Recession Proof Jobs
by Jennifer McAlpine
Career Link LMI Specialist
If you watch the news you may have concerns about the current state of our economy. We may think to ourselves, what can we do about it? Well, I heard the strangest solution from a financial expert on the tube who told us that the best way to boost the economy was to SPEND. I couldn’t believe my ears. How would this philosophy help the unemployed of Powell River? In tough economic times people are very reluctant to spend, preferring to hold on tight to the purse strings. And then I realized that the expert, while encouraging spending, didn’t specify what we should be spending our money on! This raised the question: if we’re to spend to boost the economy, where should our hard-earned money be spent?
How often do the words ‘I need’ come out of your mouth when referring to your wants? It seems much of our lives in North America are driven by ιwants’. BIG wants, not needs.
Author, John Michael Talbot offers this simple formula to help us distinguish between our wants and needs:
- Food is a need. But a medium-rare T-bone steak smothered in onions is a want; why not try some lean ground beef instead?
- Clothing is a need. But a designer suit with matching shoes is a want; the hospital auxiliary has some great finds!
- Shelter is a need. But a split-level ranch house with a semi-attached garage, walk-in closets, Jacuzzi and three bathrooms is a want.
Add to this list: education, healthcare, and safety/security - you now have a catalog of sectors, industries and employers that really shouldn’t feel the economic meltdown too terribly. The businesses that provide the goods and services that we deem NEEDS will continue to NEED skilled workers.
If you have ever specified job security to be at the top of your wish list when making a career choice, take a walk down to Career Link today and meet up with Brian Highley, our new Resource Advisor in the Career Lab. Brian’s got the scoop on which jobs are ‘recession tough’ in Powell River and is eager to share this knowledge.
