Working World

Since even the most optimistic agree that the economy is in recession, it might be useful to explore some areas (mostly) immune to economic downturns. If you have one of these jobs, pat your self on the back for landing one. If you don’t, next time a switch is on your horizon, think of preparing yourself for one of these. Slowdowns occur in cycles, and next time you’ll be ready.

• Computer network administrators are always in high demand. Companies, even in hard times, need to update their communication abilities: shared files, email, teleconferencing and websites. The good news is that you can prepare for many of these jobs at your local community college or technical school. Some employers even pay for training.

• Sales representatives don’t necessarily lose out when business is down and no one is buying. Instead a great salesperson is essential to survival and might be the only way out of a slump. If you can sell, go for it.

• Vocational nurses can be up and running in a year, and surgical technologists take even less time to land that first job. Certified nursing aides remain in high demand even in poor economic environments. Medical workers are a perennial on many types of lists: recession-proof, well-paid, requiring less than a bachelor’s degree, etc.

• Accountants and bookkeepers usually survive slow times. After all, payrolls and taxes always need to be paid. Financial reports and year-end accounting never go away.