“Which Jobs in Singapore Are More Recession-Proof Beyond the Public Sector? “

SINGAPORE: A Reddit user recently inquired about recession-proof jobs in Singapore, specifically looking for options outside the public sector. Many locals quickly responded to the question posed by u/proscuittojane on r/askSingapore on April 28.

A popular response highlighted the healthcare and funeral industries. One user noted, “Healthcare is so weather-proof that even if you are a deadbeat lazy person, you will still be gainfully employed.” Another commenter expressed envy, stating, “I don’t think a doctor ever has to worry about getting a job.”

The funeral industry also received attention, with a user remarking, “No matter how the economy is doing, people still need to die. And I’m only half trolling.”

Many respondents pointed to essential jobs that remained operational during the circuit breaker measures, emphasizing roles like cleaners, garbage disposal workers, and healthcare personnel. One user remarked, “These are the true gems of the job market—roles that people previously disrespected, but are suddenly recognized as vital compared to content creators or social influencers.”

Additional suggestions included divorce lawyers and SBS employees, particularly bus captains. Some users mentioned social workers, though it was noted that their salaries tend to be low. Other jobs highlighted were teachers, air-conditioning repair technicians, and security officers.

One user mentioned that sectors such as logistics, supply chain, and biopharma might be recession-proof. However, they acknowledged that it’s increasingly challenging to find jobs completely insulated from economic downturns. They also noted that factors like age can influence decisions during retrenchments.

Contrarily, another Redditor working in logistics pointed out, “We are not recession-proof. For example, decreased trade volumes or consumer demand can lead to fewer staff requirements and retrenchments.”