Recession Proof Jobs?

Wow, I am somewhat astonished at how bad things are progressing with our economy. The S&P under 800 today. Goodness. The Dow and NASDAQ appear to be at a free-fall and are now at levels we haven't seen in nearly a decade. We Americans took it square on the chin big time. The wealth stripped from a great majority of us Americans is staggering at this point. This recession seems to be bridging into a depression. We are all in this together for certain. Put your seat belts on and please, plan and prepare.

As I closely watch the jobs data unfold, I am now more inclined than ever to take notice in jobs that are seemingly recession proof - if that is possible. Also, while we all hear on a daily basis the geographic areas that are hit the hardest, I am researching areas of the U.S. that have been hit the least - if that is possible.

What I continue to find is that the health care industry can be a safe haven of sorts in terms of career stability.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) Current Employment Statistics, the health care sector overall has grown by 363,000 jobs thus far in 2008, thus making it the largest industry in the United States, accounting for 13.5 million jobs. Further more, analysis suggests that the health care sector will generate 3 million new jobs by 2016, more than any other industry. Obviously baby boomers are a leading factor to this growth.

For those of you looking to either embark on a new career or looking for a career to focus your education on, what may be intriguing to you is that most positions will require less than four years of college education. For example Registered Nurses, Health Information Technicians, Dental Hygienists, and Health Service Managers (a.k.a. Health Care Administrators).

My search continues with regard to another safe industry in terms of career stability. For now, health care seems to be the most stable industry. Time will tell.

So where are the best performing cities in the U.S. with regard to job growth? Fortunately for me, since we have one of our offices there is #2 on the list - Raleigh, NC. Here is the list of the top 25. Certainly worth a look.

Again, readers, plan and prepare. At this point it is critical and our future depends on it now more than ever.