Top 5 Careers for a Depressed Economy

Despite recent talk about the current economic crisis being the modern equivalent of the Great Depression, it is highly unlikely that the situation now will become as dire as it was then. For one thing, there are more safety nets in place. For another, the U.S. economy is much larger than it was in 1929. The job market may suffer in the near future, but pockets of growth will remain. Opportunities in the following jobs are expected to remain strong even as the economy lags.

1. Financial Planner

You might ask how financial planners can flourish at a time when the personal finances of so many people are floundering. For the same reason that most gym memberships are sold to flabby people entering middle age--you only worry about protecting something when you realize it can be (or has already been) lost. When the economy is booming, cash comes cheap and easy. It's only after the bubble bursts that people realize how important financial planning is. And with the Baby Boom generation entering its golden years, there are more people than ever seeking professional help to prepare for retirement.

2. Software Programming Manager

Don't knock it because it's nerdy. Bill Gates isn't just the richest man in the world, he probably hasn't gotten a wedgie in decades. Computers are becoming ever more integral to all aspects of American life, and those who drive the industry will always be in demand.

3. Physician's Assistant (P.A.)

The push for universal health insurance has reached critical mass, and one of the keys to alleviating the problem is to drive down health care costs. This only increases the demand for P.A.'s, who, under a doctor's supervision, can perform much of routine work that doctors currently do--examining patients, ordering lab tests, even prescribing drugs. Help people and save lives without racking up a quarter mil in student loans!

4. Physical Therapist

Remember all of those aging Baby Boomers who are expected to retire soon? Well, they may also be arthritic, need joint replacement surgery, and in poor physical shape. This creates a huge new demand for physical therapists. As an added benefit, remember that a huge chunk of your tax dollars go to Boomers via Social Security and Medicare benefits. If you're a physical therapist, you can make them pay you back.

5. Hydrologist

Consider that water resources are already dwindling in some places and surging population and development are making the problem worse. Global warming and the need to provide alternative energy sources are dire problems that need to be addressed immediately. The scope of these problems is such that they can only be addressed by government, which means not only good job prospects for hydrologists, but also excellent job security. Unless you are a U.S. attorney, it is virtually impossible to lose a government job.