“We are sorry, but we are laying you off. The economy is bad and we need to make budget cuts.” 

This could be one of the scariest things to hear from your boss or manager. And what’s worse is that you can’t control it. Recession is part and parcel of the global financial cycle. It happens and will happen. 

If you want to secure your job, or looking for a career that is less susceptible to recession, here are some of them:

Jobs that will survive any recession

1. Healthcare Professionals

People will forever need healthcare. No matter the season, or economic conditions, health care will always be in demand. As populations grow and age, there will be a continuous demand for doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and healthcare workers. 

With the digital age, other health-care-related jobs that will emerge this 2025 are telehealth and remote patient monitoring. 

2. IT and Cybersecurity Specialists

As we continue to evolve through the digital age, more businesses will move to more digitized operations which means demand for cybersecurity and IT infrastructure will increase. So no matter the economy, in this digital age, IT and cybersecurity specialists will continue to be in demand. Some in demand roles to look out for are cybersecurity analysts, network administrators, cloud engineers, software developers, and technical support specialists.  

3. Education and Online Learning Providers

Learning never stops, especially in challenging times when upskilling becomes a necessity. Educators, both in traditional settings and online, are in high demand. Some roles that will continue to be in-demand are teachers (especially in Math, Science, and Special Ed), online tutors and course creators, curriculum developers, and Education Technology Specialists

4. Accounting and Financial Services

Another key roles that will continue to be in demand this 2025 are those in accounting and financial services. Money management will become more crucial especially, during recessions. That is why accountants and financial professionals are key people to help reduce costs, file taxes, manage cash flows, and plan for the future. Key roles that are recession-resistant include accountants, bookkeepers, financial advisors, tax preparers, and auditors. 

5. Essential Retail and Supply Chain Operations

Basic essentials such as food, household items, basic goods, and commodities are important no matter the economic conditions. Thus, jobs connected to supply, stocking, and delivery of these essentials will remain in demand. High-stability roles in this industry include supply chain analysts, logistics, coordinators, inventory managers, warehouse workers, and retail store supervisors. 

6. Digital Marketing and Content Creation

Digital marketers listen up! Companies will need to cut costs during a recession, thus they will need to shift from expensive ad campaigns to more targeted digital marketing and content strategies to stay competitive and be more profitable. Thus, digital marketers help businesses maintain visibility and attract customers – cost-effectively. Some of the key roles that will continue to be in demand include SEO specialists, content writers, social media managers, email marketing experts, and graphic designers. 

7. Customer Service and Support Representatives

Even during a recession, businesses need to keep customers happy. Thus, customer support roles are often retained—or shifted to specialized BPO providers who can offer 24/7 coverage at a lower cost. Some key roles that will continue to flourish even during a recession are customer service representatives (CSR), technical support agents, live chat support, phone support specialists, and CRM system managers.

8. Utility and Maintenance Workers

Jobs that keep infrastructures running—electricity, water, internet, and buildings—are also among the most secure even during a recession. Some of the in-demand roles include electricians, plumbers, facility maintenance workers, and internet/telecom technicians. 

9. Legal and Compliance Professionals

Recessions often lead to increased regulations, contract renegotiations, and legal disputes. Legal professionals help businesses navigate these challenges and stay compliant. Paralegals, legal assistants, compliance officers, contract managers, and employment law specialists are the common key roles that will continue to be in demand even during a recession. 

10. Virtual Assistants and Remote Administrative Support

Virtual assistant (VA) and remote admin support specialist roles will continue to be in demand as some businesses reduce the cost in hiring full-time in-house employees. Some of the common VA tasks include calendar management, email filtering, data entry, social media scheduling, and basic bookkeeping. 

These are just some of the skills and professions that will be in demand no matter the economic conditions. If your work is one of them, lucky for you. But if you are looking to pursue a career or shift into a new one, the above list can be your guide. 

Tips to stay competitive as a profession during a recession

On the other hand, if you are worried that you can get fired when a recession hits, here’s what you need to do to recession-proof your job.

1. Start upskilling and reskilling

When a recession hits, certain skills will be in demand. Thus, as early as now, you need to start upskilling and reskilling. Some of the skills that you should invest in include data analysis, digital marketing, project management, and coding. You can also learn how to use new tools and apps such as Canva, Excel, Salesforce, and Google Analytics, among others. It is also worth it to get certified for high-in demand skills such as cybersecurity, bookkeeping, or customer service. A lot of companies prioritize those who show commitment to learning and self-improvement. You may even end up getting a competitive salary by upskilling and reskilling. 

2. Develop a problem-solving skill

It is not enough that you perform what you are asked to do. Be an asset to the organization by being a problem solver. Bring out solutions to your company’s most common problems and help them reduce costs or increase efficiency. If you don’t know how to do it, try to ask yourself. “How can I help my company save time, money, or effort?” or “What can I improve in our current system, process, or customer experience?”

In the future, should you want to pursue a different job or look for a more competitive salary, you can highlight how you’ve added value to your previous organizations during interviews or add it in your resume. This can be a good credential on your end. 

3. Always expand your network (even online)

Opportunities often come through connections. Grow your network even if you’re not job-hunting. You can do this by being active on LinkedIn. Make sure to follow organizations that you are interested in, post content related to your industry, comment, and message peers or industry leaders. You can also start joining professional groups, webinars, and even online events to expand your network. Remember that your network is your net worth. 

4. Be open to freelance 

Full-time jobs may decline during a recession. So it is good to do some project-based or part-time roles on the side in case you are let go from your full-time jobs. There are companies  who still need talent but looking for more flexible arrangements. 

5. Invest in improving your online presence

Always be active online. Recruiters and clients often search online before they reach out. You need to make sure you leave a good impression online. You can do this by keeping your LinkedIn updated with skills, certifications, and achievements. You can also start creating a simple portfolio or personal website. It is also good to ask for testimonials or endorsements from your past employers or clients to put in your profile to give more credibility to your work and skills. Remember, if you are invisible online, you might get overlooked regardless of your talent and skills. 

6. Don’t forget your soft skills

Companies, no matter the economic conditions, value professionals who are proactive and independent, great communicators, and team players. With this, you need to work on and improve your emotional intelligence, time management skills, critical thinking, and flexibility or openness to feedback. Remember that soft skills can set you apart from candidates with the same expertise and technical skills. 

7. Always stay informed about industry trends. 

Make sure to always stay informed about the changes and updates about your industry. Make sure to read blogs, watch videos, listen to podcasts, or follow influencers in your field. Understanding the latest trends and current pain points in your industry can help you speak confidently during interviews, offer up-to-date insights to clients or employers, and identify where your field is heading so you can prepare accordingly. Those who anticipate change, rather than react to it, can become leaders in their industry.

Hope these tips can help you gain more perspective on how to be more in demand despite any economic conditions. Make sure to follow our social media pages and visit our website for more tips like this. On the other hand, if you are looking for great job opportunities and career, make sure to visit our Careers page for our list of roles: https://mdmsystems.net.au/recruitment/