Times are tough, no doubt about it. The global recession that challenges all of us had a major impact on 2008 and by all accounts is not going to improve any time soon. Although 2009 will likely present many opportunities, the overall outlook is not rosy. We should all face up to the fact that the recession is here to stay and that we have to deal with it.

Despite all of this, there are some industries and businesses that are thriving. McDonald's saw a banner year as consumers seeking to save money flocked to dine at the golden arches. Wal-Mart, thanks to their strategy of offering the highest possible value at the lowest possible price also enjoyed robust sales - even during the down holiday season - as retail customers continue to search for inexpensive bargains. The logical extension to this is that if you are concerned about losing your job perhaps you could look to McDonald's or Wal-Mart for employment.

Alcoholic beverage manufacturers saw sales expand explosively in 2008 as people sought to deaden the pain of recessionary strife by drinking. For this reason, businesses that sell alcoholic beverages such as restaurants, liquor stores, and beer distributor ships benefited from this heightened demand for alcohol. This of course means that these businesses are also probably looking for employees and might be willing to hire you if you need a job.

Gambling venues, such as casinos and even state lottery organizations also benefited from the recession as people gambled their few remaining dollars in hopes of striking it rich. Although the odds of such a thing happening are slim, the gambling industry as a whole profited dramatically in 2008.

Of course working in a restaurant, at a casino, in a liquor store, or at Wal-Mart may not be your idea of fulfilling professional employment. As you contemplate the potential impact of the recession on your job - provided of course that you still have a job - you are probably wondering what you should do next. Because of the vast number of people struggling with this very same question, you probably need to think outside of the box in order to come up with a valid solution.

Go online and research business opportunities that are recession proof and that will meet your income needs as well as professional goals. Hundreds of thousands of people are making millions of dollars every day running online network marketing businesses from the comfort of their own home. Find a network marketing opportunity with a tried and proven history of success, run by a team of experienced professionals, and you will be able to take control over your own financial destiny.