Top Recession Proof Careers

Newsweek online has a great piece this week about ten recession-proof careers.  Here’s a look at four of the job fields that are still hiring (Halleluyah!) and links to corresponding sections about these career options from JobMonkey.

1) Security
Jobs with the Defense Department and America’s Homeland Security are on the rise. According to a 2007 report, there will be more 80,000 new jobs in these fields in the next two years. If you include local crime fighting in these figures, I’m guessing the numbers will be even higher — much higher — since the recently passed Stimulus Bill includes billions in funding for law enforcement.

>> Want to learn more? Check out JobMonkey’s section on US Federal Government Jobs.

2) Solar & Wind Energy
With the new administration’s focus on clean energy alternatives, green jobs in energy production are growing by leaps and bounds. Green industries currently account for about 8.5 million American jobs, according to the American Solar Energy Society. With the Stimulus Bill’s $70 billion for green energy, there could be another three to five million new green jobs created over the next decade.

>> Want to learn more? Check out JobMonkey’s section on Green Industry Careers.

3) Health Care & Nursing
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, half of the thirty fastest growing careers are in health care. Medical assistants, physical and occupational therapists, home health aides and medical record technicians are all hot careers. So is nursing. In fact, the nationwide nursing shortage is forcing states like California to lure RNs with signing bonuses, relocation reimbursements and flexible schedules.

>> Want to learn more? Check out JobMonkey’s section on RN Jobs.

4) Education
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 2.8 million new teachers will be needed over the next eight years. Senior level educators are also in need, including principals, headmasters and other school officials.

>> Want to learn more? Check out JobMonkey’s sections on Teaching English as a Second Language and Teaching Jobs Abroad.

I hope this list of four recession-proof careers gives you a little optimism in this rather doom-and-gloom economy. To see the full list of ten careers that are still hiring, be sure to check out the Newsweek article.