Most Relevant Jobs After T-SHTF

To be sure if T-SHTF there will be an initial period of extreme turmoil. Those who will have prepared in advance for the collapse will spend most of their time focusing on day to day survival activities. Securing and maintaining shelter, rationing food and water in addition to defending themselves from those who did not make adequate preparations will all be part of the new reality. Communities will form and eventually thrive as the turmoil subsides and society moves into a reset phase. The timeline for this all to occur is anyone’s best guess, it could be 3 months or 3 years depending on the scenario and severity of the damaged caused. Throughout all of this there will still be a need to fill many job functions, the relevance of each depending on how far past the collapse society has progressed. What follows is a list of the most relevant jobs which will exist after T-SHTF, notice that none of them involve sitting in a cubicle while sending emails out for 8 hours per day.

Blacksmith: A heavyweight in the post collapse community, every town will definitely have the need for a skilled Blacksmith. Someone who can work with wrought iron and steel, forging the metal into tools, weapons, farming equipment and much more. The Blacksmith can also produce horse shoes which are sure to be a “hot” commodity post collapse.

Carpenters: A valuable skill before the collapse, the need for skilled carpenters will increase many times over after T-SHTF. Buildings will have to be maintained, re-built and modified to support a more rustic lifestyle. New homes/barns will have to be constructed and the furniture which will go inside of them will have to be fabricated as well. Early on in the collapse carpenters could be essential in the building of barriers or other fortifications.

Masons: Stone masons and brick masons will compliment the work of the carpenter and be just as valuable. Their collective knowledge with the tools of their trade (mallets, chisels, trowels, jointers) will be useful in building walls, fireplaces, ovens and even homes.

Engineers: Individuals who are skilled at acquiring and applying scientific knowledge. Designing and repairing machinery which can do work or produce power (steam engine, water wheel) to those in electrical and mechanical engineering who could bring back basic conveniences if the grid was knocked out (solar and wind energy).

Mechanics: People who understand the use of tools in order to build and fix machinery, every community will have a need for one or more of these individuals. From large machines (boilers) to simple ones (bicycles), knowing how to “turn wrenches” will always be a valued skill.

Doctors: Near the top of the food chain when it comes to being in demand, especially during the initial stages of collapse when many will fall victim to life threatening injuries which will require surgery.

Nurses / EMT: While not as skilled as Doctors these individuals will still be in high demand. They can tend to most wounds, even some major trauma cases (compound fractures, heavy bleeding). They can start IVs, conduct blood transfusions and assist in helping to remedy many forms of illness.

Moonshiners: Let’s face it, the need for spirits will never go away. While most preppers do stock quite a bit of alcohol that supply is finite so being able to produce more will be a valued skill, especially after the dust has settled and the reset begins.

Law enforcement: Each community will no doubt have their own security forces but as time goes on expect to see the equivalent of a town Sheriff (and deputies). These individuals will be necessary to keep law and order, to keep looters from stealing supplies and assist in resolution of personal disputes (or to carry out trials).

Farmers/Ranchers: Knowing how to grow crops and raise animals which will be used for food production have their obvious benefits. Being able to do this without the assistance of modern technology will be an even bigger bonus. While current farmers and ranchers produce for thousands, expect to see very small operations which support one or two communities after T-SHTF.

Butchers: Initially after the collapse the need for a butcher might not be that apparent but once the reset phase hits it will surely make a resurgence. With the absence of retail supermarkets and just in time delivery systems the skills to slaughter and dress animals while minimizing waste and turning out cuts of meat for consumption will be in high demand in local communities.

Merchant Traders: Trade/barter is as old as time and will continue even after a major collapse. These individuals will venture out from community to community trading valuable commodities. They may even set up small trading posts where people can gather to conduct transactions.

Clergy:  Last but not least, keeping the faith and ministering to the flock will be of utmost importance throughout the entire shock and subsequent recovery period after T-SHTF.  Men of God will always be relevant no matter what the circumstance.  Prayer for the sick, counseling for the brokenhearted, presiding over weddings, baptisms and funerals, all tasks which require Clergy.