In this time of social and economic upheaval, there is no doubt that some of you have either lost your job or are not currently being paid because of a shutdown. In addition to resourcefully finding ways to get through the current state of affairs, you may be rethinking your career. You may be examining the fabric of your current occupation or career and wondering if there are workplaces and roles that are less vulnerable to wide-scale negative events.
So, while few sectors are completely insulated from unexpected shocks, let’s take a macro look at the world of work to try and identify occupational categories that may offer at least some degree of greater certainty and security when times get tough.
In many cases, these categories represent what are referred to as ‘essential services.’ It is important to note that not all of the categories and roles listed will have the same level of resistance to every circumstance. For example, in a pandemic environment, grocery stores and e-commerce companies like Amazon thrive. This would likely not be the case in a recession.
On the other hand, during a pandemic, professionals like dentists and chiropractors may be required to limit their practices to emergency care only, to reduce the potential spread of disease through human contact. The list under each of the sector titles below is not intended to be exhaustive, but to provide a representative sample of possible jobs within that sector.
SUPPLY CHAINS
(Processing, packaging, distribution, delivery, and maintenance businesses that supply other businesses)
Customs broker
Purchasing manager
Quality control inspector
Merchandiser
Online merchant
Delivery service driver
Courier
Truck driver
Shipping and receiving clerk
RETAIL AND WHOLESALING
Sales associates and managers employed by grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, liquor stores, and other retailers and wholesalers of food, pet food and supplies, and household products
Sales associates and managers employed by gas stations and diesel, propane, and heating fuel providers
Retail sales person
Sales representative
Retail manager
Car/truck sales person
INSTITUTIONAL, RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, AND INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE
Property manager
Plumber
Electrician
Janitor
Security guard
Fire inspector
Building inspector
Millwright
Auto mechanic
HVAC technician
Power engineer
Industrial Production Manager
Industrial Engineering Technician
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) INFRASTRUCTURE/SERVICE PROVIDERS
IT manager
IT support specialist
Data analyst
Network administrator
Telemarketer
INTERNET PROFESSIONS
Web designer
Graphic designer
Software engineer
Computer hardware engineer
Search engine optimization (SEO) specialist
Computer programmer
Front-end developer
Back-end developer
Full stack developer
UX designer
App developer
Social media manager
TRANSPORTATION AND DISTRIBUTION
Shipping/Receiving Clerk
Cargo and freight agent
Freight and cargo inspector
Transportation planner
Ship captain
Shipmate
Ship loader
Rail transportation worker
Truck driver
Taxi driver
Bus driver
MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCTION
Machine assembler
Electronic equipment assembler
Sheet metal worker
Boilermaker
Pump operator
Industrial production manager
Machinist
Machine feeder
Industrial engineering technician
Quality control inspector
Millwright
Mechanical engineer
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PRODUCTION
Farmer
Dairy farmer
Poultry farmer
Organic farmer
Grain and forage crop farmer
Farm manager
Farm equipment mechanic
Agricultural worker
Livestock feed sales representative
Grain elevator worker
Food regulatory consultant
Food science technologist
Agricultural inspector
Agricultural engineer
CONSTRUCTION
Construction worker
Construction manager
Building inspector
Roofer
Carpenter
Electrician
Painter
Brickmason
Drywall installer
Stonemason
Cement mason
Tile and marble setter
Crane operator
FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Stock trader
Investment banker
Bank manager
Financial manager
Financial advisor
Financial quantitative analyst
Accountant
Actuary
Credit analyst
Insurance sales agent
Underwriter
Risk management specialist
Compensation and benefits manager
NATURAL RESOURCES
Mining and geological engineer
Mining machine operator
Surveyor
Rigger
Geographer
Geodesist
Metal worker
Geologist
Geotechnical engineer
Water engineer
Conservation scientist
Soil and water conservationist
Forester
Fish and game warden
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Environmental consultant
Environmental engineer
Environmental technician
Occupational health specialist
Wind energy engineer
Geospatial information scientist
Solar thermal installer
Water treatment plant operator
Green product marketer
Biofuel engineer
UTILITY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Garbage collector
