Top recession-proof jobs

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How safe is your money? That's the question on a lot of people's minds these days, and it's not just a matter of nervously watching where the money goes. It's also a matter of where it comes from . Losing one's job can be a serious financial set back at any time, but if there are fewer opportunities in the market place it can be harder to recover.

So the question becomes: How safe is your career (or potential career)?

The statistics show that some careers are safer bets than others. Forbes.com reviewed job trends and devised a list of some professions that aren't as risky in today's economic climate. Their top picks include:

1. Sales Representative

Why? Bringing in new customers and business opportunities is essential to keeping any business alive.

2. Software Design and Development

They write the software programs we use at home and in the workplace. The U.S. Department of Labour predicts that this profession will continue to grow at a rapid pace through 2016.

3. Nursing

With today's medical advancements and an aging population, health care workers will continue to be in demand.

4. Accounting Executive

As the name suggests, they manage the accounting staff -- who are increasingly important when budgets tighten up.

5. Accounting Staff

This profession continues to grow thanks to tougher accounting and auditing regulations (like Sarbanes Oxley). They're also the go-to people when organizations are looking for ways to cut back.

6. Networking and Systems Administration

They look after the technology side of the business, everything from company websites to networks and emails.

7. Administrative Assistant

It's the high turnover rate that makes this an in-demand position, according to Forbes. Administrative assistants may be worth their weight in gold, but many struggle to live on the average salary rate for this role.

8. Business Analysis (Software Development)

There's a wide variety of software out there that can help businesses run more efficiently. These analysts figure out what's best for a company as well as deploy the applications and train staff how to use them.

9. Business Analysis (Research)

What should software accomplish? It's up to these professionals to figure out how applications can suit the needs of users.

10. Finance Staff

As with accounting jobs, the money is tight so people who know how to effectively handle it are in demand.

(See Recession-Proof Jobs on Forbes.com for the full details.)

Other recommended jobs that didn't make the Forbes list include teacher, police officer, product developer and auditor.

Career versus industry

These careers may sound tempting, but is it wise to consider a drastic change during an economic downturn? That could spell disaster, according to an article on Careerbuilder.com . John A. Challenger, an outplacement consultancy expert, calls it a "career crippling move".

If you're looking for a change, "It is much better to focus on transferring your current occupation's skills to industries that remain healthy," Challenger told CareerBuilder.com.

In other words, it's a matter of putting your skills and experience to work in a different environment. Did you notice that many of jobs on Forbes.com's list aren't necessarily tied to a specific industry? An administration in an unstable industry like manufacturing could find security by switching to an industry less prone to economic flux. Sales personnel can adapt their skills to other fields, such as to sell textbooks in education, or represent pharmaceutical companies.

Challenger also notes that people shouldn't fall into the trap of thinking that there are only going to be opportunities for people with industry-specific skills. There's plenty of opportunity in industries that continue to hold their own, or even grow, during economic crises.

So where should you look? Careerbuilder.com offers this list:

Health Care: A number of factors combine to make this a lucrative field. An aging population and rapidly advancing medical technology are just part of the story. People with chronic and critical illnesses are living longer and healthier lives -- but they require ongoing monitoring and care. People are also becoming more proactive about their care, and are looking for innovations that will keep them active and healthy. (See BoomerAging: It'll change everything for more on that topic).

It isn't just nurses who are in demand. The industry also needs personal support workers, aides, specialists who deal with health information and medical records, not to mention administrators, accountants and support staff.

Education: We'll always need teachers, right? Currently in Canada there might actually be an oversupply, according to a January 2008 article in the National Post. A December 2007 report from the Ontario College of Teachers says it can take new teachers as long as three years to find full time employment if they aren't in high demand subjects like math and French, or in willing to relocate to northern or aboriginal communities. Furthermore, declining enrolments in some regions means fewer teachers are needed.

However, once they're in the field, teachers enjoy a considerable amount of job security, and they're not the only ones. School administrators, support staff, professors, sales representatives and consultants also enjoy the stability this sector has to offer. Teaching a course at a community college is also a great way to use your expertise to supplement your income.

Energy: Oil continues to be a booming business in many regions, but there could be a glut of retirements in the industry over the next few years. Alternative energy sources like nuclear, solar and wind-powered are also growing in terms of research and development. There's room for scientists, engineers and consultants, but also those who will operate the machinery and technology.

Environmental Sciences: Concern for the environment isn't going to go away, and those who can develop and implement "greener" products, services, procedures and policies will be needed by many industries. People who can evaluate and advise companies on how to become more environmentally-friendly will find opportunities in management and consulting as well.

Security: Crime isn't going to stop. Whether it's investigating crimes, protecting against cyber-crime, monitoring an organization or public place, or working in the transportation security sector, there's a variety of skill sets that will be needed now and in the future.

The Wall Street Journal's MarketWatch also added this sector to the list: Government. There's some truth behind the jokes -- firing and layoffs happen a lot less often in the government than in private industry. (Read the full article here).

Is any career or industry truly recession-proof? Not entirely, though it is important to consider both profession and industry when you're thinking about job security and opportunity. Even if you already have a relatively stable job, most experts recommend keeping your eyes open for opportunities, and keeping your resume and skills up-to-date, "just in case".

Sources: Forbes.com, CareerBuilder.com, MarketWatch.

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Michael DeLeon

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