During economic uncertainty, the question on many minds is: “How resilient is my career path?”
Workers might worry about job stability, and how quickly they will be able to find a job, if necessary. On the other hand, employers are concerned about how economic turbulence might impact their customers, making it essential to have a strategic plan and focus on key business objectives.

New insights from the Indeed Hiring Lab shed light on which occupations are standing strong—and which ones may be more sensitive to economic shifts.

Here’s what the data tells us:

  • Healthcare roles are surging:
    • Postings for home health and personal care aides have grown 55% since 2020.
    • Physician and surgeon roles have seen a 90% jump above pre-pandemic levels.
    • Demand for nurses, personal care workers, and other essential health roles continues to climb.
  • Other sectors are feeling the squeeze:
    • Arts, entertainment, and media haven’t bounced back: Job postings in arts, entertainment, and media are down about 10% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
    • Hospitality and tourism are cooling off: After a surge in post-COVID travel, job postings are now 52% lower than peak recovery levels.

What Makes a Job “Recession-Proof”?

The Hiring Lab defines “recession-proof” jobs as those tied to essential services and backed by stable funding. Healthcare, for example, is a sector where demand is consistently high—regardless of economic cycles.

On the flip side, sectors reliant on discretionary spending—like travel, entertainment, and the arts—are more susceptible to downturns as consumers tighten their belts and businesses scale back.

Why This Matters—for Job Seekers and Employers

Whether you’re a job seeker evaluating your next career move, or a business leader thinking about long-term resilience, this data offers critical insights:

  • Job seekers can take proactive steps to protect their careers by identifying their strengths, strategically building in-demand skills, staying informed about industry trends, nurturing their networks, and planning financially for greater flexibility.
  • Employers can better understand shifts in labor supply and demand—and plan strategically around workforce needs.

While no role can be guaranteed safe in every scenario, staying informed—and adaptable—remains one of the best strategies for navigating an unpredictable economy.