15 pm and is filed under Jobs & Employment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

