“Wow, getting a job in this economy is incredibly easy!” said no one ever. During times of economic uncertainty, companies often cut costs and lay off employees rather than hiring. Just like we do with our personal finances, businesses try to get the most value with the least investment. So, how can you survive as part of the working class?
The simple answer: Recession-proof your career. This means finding ways to make yourself an indispensable employee—whether at your current job or somewhere else. But is that really possible today? If so, how do you go about it? Keep reading to find out.
How to make your career recession-proof
When it comes to a recession and the potential loss of employment, focus on what you can control—yourself. “You cannot completely safeguard yourself from the impacts of a recession, but you can prepare,” says Kaila Kea-Lewis, a Muse and Fairygodboss career coach.
Create a contingency plan
Before thinking about any ways to become “recession proof,” make sure you're prepared for the worst case scenario. “If you haven’t lost your job, start preparing as if you have,” Kea-Lewis says.
This contingency plan should have three main focus areas:
- Finances: The first step is ensuring that you have the means to support yourself in case the recession affects you. Assess your finances and make a budget—if you don’t have one already—allocating a portion of your paycheck to savings each month. “Reduce your expenses and build or increase your emergency fund,” Kea-Lewis says. “Even if your job isn’t currently threatened, make a plan and stick to it.”
- Work: Keep your resume updated in case you need to find a new job. If you work in an industry where employers typically require a cover letter, have a draft ready—but remember to tailor it for each application. Last but not least, ensure your LinkedIn profile reflects your most recent work experience, new skills, and accomplishments.
- Stress management: Your plan should include “at least one thing you can do to effectively manage stress,” Kea-Lewis says, since a recession and the related financial stress can take a toll on your mental health. “Start thinking about a healthy habit, such as daily stretching, journaling, or meditating, that can help you relieve stress, keep your mind and body healthy, and endure whatever the future brings.”
Once you have this sorted out, you can start thinking about ways to make yourself less likely to face unemployment in the future.
Read this next: History of Recessions in the United States
Prepare to adapt and change
“My best advice is to prepare to adapt,” Kea-Lewis says. “Recessions bring a lot of change, so you have to be flexible to endure those changes.”
But what do adapt and change mean in this context? Essentially, it’s about how you view yourself, your professional skills, and how—and where—you can apply them outside your current line of work, especially if you’re in an industry that could be hit hard by a recession.
“If you only look at your career from one angle, you’ll limit yourself,” Kea-Lewis says. “Adapt by reimagining your current skill set in other roles and industries.”
That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to make a career shift—though you might. The key is to do it strategically. Do your best to hold onto your current job while preparing for a potential exit.
“A recession isn’t the best time to make a big career change—especially if it requires you to spend money on additional training or education—but sometimes it’s necessary,” she says. “If you have a stable job but want to make a career change, hold on to that stable source of income while you take the steps to change careers.”
If you are making a change, transition into a more stable line of work. Ideally, you’ll choose an industry that continues to need workers, no matter how tough times get.
Develop in-demand skills
Whether you decide to change careers or are forced to find a new job, you'll need to stay up to date with the emerging skills companies are looking for. The more in tune you are with the demands of the job market, the higher your chances of staying employed—or finding a new position quickly (or as quickly as possible during an economic downturn).
Besides artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, some of the most in-demand skills right now include stakeholder engagement, customer engagement and support, process optimization, and solutions based selling, according to a 2025 LinkedIn report. However, these trends shift constantly—especially when it comes to technology and AI. That’s why it’s important to regularly check websites like LinkedIn, The Muse (hi!), and other media outlets that stay on top of job market changes and hiring trends.
Read this next: Understanding the AI Impact on Jobs and What’s Next
What jobs are good in a recession?
One of the most common pieces of advice for preparing for a recession as a working-class person is to transition into an industry or role that’s essential to society and doesn’t rely on consumers’ discretionary income to survive. For example, public safety would generally be a safer bet than retail. But is there really such a thing as a “safe job” these days? Well—yes and no.
“In recent years, we’ve seen job loss in industries and sectors that used to be considered safe, so now a lot of people are realizing that even if they’re good at their jobs or even if they work in a secure industry, there are no guarantees,” Kea-Lewis says.
One example is the tech industry, which at the beginning of this decade was the go-to sector for those seeking high salaries and job security. Now, things look a bit different: Approximately 380,000 were laid off from tech-based companies between 2022 and 2024, according to a Crunchbase News report. And the layoffs of 2025 have already begun.
On the other hand, some industries tend to stay afloat and continue to need workers. We saw this during the 2019 pandemic, when essential roles—especially those related to healthcare and medical supplies—were less affected. In addition to healthcare, here are some examples of industries that may be more resilient during a recession:
For extra guidance, read this next: 67 Recession-Proof Jobs to Consider
What jobs are hit hardest by a recession?
On the flip side, some industries are usually the first to be hit during a recession. Retail, leisure, and hospitality are prime examples, largely because they depend on discretionary income—something many people cut back on in an economic crisis. According to CNBC, construction, manufacturing, and real estate are also some of the riskiest industries to work in a recession.
Take away: Prepare and be adaptable
We may or may not be heading toward a global recession, and unfortunately, you can't control whether you lose your job. “Even indispensable workers can get cut,” Kea-Lewis says. “While it’s helpful to do your best work and be a high-performing team member, it doesn’t guarantee anything.”
However, how you prepare for potential changes is within your control.
“You can control how you adapt,” she says. “Be open to career opportunities you didn’t consider before and redefine your career goals so that you don’t hold yourself to standards that no longer make sense for you. Being adaptable helps you become more resilient, and resilience can help you survive a recession.”
Read this next: How to Stay Calm in a Panicked Market
Amanda Cardoso contributed to the latest version of this article.