In times of political or economic uncertainty, layoffs and career competition can make it difficult to support yourself or your family. The best way to combat economic downturn is to secure a career that is future-proof and continuously stable. It can be difficult to determine which careers are generally evergreen in society. To get started, you’ll want to take a look at some industries that thrive and survive regardless of the state of the economy or government.
Healthcare
Regardless of the economy’s status, people will always get sick or need preventative healthcare. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare industry has needed more providers in hospitals and private practices than ever. Becoming a healthcare professional is an excellent career choice in terms of job security, benefits, and pay. However, healthcare roles can be tough physically and mentally. Depending on your role, you may be exposed to illness, injury, suffering, and death on a regular basis. Hours and shifts can be long, and the job can be physically and emotionally taxing. However, there are plenty of diverse roles in healthcare, some of which are far less demanding. Some roles don’t require as much formal schooling, like nursing or radiology technicians. Other roles are more intensive and require a lot of formal education and training, like physicians and surgeons.
Education
Political and economic changes can alter school systems and teaching requirements, but society’s youth will always need a formal education. Becoming an educator may not provide the highest salaries, but this career will provide plenty of benefits and job security. University professors will typically earn more on average than grade school educators, but all roles provide a necessary and incredibly valuable part of society. Teaching is a lot of intellectual work, but you’ll arm future generations with the knowledge to succeed. Requirements for this career depend on your role. Some may only require a bachelor’s degree, such as primary school teachers, while others—like university professors—may need more schooling and training.
Plumbing and Electrical
Skilled trades are typically stable regardless of a state or country’s economy. Skilled trades offer technical skills, like plumbing and electrical work, for commercial and residential clients. Often, skilled trades are essential for a safe and comfortable society. Other trades include HVAC technicians or construction workers. Plumbers and electricians will always be necessary, as plumbing and electrical emergencies transcend economic hardship. These trades don’t require a formal degree, making them accessible for most populations as a bonus. You can train through a trade school or as an apprentice on the job. You will likely need a license in most circumstances once you move past your apprenticeship, but you can make decent money to support your family in uncertain times.
General Contracting
Like plumbers and electricians, general contractors belong to the skilled trades industry, which is incredibly resilient to economic hardships. General contractors oversee and manage construction projects. While there may be fewer new constructions during recessions or worsening economies, renovations and repairs will always be necessary in modern society, providing job security and stability.
Like other trades, general contracting is an attractive career for those who do not have the time, money, or means to commit to a traditional university degree. Training is provided on the job or in a short-term, affordable trade school setting. An average contractor can make at least $50,000, but many contractors who own a business can make much more. However, you’ll need a license to become a contractor. Each state has varying requirements to obtain this licensing.
Minnesota
In Minnesota, you will need to fill out an application, pay fees, and take a licensing exam. Most contractors will obtain a residential building contractor license. The Minnesota residential building contractor exam can take up to four hours, so test prep is essential before receiving your license.
Georgia
In Georgia, licensing for residential or general contractors is required before performing any work. Unlike Minnesota, there is a general contractor license available here (instead of residential). You must pay fees, fulfill experience and insurance requirements, and pass an open-book exam.
California
To become licensed in California as a general contractor, you’ll need at least four years’ worth of experience within the last decade. You will also need to meet state insurance requirements. Passing two exams is required as well.
IT Professionals
In today’s digital world, information technology (IT) has quickly become an essential service for both businesses and consumers. Cybersecurity, tech support, and software programming are essential skills with consistent demand, regardless of economic changes. If you are self-taught, you may not even need a formal degree, but a minimum of a bachelor’s in computer science can come in handy. Coding workshops and specific tech certifications will take you much farther, however. As a bonus, these roles can pay quite a high salary on average, and there are many different roles to choose from for those of all career goals and backgrounds.
Conclusion
It’s a smart decision to plan a career that is future-proof and in high demand. Skilled trades like plumbers, electricians, and contractors provide essential services for all citizens to live in comfort. Healthcare will always be a necessity for all ages and populations. Since populations will always need an education, teaching is highly valuable as well. Technology is only growing in demand, and tech professionals who can regularly adapt to the ever-evolving industry will find job security regardless of political or economic climates. To determine if a career path or role is future-proof, you’ll want to assess society’s need for the industry and if economic hardship will affect that need. Intelligent decision-making skills and thorough research can help you find a job that will weather any storm.
