How Do You Know if Your Career is Recession Proof?

The following is a ten question quiz that can tell you whether your career is on the upswing or downswing. Answer the questions honestly and you’ll soon know if your career is recession proof or not:

Question #1: Do you currently work in the healthcare, education, green, government, or defense industry?
A) Not even close
B) Your industry is related to one of these industries
C) Yes, you work in one of these industries

Question #2: Do you work in a field experiencing outsourcing?
A) Yes, many jobs around you have been outsourced
B) There are outsourcing rumors but it hasn’t happened yet
C) Outsourcing is not on the horizon for your field

Question #3: Has your field suffered major layoffs in previous economic downturns?
A) Yes, jobs are lost every time the economy sours
B) There have been some layoffs, but many folks kept their jobs
C) No, jobs have held steady in good times and bad

Question #4: Are you reading anything online or in print indicating your field may be in trouble?
A) Yes, stories abound of bad times ahead for your field
B) A few stories, but nothing definitive
C) You haven’t seen anything negative about your field

Question #5: Does the U.S. government show any signs of investing development dollars in your industry?
A) No, the government has no plans to invest in your industry
B) You’re not sure if the government is investing in your field
C) Yes, billions of dollars are going toward your industry

Question #6: Are you in a career where your skills could easily translate to a related field?
A) No, your skills are specialized to only your field
B) Your skills could translate, but it’s not a simple transition
C) Yes, your skills translate well in multiple industries

Question #7: Do you work in an industry where foreign competition is eroding your company’s market share?
A) Yes, your market share has been in steady decline
B) Foreign competition is a concern, but not a major one
C) No, your market share has held up to foreign competition

Question #8: Do you work in an industry where jobs are increasingly going to lower-paid, immigrant workers?
A) Yes, you are seeing immigrant workers take over many jobs
B) Some jobs are going to immigrant workers, but not many
C) No, the immigrant population is not taking on the jobs

Question #9: Do you work in an industry where jobs are increasingly getting automated?
A) Yes, many of the jobs in your field are getting automated
B) Some jobs are now automated, but others are not
C) No, automation has not negatively impacted job prospects

Question #10: How are changing demographics in the U.S. population impacting your industry?
A) Demographic changes will negatively impact your industry
B) Demographic changes won’t help or hurt your industry
C) Demographic changes will positively impact your industry

Okay, now for the results. See how many of your ten answers were letters “A,” “B,” and “C.” If you answered “A” for the majority of the questions, then your career is anything but recession proof. In fact, quick, decisive action may be necessary to course correct. If you answered “B” to many of the questions, then you sit somewhere between a recession proof and at-risk career. There are some facts in your favor and others you should pay attention to if you want to keep your career on track. Finally, if you answered “C” in most cases then you’re in great shape.