The Most Resilient Career Fields of the 2030s

During an economic depression, job loss is an unfortunate reality for many. There are many elements that will factor into job security in the next decade, and ITR Economics is here to help you mitigate the risk and better prepare for what lies ahead. Whether you are joining the work force or looking to change jobs in the coming decade, it is worth considering which careers will be the most protected during the Great Depression of the 2030s.

While nothing is 100% risk free, there are certain industries that will provide more job opportunities and more job security throughout the upcoming depression.

Health care is expected to be a strong field during the 2030s. Even if you are not a doctor or a nurse, there are related jobs that will be needed. Technicians, EMT transfer services, medical device providers, and more are more likely to be insulated from the depression than roles unrelated to health care. This is especially true because of an aging population in the 2030s, as members of elder generations will be in need of increased access to health care.

Education will remain a high priority, with the field also expected to stay strong throughout the 2030s. There will be opportunities for teachers in traditional classrooms and for a wide range of educating professionals across industries. For example, a need for professionals in trades will drive further need for educators in those industries.

As we have seen in recent years, the rise of AI is changing the way many businesses operate, from increasing efficiencies to improving the customer experience. There is so much more businesses can do with AI that we are likely to see more opportunities develop as new uses emerge.

Why Work Longevity and Experience Is Important for Job Security

While finding a career field likely to offer relative stability in the Great Depression is a great starting point, one of the biggest factors to job security will be your depth of knowledge. The more knowledge and experience – and therefore value – a person brings to the job, the more they will be seen as an asset that the business cannot afford to lose.

An employee’s expertise, adaptability, and deep understanding of the organization can all boost their standing as an essential resource for employers. The value an employee brings to their company will play a critical role in job security.

Employees that are recent college graduates with less work experience will be more at risk of being let go than those with a boon of experience to draw upon. However, while experience helps in many cases, employees with longer tenures will not necessarily be completely safe if their company downsizes out of necessity.

The Role of Geography in Career Planning

Another element workers will have to keep in mind heading into the 2030s beyond their industry is the availability of opportunities in their region. Factors such as population growth will impact workers in the trades, as location can determine the volume of available work.

For example, a carpenter or plumber in a state with a declining population, such as Illinois, is not going to find as much work as another worker in a state with a growing population, like Texas.

For those with careers that are less “hands on,” some companies have adopted distributed workforce models. This shift may provide additional employment opportunities, as it enables job seekers to search a much wider geographic area for employment.

The idea that the 2030s will be defined by an economic depression is undoubtedly scary for some. However, with proper planning, both individuals and businesses can navigate through these challenges and find opportunities to succeed. Your field, job location, and experience will all play a part in how you survive the 2030s Great Depression. As we draw closer to the next decade, keep these factors in mind. Remember that ITR Economics is here to help you and your business prepare for the upcoming depression and beyond.