Exterminator
Arborist
HVAC technician
Electrician
Plumber
Housekeeper
Landscaper
Police officer
Firefighter
Paramedic
Civil engineer
Meter reader
Coroner
Funeral director
Community health worker
Ambulance dispatcher
COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRIES
News reporter
News anchor
Journalist
Photojournalist
Radio talk show host
Sports broadcaster
Sound engineering technician
EDUCATION
Teacher
Preschool teacher
Elementary school teacher
Physical education teacher
High school teacher
Principal
Education administrator
Special education teacher
College/university professor
Teaching assistant
School psychologist
HEALTHCARE/SENIORS CARE/SOCIAL SERVICES
Physician
Surgeon
Nurse
Physiotherapist
Physical therapist
Occupational therapist
Chiropractor
Dentist
Mental health counselor
Psychiatrist
Personal care aide
Home health aide
Childcare worker
Medical assistant
Medical administrative assistant
Medical laboratory technician
Pharmacist
Social worker
LAW/JUSTICE SECTOR
Lawyer
Paralegal
Legal secretary
Judge
Court reporter
Correctional officer
Security guard
ANIMAL RELATED SERVICES
Veterinarian
Veterinary assistant
Veterinary Technician
Veterinary Technologist
Zoologist
Dog groomer
Guide dog trainer
Animal trainer
Animal Scientist
The sectors described above may offer a better chance of weathering extraordinary circumstances, simply because of the role they each play in allowing people to carry on with their lives during times of disruption or turmoil. The fact remains, though, that working in one of these occupational categories does not guarantee uninterrupted employment. What this means is that every worker needs to be prepared for career shifts, because according to a 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, on average people have 12 different jobs in their lifetime.
So, if you lose your job and you are derailed from your planned career track, what should be your next move? Well, the answer to that question will in all likelihood be different for different people in different circumstances. But one option is to think about your experience and explore career transition opportunities. In other words, did what you learned in the job you no longer have lay a foundation and present a path to transition into a new role? The answer may be, ‘yes.’
Here are some possibilities:
Consulting
If you lose your job or choose to leave it, you may be able to do the same kind of work on a consultant/contractual basis, allowing you to stay in your field but giving you greater flexibility and control over when and how much you work.
Freelance Journalism/Blogging
Writers, bloggers, and journalists write and blog about every topic imaginable. So, with a background in any area and the ability to write on the subject with clarity and creativity, you may be a candidate to transition into a blogging or freelance journalism career.
Project Coordination or Project Management
The keys to project coordination and project management are organization, responsiveness, adaptability, and communication. These skills can be developed in almost any field. The important thing is to realize that coming from the retail or wholesaling sector, for example, does not necessarily exclude you from being considered for a project manager role in other sectors.
Real Estate Sales
Real estate is a great transitional career, for a variety of reasons. Firstly, one of the keys to a successful career as a real estate agent is a network of personal and professional contacts. Entering the field as someone who has worked in another role means that you are very likely to already have a considerable network. Secondly, real estate offers a lot of independence, autonomy, and freedom. And in many cases, you can get your real estate license in a year or less.
Recruiting
This is another field that really values an established network. Also, many recruiters specialize in one industry or role. This means that someone who has spent a decade working as an engineer, for instance, would potentially be a welcome addition to an engineering recruitment firm.
Teaching/Training
Transitioning to this sector does not necessarily mean that you will work in a public or private school system. That would likely require formal teacher training. There are other possibilities. For instance, the laid off carpenter, plumber, or electrician might be able to teach their trade at a vocational school or community college without a teaching certificate or degree.
However your career evolves, remember that it is very much a journey. It will present moments of elation, sadness, certainty, frustration, defeat, and transition. But if you understand and accept this from the beginning, you will always move forward in the knowledge that this is just what a career is — a non-static, inspiring, challenging, exciting part of life.
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