The current economic climate has left more and more people looking for recession proof jobs. Fortunately, there are some careers - even for those of us over 50 - that are pretty much recession proof. If you haven't been in the job market for a while and it's time to change careers, let's take a look at a few new choices, some of which may not have been available last time you were job hunting.
Teaching
We all hear that teachers are overworked and underpaid, but in fact, this is one of the fastest growing professions in the industry. And, despite the so-called "advantage" that teachers get summers off, this is one of the most difficult positions to do well, too.
Fortunately, you have a couple of options. First of all, the teaching profession is so desperate for teachers right now that one of the fastest growing sectors of that market is in the area of substitute teachers. As a substitute teacher, you generally don't need ANY specific certification to get started. You do need a college degree, but it can be in accounting, for example. Many districts will give you a two-year provisional certificate and you can begin teaching absolutely immediately. If you like it, you can stay with it and get a degree in the area you want to teach in permanently, which makes it a win-win situation all around.
Finances and bookkeeping
There are an awful lot of people out there who are good business people, but they're terrible at figures. In addition, a lot of established companies are forgoing in-house accountants and bookkeepers in favor of outsourcing the work for much cheaper rates. If you've got a degree in bookkeeping or finance, set up your own shingle and start to offer your services to those who need the extra financial help. You can set an introductory "new client" rate initially so that you attract clients your business, and then establish a higher rate for ongoing business. If you don't have a degree in bookkeeping or finance but you're good at this type of work, consider getting a degree, as this is an area of employment that's not going to go away anytime soon.
"Green" living and renewable energy
This is an area that's burgeoning, especially with an emphasis on global warming and the need for a move away from fossil fuel dependence. This is a particular employment sector that's going to open up in all areas in the next few years. Depending on your area of expertise, it bodes well for job-hunting indeed.
Maintenance or repair work
If you've been a handyman, good at plumbing, good at fixing things, and so on, now may be the time to make a career change into this area. With the shrinking economy, people are no longer buying new as much and they're trying to keep what they have running. Car mechanics, electricians, plumbers, and all areas that deal with repair work of some sort are going to be growing in the foreseeable future. In general, this does require specific certification and training depending on the area you live in, so check into your areas ordinances and get the proper training you need.
Childcare
It's true that as incomes shrink, more households may have one parent staying home and taking care of the children while the other works, but as the economy picks back up, so, too, will the need for child care. As soon as the recession begins to recover at all, there will be an explosion in the need for childcare. Get your certification now so that you're ready to go to work. Alternatively, of course, you can offer babysitting services out of your home without certification as well, as long as you're otherwise qualified.
Of course, there are truly no guaranteed "recession proof" jobs, but there are those that certainly stand up well to recession even when it happens. If you're in the need for a career change, take a look at one of the career options listed above and see if one of them is for you. Embrace the change if it happens, get the training you need, and be ready to go onto a new opportunity.
Suzanne Daykin is the Editor of [www.income-in-laterlife.com This domain name expired on 12/26/2018] your guide to earning extra money if you are over 50.
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