The list is a bit old, but I believe the advice from HR World on the Top 25 Careers to Pursue in a Recession is still good. Take a look at the article to read all 25 -- I'll give you the top five:

• Health care: People will always get sick.
• Energy: Although we're likely to cut back, we're not going to stop using energy.
• Education: No matter how dire the economy, there are always jobs for teachers -- particularly good teachers.
• Utilities: Just like the energy sector, it's safe to assume that we aren't going to stop lighting our homes.
• International business: According to the article, even when the economy is doing poorly in the U.S., other countries may be doing well. Not true this time around, but the advice may ring true the next time our economy dips. Since I don't think this one will work for you, I'll give you number 6...
• Public safety: Police and fire fighter layoffs do occur, but we'll always need protection.

You've seen this advice before -- the downturn might be a good time to reinvent yourself. Read HR World's list and see if there is a career of interest there for you.

Then go after it!

Article by Melanie Holmes, Vice President of World of Work Solutions for Manpower, and courtesy of Manpower's Contemporary Working blog. Melanie shares Manpower's extensive knowledge while building strategic partnerships with government, universities and other leadership organizations across the country. She is also responsible for social responsibility at Manpower, which includes diversity, volunteerism, community involvement, community relations, philanthropy and workforce development.