If World War 3 Begins Tomorrow, Here’s What Will Happen to Your Money and Job

7 Rules of Success

25 Jun, 2025

The concept of World War 3 has long haunted the imagination of strategists, economists, and ordinary citizens alike. In a world more interconnected and technologically advanced than ever before, a full-scale global conflict would no longer be limited to the battlefield—it would be felt in homes, offices, banks, grocery stores, and digital wallets across the planet. If World War 3 were to begin tomorrow, it wouldn’t just disrupt governments and militaries. It would ripple through the very structure of the global economy, changing the way we live, work, and survive.

This article explores the potential impact of a third world war on two of the most critical aspects of your daily life: your money and your job. Through realistic projections based on economic history, geopolitical analysis, and current global dependencies, we will break down what could happen in the short, medium, and long term—if the unthinkable becomes reality.

A Shockwave Through the Global Economy


	A Shockwave Through the Global Economy

At the first confirmed reports of a world war outbreak, global financial markets would react instantly. Historically, markets are deeply sensitive to geopolitical uncertainty. For instance, during the 9/11 attacks or Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, stock indices fell within hours. A world war would dwarf such events in scale. Stock markets across major financial hubs—New York, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Shanghai—would either experience massive sell-offs or be forced to suspend trading altogether to prevent economic freefall.

This would result in a domino effect. Companies would lose billions in market capitalization. Investors, both institutional and individual, would rush to pull their money out, creating liquidity issues for financial institutions. Pension funds, mutual funds, and 401(k) accounts could see dramatic losses. Those with retirement savings heavily invested in equities might wake up to find half their life’s work wiped out overnight.

On top of that, the global banking system—heavily interconnected via SWIFT, Forex, and other clearing mechanisms—might face operational disruption, either from cyberattacks or government-imposed restrictions. In such a scenario, access to personal bank accounts, credit facilities, or international remittances might be delayed or completely halted.

Currency Collapse and Inflation Spirals

In wartime, one of the earliest casualties is price stability. Governments tend to increase military spending rapidly, often printing money or taking on unsustainable levels of debt to do so. If major powers such as the U.S., China, or European nations engage in conflict, they would likely redirect billions of dollars toward weapons, logistics, and defense infrastructure.

The consequence? Inflation—and potentially hyperinflation in weaker economies.

Food prices would spike due to trade disruptions. Oil and gas prices would skyrocket as transportation networks and supply routes become militarized or blocked. With Russia and the Middle East being major global energy suppliers, any direct conflict involving these regions would push energy costs to unimaginable heights.

This would impact every level of consumer life. Grocery bills would double or triple. Energy costs for heating, cooling, and cooking would become unaffordable for lower-income households. The cost of medicine, many of which are imported or produced via globally distributed supply chains, would rise sharply—threatening public health access. Rent and mortgage rates could become unpredictable, particularly in cities affected by internal displacement or wartime relocation.

Governments might introduce price controls to tame inflation, but this often leads to shortages and black markets, as seen in war-affected nations historically. Cash could become nearly worthless in extreme cases. People may revert to barter systems or use foreign currencies like the U.S. dollar or cryptocurrency—assuming they’re still operational.

The Collapse of Non-Essential Job Markets

Perhaps one of the most personally devastating impacts of World War 3 would be the large-scale loss of employment, especially in non-essential sectors. Industries such as travel and tourism, fashion, entertainment, consulting, event management, and non-core tech would be among the first to collapse.

Consumer demand would plummet as people divert spending toward survival, security, and essentials. Businesses dependent on consumer confidence and discretionary income would see sales dry up within weeks. With that, comes widespread layoffs and business closures.

Even freelancers and remote workers, who thrived during the COVID-19 era, would not be safe. International payment systems might be compromised. Global internet infrastructure could face cyberattacks or sanctions. Online platforms may shut down services in specific regions due to government orders or operational disruptions. If you’re a freelance designer in Bangladesh working for a U.S. startup, or a virtual assistant in the Philippines supporting European clients, your income stream could vanish overnight.

Conversely, there would be high demand in defense-related sectors. Jobs in military manufacturing, logistics, cybersecurity, emergency healthcare, and government administration would see a rapid surge. Many countries might enforce wartime employment policies, redirecting manpower from civil sectors into defense or essential services. In the worst cases, conscription (forced enlistment into the military) could return—even in countries that had long abandoned it.

