Applicant Tree

Okay class, remember a few short years ago when we were longing to live it up like those dot-commers who were out there, building pimped-out fortresses and partying like rock stars? Then along came the dot-com fiasco and now the recession—makes the medical technician who makes a moderate living feel like a superhero just for being able to hold onto his or her job.

I don’t know if I really believe there’s such a thing as a recession-proof job. I believe the term “recession-proof” will hit the top-searched list at Google this year hands down. But there really are some jobs out there that seem to have an element of staying power. Shall we take a look at a few? When I call your name you can sit down and take a breather. In no particular order we have…..

Medical anything. We’re not going all fancy here—simply put, if you’re in the medical field, you’re relatively safe. Maybe you’re not a wealthy doctor, but there will always be a need for you. Yes even you, Mr. Bedpan-Changer. Lucky for you families can’t shave medical expenses off the budget the same way they trimmed out movie out night, but they can’t, period. Medical folks you’re safe, take a seat.

Service jobs you have to get dirty for. Right-o. The single toilet in the house is not going to hang back on the big-time back-up just because you’ve got a cash deficit. Same with the heater quitting or the anything else your house needs to run smoothly. Auto mechanics, ditto. No breaks in those businesses. You repair folks are golden. Take a load off.

Anything for brainiac save-the-earth folks. Yep, if you’ve got a talent, idea or other gift for doing something that’s going to make some energy sense on this planet—you’re going to be fine in this recession. And companies, no matter how they are suffering in other aspects, still want the community to know that Mother Nature comes first. Plus, we do need alternative energy sources. No recession will take away the need for solar energy, fuel efficiency and the like. So if you’re a brainy energy-scientist who can stay at the top of your game, grab a chair and relax.

If you’re shaping the future of America, you can also have a chair. Teachers, professors, school administrators—you may continue to enjoy salaries that won’t have you pimping out your cribs anytime soon, but the good news is, you will have a job. Good for you. Now sit down.

For those of you who remain standing, it’s time to consider playing nice with others at your present job whatever it is. Avoid rocking the boat and don’t apply for new credit cards while you hold on and try to ride out the recession. If you’ve already been hit hard by the economic situation, you may want to batten down the recession hatches in a decent college program somewhere. Educate yourself (try one of the aforementioned jobs perhaps?) and prepare for your second launch into the great-big world. If you can’t stand the sight of blood, don’t want to sink your hands in toilet ooze, and don’t have patience enough to wipe the noses of 5-year-old children all day long, get creative. Creative positions, home-owned businesses and consultation services are still faring well in the marketplace. So go for it.

Good luck. Class is dismissed.