When you’re considering a career change, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions about what, exactly, you want from that career. Some people choose based on the skills they already have, or the values and preferences they have (such as working with children or caring for others). However, given the major shifts in the job market right now, it might be important to ask which careers can offer long-term stability. If you want a job that you know is going to be here in a decade, two, or more, then here are some to consider.

Education

There is always a demand for staff to help out in schools. This includes teachers to teach, but also administrators, teachers’ assistants, and support staff. As communities continue to expand and grow, teaching roles are still vital, even as they may be changing to adapt to new technology. Education is also one of the best fields for pension plans, job security, and benefits that enhance long-term stability.

Healthcare

Job stability typically depends on reliable demand, and there’s no field with more reliable demand than healthcare. You don’t have to earn a medical degree or even become a registered nurse, as a 9-month medical assistant training plan can help you get an entry-level job that’s still more reliable than most. As populations age and healthcare needs increase, opportunities in this sector will continue to grow, meaning demand for workers will grow too.

Skilled Trades

While technology may be playing a role in making certain roles obsolete, or at least decreasing demand for them, being able to work with your hands is always worthwhile. Entry-level jobs in construction tend to be available frequently, but skilled trades, such as electricians, plumbers, welders, and HVAC technicians, are not only in demand but also tend to be lucrative as you work your way up. With retirement looming for many current tradespeople, leading to labor shortages, younger workers entering the field face excellent job prospects and the assurance of long-term stability in roles that are both hands-on and indispensable.

Information Technology

While technology may move fast, there is one clear way to ensure it doesn’t make your job obsolete: to be the one in charge of it. Cybersecurity specialists, IT support professionals, and systems administrators are crucial to businesses, governments, and healthcare systems. As cyber threats grow and organizations rely more heavily on data, demand for these skills continues to rise.

The Public Sector

One field that does seem to be immune to most of the fluctuations other markets experience is the public sector. Careers in civil service, law enforcement, public health, and municipal management often come with strong job security, pensions, and structured career ladders. Changes in public policy certainly can influence some jobs, but these changes tend to be fairly rare, and public sector employment remains strong throughout economic downturns.

There are no guarantees as to which careers are truly going to stand the test of time. However, those mentioned above tend to show a little more staying power than most, offering the stability that you might need.

What Careers Can Offer True Long-Term Stability?