Gig Economy, Digital Assets, and Automation at Risk

Gig Economy Digital Assets and Automation at Risk

The modern workforce has increasingly shifted toward gig work, digital entrepreneurship, and flexible jobs powered by technology. Unfortunately, World War 3 could wipe out many of the pillars that support this new economy.

Gig platforms such as Uber, Airbnb, Fiverr, and Upwork depend on cross-border coordination, stable mobile networks, and consumer demand. All three would be severely compromised in wartime. Delivery apps may struggle to operate amid supply chain breakdowns or curfews. People renting homes or cars would no longer find a viable customer base. Platform workers could be forced to find alternate work as servers, warehouse assistants, or defense contractors.

Digital assets like cryptocurrency also present a unique dilemma. While Bitcoin and Ethereum are designed to operate independently of governments, their infrastructure (miners, exchanges, wallets) still depend on physical servers and international connectivity. Cyberattacks, internet shutdowns, or government crackdowns could wipe out digital wealth. In authoritarian regimes or conflict zones, holding crypto might even become illegal.

Remote Work and International Jobs Will Dry Up

One of the quiet revolutions of the past decade has been the global spread of remote jobs. World War 3 would reverse this progress dramatically. Multinational companies would begin to pull back operations to their home countries. Outsourcing to foreign nations might be seen as a security risk. Many remote positions in customer support, data entry, content creation, and tech development could be canceled overnight.

In countries directly involved in the conflict, internet shutdowns, fuel shortages, or power rationing may make remote work impossible. Employees might be asked to report to national defense roles, relocate, or shelter in place. Hiring freezes would become the norm, and the concept of “career growth” could take a backseat to basic survival.

Nationalization, Surveillance, and Economic Control

In times of war, governments often invoke emergency powers. Businesses may be nationalized—especially those dealing in food, fuel, healthcare, or transportation. Private companies might be ordered to manufacture war supplies instead of consumer goods. Property and assets could be seized for strategic reasons. Landlords might be required to house soldiers or refugees. Citizens may lose their right to withdraw large sums of cash or conduct international transfers.

Digital surveillance would likely rise to monitor financial transactions, online activity, and political affiliations. Banks might be forced to report customer behavior to government agencies. Civil liberties, including freedom of speech, assembly, and even employment choice, could be suspended in the name of national security.

The Mental and Emotional Cost of Economic Collapse

Beyond financial loss, there is an invisible cost to your money and job being disrupted: the psychological toll. Losing your job is one of the most stressful experiences in life. Losing it during a war, while also watching your savings evaporate, your rent increase, and your access to healthcare diminish, is even more traumatic.

In war-torn countries, depression, anxiety, and PTSD rates are significantly higher than average. With limited access to mental health support, the population may experience long-term psychological consequences. Financial uncertainty often breaks families apart, leads to increased crime, and pushes vulnerable individuals into exploitation or desperate survival tactics.

Can You Prepare?

While a global war would be largely outside of individual control, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself in case the world takes a darker turn.

Diversify Your Savings: Don’t keep all your wealth in one currency or institution. Consider small allocations in gold, silver, or foreign assets.
Learn Essential Skills: Healthcare, mechanical repair, logistics, and agriculture will be highly valuable.
Reduce Debt: In wartime, income becomes unpredictable. Pay down credit cards, loans, or any high-interest debt.
Build Local Networks: A strong community is one of the best forms of insurance during crisis. You’ll need allies.
Keep Emergency Supplies: Basic food, medicine, documents, and some cash should always be within reach.

Final Words: Hope vs. Preparedness

The idea of World War 3 remains a worst-case scenario, and with diplomacy, mutual interest, and modern interdependence, there is still hope that humanity will never have to face it. But the risk is real enough that financial planners, governments, and even corporations have modeled its outcomes.

If such a war ever begins, the world will not end in a single day—but your money and your job may change forever. Understanding the ripple effects now can help you act smarter, diversify risk, and find a degree of resilience in an uncertain future. Ultimately, preparation—mental, financial, and practical—is the best defense we can build in a time of peace.