Although politicians might deny the facts, recession is a real possibility in this country. U.S. workers wonder if their jobs are in danger, if lay-offs are around the corner, and if there's anything they can do to prepare. The recession cannot be stopped, but there is one simple step workers can take now to protect their assets and secure their employment: get educated.

As the economy dips into the lowest valley of the recession, certain industries will decrease, and in some cases, completely fail. Thousands of workers in “disposable” jobs will become unemployed. Which jobs are most likely to go? In the most basic terms, a recession means consumers will be spending less. Jobs connected with retail, entertainment, and other non-essential commodities will be the first to be eliminated. But to get a job that is unlikely to die with a recession requires higher education.

Will a better education protect me ? Advanced education means increased knowledge, skills, and experience. Highly skilled and trained workers in certain fields will weather a recession far better than people filling line-level, replaceable, and “disposable” positions. Employers are not likely to cut experienced workers who are trained in multiple areas, when there are many lower-level employees who can be easily replaced after the recession.

In addition, top paying careers are usually available to those with a higher level of education. While economists say there are no recession-proof careers , there are still many hot jobs that will remain stable careers throughout a recession. In 2008, the following industries are expected to retain stable careers :

•  Education

•  Medical and health professions

•  Rehabilitation and senior care services

•  Civil Engineering

•  Transportation Design

Current hot jobs that are least likely to result in a stable career include:

•  Information technology specialist

•  Sales

•  Tourism and hospitality

•  Advertising

•  Graphic design

•  Real estate investment

Notice that stable and growing careers include essential services, and jobs expected to be cut during a recession are commercial and money driven. The key to surviving a recession with your career in tact is to figure out which fields are likely to include growing careers . Of those fields, choose one in which you have a real interest, and get educated! Whether you are going to college for the first time, or completing gradate courses, advanced education will help you land a stable career .

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