9 Recession-Proof Careers

Reader's Digest EditorsUpdated: Feb. 13, 2017

1. Education Math and science teachers will be in demand as the U.S. struggles to compete with other countries in

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1. Education

Math and science teachers will be in demand as the U.S. struggles to compete with other countries in engineering, technology, and medicine.

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2. Energy

Some of the jobs in this field are the result of projects started a year or more ago. But the real boost will come from the new administration's commitment to a more efficient national energy system.

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3. Environment

Solar powered reflective mirrors, Daggett, California
Green is getting the green light in a nationwide push to make homes and office buildings more energy-efficient and to develop alternative energy sources (solar, wind, nuclear) as well as fuel cell technology.

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4. Financial Services

Rising from the ashes of a very bad year, financial services will have a bright future.

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5. Government

A business traveler watches as an airport security officer inspects his carry-on luggage.
More than half a million federal employees will retire by 2016, leaving open positions at agencies from the CIA to AmeriCorps to NASA. There will also be opportunities at the state and local levels.

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6. Health Care

Health care pops up at the top of just about every list of hot careers.

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7. International Business

Corporations, consulting firms, nonprofits, and even governments are going after global markets. People with international expertise, foreign-language skills, or a willingness to move abroad will be in demand.

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8. Law Enforcement

International terrorism makes daily headlines, and fear of financial insecurity is matched only by concern for our physical safety.

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9. Technology

Computer technician working in server room
New uses of technology in services and products like electronic health records mean that this sector will continue to be strong.

Originally Published: October 06, 2008

Originally Published in Reader's Digest