Everyone seems to be talking about the “R” word lately.  Although it’s a scary and extremely overused term these days, it unfortunately has become a reality that we are perhaps living in: a Recession.  Who are the lucky people, you wonder, whose careers won’t be affected by this dirty word?  Here is a list of “recession proof” industries:

Security.  Do you really think that crime will stop for a spiraling economy?  If anything, we’ll probably need to beef up our police force.  I’ve already contemplated just driving away at the gas pump a few times now.

Energy.  I will employ people to find alternative fuel options if necessary.  Enough said.

Education.  Our children still need education, even if we hand them over a bankrupt country.  Actually, education is probably more important than it has ever been since they will need to fix our problems that we created.

International business.  While our economy descends downward, other economies outside the U.S. are actually doing well.  Being versed in another language or culture can open up many doors, as well as keep a steady career.

Don’t have a job in one of these sectors?  Don’t have a complete meltdown quite yet.  Here are a few tips to recession-proof YOUR career.

1. Save, save, save.  This money can help if the worst case scenario occurs (layoff) or even if you decide to look to the long term and take a lower paying job.
 
 2. Vamp up the resume.  This means two things: literally, rewrite or hire someone to rewrite your resume so it sparkles, and take it up a notch at work.  Take on a project that will add to your long list of accomplishments.

3. Focus on your strengths.  Only you know where your strengths lie in your job.  If you aren’t sure, schedule a meeting with your boss to go over your strengths and weaknesses.  Then take on projects or other opportunities to highlight those strengths.  This will get you noticed more at your current job, as well as add to your growing resume.

More than likely, the stimulus check most of us are drooling over, isn’t going to pull us out of this recession, so continue to plan ahead.  Above all, focus on performing well at your current job in the short term, and if necessary, looking for a future job in the long term.

How will you stay safe from the "R" word?

This is a guest post by Lauren Kleinman.