Is Anyone Recession Proof?
My parents wanted me to be a lawyer. I thought I kinda accomplished that task when I went into human resources because there are so many labor and employment laws to stay current with.
But during this economic downturn, I always wondered if my parents were right and I should have got that Juris Doctorate. I was thinking the legal profession is probably the most recession proof job out there.
Boy was I wrong.
Recently, I took a day to attend a local legal seminar. It was hosted by one of the most prestigious (read: high-priced) law firms in the area. I try to attend their seminar every year – it’s held at one of the nicest hotels in South Florida. Full-day of sessions, offering recertification credits, breakfast and lunch, printed and soft copy materials. All for $125. I think that’s very reasonably priced. The event is a class act from start to finish. And, in my memory, it usually attracts 400ish attendees.
The event was still a class act but I was very surprised at the low turnout. Given all of the pending legislation that could have a direct impact on human resources, I would have expected a larger crowd. Does that mean human resources doesn’t care about legislation anymore? Or is it just that people can’t afford $125 and a day out of the office?
I’m hoping this is an isolated case and HR Pros are finding alternative sources to learn about pending legislation and trends impacting the profession. Just because a company can’t afford to send you to a seminar doesn’t mean you aren’t responsible for the information. In order to stay on top of the game, HR Pros will have to find sources of information (that fit their budget) or maybe even personally pay to attend educational events.
If attorneys aren’t recession proof, I’m thinking none of us are.
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