In this article, we will look at the 30 dying professions to avoid like a plague. We have also discussed the need for skill building and companies at the forefront of upskilling.
Owing to the digital age we live in, there are several jobs that don’t exist anymore. For example, lamplighters, who once lit gas lamps on city streets, have been replaced by electrical lighting. With digital media dominating, film projectionists have also become rare. The story is the same for typesetters in the print industry. Then there are jobs that are slowly dying, like administrative assistants, as virtual assistants have largely replaced them. On the other hand, there are jobs that will never disappear, like healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses. As time evolves, our needs also evolve; hence, the demands for jobs vary from time to time.
Decrease in Job Openings and Remote Jobs
In July 2023, the US labor market was slowed as job openings declined by 338,000, the lowest level in nearly 2 1/2 years. This decrease was especially pronounced in the professional and business services sector, which saw a drop of 198,000 job openings. The healthcare and social assistance sector also had 130,000 fewer vacancies, and state and local government job openings (excluding education) fell by 67,000. Meanwhile, the number of people quitting their jobs dropped to levels last seen in early 2021.
On the other hand, the landscape of remote jobs is also evolving, with some positions facing the risk of disappearing in the coming years. At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly half of Americans worked from home, but this has now declined to less than 10% of the workforce, which reflects a shift in employer attitudes, as noted by CNBC.
Some remote roles may not exist in the future, particularly those that can be outsourced to cheaper overseas workers or automated by AI. Companies are finding it more cost-efficient to move certain jobs, such as customer service and receptionist roles, to countries with lower labor costs.
Furthermore, industries prioritizing in-person interactions, like retail and manufacturing, will likely continue limiting remote work opportunities. In contrast, remote jobs that require specialized skills, little to no social interaction, and can’t be easily replaced by cheaper labor or AI, such as financial analysts and finance directors, are expected to remain in demand. To read more about remote jobs, see best work-from-home jobs for 2023.
A four-year college degree alone is only convincing once combined with hands-on experience or hard skills. This explains why skills like coding, data analysis, and digital marketing have been in high demand. However, soft skills like adaptability, communication, and critical thinking cannot be overstated as they complement technical expertise. To read more about those, check our article about skills employers look for in candidates.
Time to Upskill: How are the Giants Helping?
In 2020, Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) launched a global initiative to equip 25 million people worldwide with essential digital skills by the end of that year. This effort hinged on three core components: data-driven identification of in-demand jobs, free access to learning materials via LinkedIn, GitHub, and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) platforms, and affordable certifications and job-seeking tools. Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) committed $20 million in cash grants to support nonprofits, with a large portion directed toward community-based organizations serving underrepresented communities in the United States.
Moreover, Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) has recently pledged to train one million people in the United Kingdom by 2025 in AI skills. It aims to prepare them for the evolving job market dominated by artificial intelligence. The commitment expands the Get On program, which has already trained over one million people, contributing to 30,000 tech industry careers. With a focus on AI fluency, technical skills, and business support for AI transformation, Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) aims to address the concerns of 54% of UK business leaders who worry about their workforce’s lack of AI skills.
The efforts for upskilling are not limited to just US or UK; Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) has announced a major AUD5 billion (USD$3.18 billion) investment in Australia. This investment aims to expand Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s presence in the country, particularly in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
On the other hand, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) has announced its plans to train 20,000 Nigerian women and youth in digital skills and provide a grant of 1.2 billion naira (equivalent to $1.6 million) to support the Nigerian government’s efforts to create one million digital jobs in the country. The initiative will be facilitated by a grant from Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s philanthropic arm, in collaboration with Data Science Nigeria and the Creative Industry Initiative for Africa. Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) aims to empower women and young people in Nigeria with digital skills, as well as support startups to foster job creation.
Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) also offers online professional certificate programs through Coursera Inc (NYSE:COUR), making tech careers more accessible. These programs cover different tech fields, like digital marketing, data analytics, UX design, project management, IT support, and IT automation with Python. Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s courses are structured to simplify complex material and make the content suitable for those without prior tech knowledge or a degree.
While these certificates don’t always equate to a graduate degree, they provide valuable skills for LinkedIn profiles or career transition. This high accessibility has reduced barriers to entry in tech roles and careers for people with nontechnical backgrounds like social sciences.
A worker operating a machine that produces round bars. Editorial photo for a financial news article. 8k. –ar 16:9
Methodology
To list the dying professions to avoid like a plague, we have listed the jobs based on growth rates. We acquired data on the fastest-declining occupations from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The idea is that the fastest declining occupations are risky choices as they often signify obsolescence owing to technological developments or changing market demands. Hence, pursuing such careers can lead to job insecurity, limited opportunities for growth, and potential unemployment. It’s essential to opt for fields with growth potential to ensure a more stable and prosperous professional future, like the most in-demand jobs for the future.
Here is a list of the worst jobs in the future.
30. File Clerks
Employment Change: -16.0%
File clerks are responsible for organizing and maintaining physical and digital records within an organization
29. Print Binding and Finishing Workers
Employment Change: -16.4%
With the rise of digital media and online content, there is less need for traditional printed materials. Many print jobs have been automated, reducing manual labor in binding and finishing.
28. Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Employment Change: -16.4%
Automated systems are far more efficient and accurate in managing employee records and payroll and have largely replaced manual data entry and calculations.
27. Structural Metal Fabrications and Fitters
Employment Change: -16.4%
Structural metal fabricators and fitters work in the manufacturing and construction industries. They are responsible for crafting, assembling, and fitting metal components and structures.
26. Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers
Employment Change: -16.6%
Automation and the relocation of manufacturing processes to lower-wage countries have contributed to declining jobs for coil winders, tapers, and finishers. It is one of the dying professions everyone should avoid.
25. Prepress Technicians and Workers
Employment Change: -17.1%
Traditional prepress tasks, such as typesetting and film processing, have become obsolete with the rise of digital publishing and printing.
24. Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
Employment Change: -17.7%
Loading and moving machine operators in underground mining operate heavy machinery to transport materials, ore, or equipment within mines.
23. Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
Employment Change: -18.0%
Owing to the increasing complexity of modern vehicles and their integrated electronic systems, many of these systems have become highly specialized, requiring the expertise of automotive technicians rather than separate installers and repairers.
22. Floral Designers
Employment Change: -18.0%
The decline in this job is largely attributed to the shift in consumer preferences, as many consumers now opt for pre-made floral arrangements and online ordering. It is among the most notable of jobs that are fading away.
21. Order Clerks
Employment Change: -18.2%
This job is declining due to order processing automation through e-commerce and electronic systems. Many companies now use advanced software and online platforms to handle orders.
20. Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Employment Change: -18.3%
These professionals are responsible for setting up and operating drilling and boring machines to create holes in metal or plastic materials.
19. Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters
Employment Change: -18.7%
The decline in this profession is linked to the widespread use of electronic devices for timekeeping, which have largely replaced traditional mechanical timepieces.
18. Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Employment Change: -18.8%
Model makers in metal and plastic create physical prototypes and models of different products, from consumer goods to industrial machinery. It is one of the dying professions to avoid like a plague.
17. Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Employment Change: -18.9%
It has become one of the fastest declining occupations owing to the automation and the increasing complexity of machinery, which often requires advanced training and skills.
16. Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Employment Change: -19.5%
Grinding and polishing workers are skilled laborers who manually grind, smooth, and polish materials like metal, glass, or stone using hand-held tools.
15. Telemarketers
Employment Change: -20.6%
As consumers increasingly use digital platforms for shopping, the demand for telemarketers has waned. It is one of the dying professions everyone should avoid.
14. Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers
Employment Change: -21.0%
The demand for traditional, site-built homes has been greater than that for manufactured homes in recent years. Modular construction and developments in home-building technology have also reduced the need for specialized installers.
13. Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
Employment Change: -21.1%
Executives now handle many tasks using software and technology which has decreased the need for dedicated executive assistants.
12. Refractory Materials Repairers, except brick masons
Employment Change: -21.4%
Refractory materials repairers work with materials that can withstand high temperatures and are commonly used in industries such as steelmaking and manufacturing.
11. Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
Employment Change: -21.6%
Patternmakers in metal and plastic craft templates or patterns used in manufacturing to create molds and casts. With job openings declining at a rate as high as -21.6%, it is one of the worst careers for the future.
10. Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials
Employment Change: -21.8%
Pressers in the textile and garment industry are responsible for finishing and improving the appearance of clothing and textiles through ironing and pressing. The decline in employment in this profession can be attributed to changes in clothing manufacturing and consumer habits. Many clothing manufacturers have moved toward wrinkle-free and low-maintenance fabrics.
9. Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Employment Change: -21.8%
Legal secretaries and administrative assistants provide administrative support in law firms and legal departments. Legal software, document management systems, and digital communication tools have streamlined many administrative tasks, reducing the need for dedicated support staff.
8. Foundry Mold and Coremakers
Employment Change: -23.5%
Foundry mold and core makers craft molds and cores used in metal casting processes. Advanced machinery and 3D printing have replaced traditional manual molding and core making, as they can create molds with greater precision and efficiency.
7. Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
Employment Change: -25.1%
Switchboard operators manage incoming and outgoing phone calls, connecting callers to their desired parties. Employment in this profession has largely decreased due to the proliferation of automated phone systems and digital communication platforms.
6. Data Entry Keyers
Employment Change: -26.0%
Data entry keyers input and verify data into computer systems. Today, automated software and OCR technology can scan and extract data from documents more quickly and accurately, reducing the need for manual data entry. Businesses also increasingly use electronic forms and online data collection, and hence, the demand for data entry keyers has diminished.
5. Telephone Operators
Employment Change: -26.6%
Telephone operators assist with connecting calls and providing information to callers. The decline in this profession is mainly due to the advent of automated telephone systems and the widespread use of digital communication platforms. Automated systems can efficiently route calls, provide information, and even handle basic inquiries, making human telephone operators less necessary. Additionally, the shift toward online communication, such as email and instant messaging, has reduced the volume of voice calls, further impacting the demand for telephone operators.
4. Cutters and Trimmers, Hand
Employment Change: -28.2%
Hand cutters and trimmers work in different industries to shape and cut materials like fabric, leather, or plastics. Now that automated equipment can execute cutting and trimming tasks more quickly, accurately, and consistently than manual labor, businesses have adopted these technologies to improve production efficiency.
3. