It’s a time of considerable economic uncertainty. If you spend any time on LinkedIn, you’ve probably seen an increase in posts announcing layoffs. I know I certainly have. The personal experiences we see on LinkedIn combined with the seemingly ever present fears of recession can cause anxiety.
According to LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence Index, people with the most anxiety over impending layoffs are employed in product management, quality assurance, marketing, finance, and IT fields. Big tech layoffs have most recently hit Amazon and Google.
However, even though layoffs are prominent in the news, that doesn’t mean that every industry is feeling the pressure. LinkedIn’s same Workforce Confidence Index reports that professionals with the least worry about layoffs are employed in accounting, military & protective services, community & social services/human services, administration, and legal fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that community & social services/human services jobs will grow at a rate of 10% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than average for all occupations. While not included in the Confidence Index, education is also an area of significant growth and stability – projected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031.
Along with job growth and stability, these career fields also offer excellent benefits, ample time off, and the satisfaction of serving communities and people in a meaningful way. So, when the negative job outlook and layoff projections hit the news, just know that there are sectors that are dependable. If you’re thinking about making the switch to a career in community & social services/human services or education, now may be the perfect time!