<prompt> Human: Hello PF,Im 24 and currently work in sales for a software company. I live in Illinois and my pre-tax income is 70k. Ive got 10k invested mix of 401k and Roth IRA and a 3000 dollar emergency fund. I have no credit card debt and I bought my car with cash I saved 2010 Toyota Camry with 80K miles on it. I have about 27k started at 36k in student loans that Im making more than the minimum payments on each month 4.5 interest. I live with my girlfriend and our rent is 1650 per month which we split in half so my rent payment each month is 825-ish. This info might not be super relevant, but I figured Id include some rough numbers on my situation. Basically, Im worried that there is a strong chance that well see a 2008 level recession in the next 3-5 years. Assuming we do see a recession in that time frame, what can I do to pad myself against any major dip in the economy?My parents were put through the ringer when the 2008 recession occurred and it put a major strain on our family. I also know that my dad in some ways was able to make it work in his favor various real-estate investments etc. What can I do now to prepare for a possible recession, and assuming we see one, what can I do during the recession to maximize my gain when the market comes back.Thanks!EDIT: WOW thanks for all the responses and feedback! Sorry If I dont get back to some of you right away, but Im going to dig through some more replies when I get back from work.Assistant: Your greatest asset during a recession is your employment. When your investments are all losing, having a stable job with a low chance of turnover will allow you to push through it while still being able to invest at a discount. Theres specific financial strategies here people are offering, but by far the best way to mitigate the impact of a recession is to make sure your careeremployer isnt one that is quick to hand out layoffs when times get tough. Or you could just make yourself so valuable or employable that youd never be considered as part of the chopping block.Human: This spoke to me because Im in sales. Id say losing my job would be my biggest fear in the wake of a recession. Id like to think Im fairly responsible when it comes to my finances, so Im sure I could adjust my lifestyle to a changing economy, but losing my job would add a level of stress Id like to avoid if at all possible. I think what everyone else has said is the right move for me. I need to increase my emergency fund to 6 or 9 months of expenses so if i lose my job during a recession, Ill have enough cash to hold me over while I find something new.  <response>: Education and skills. You can study new skills on your field or bump up the ones you have. Make yourself more valuable to your employer or future employers if you want to get a better paid job.That way you can cover your bases when it comes to employment. 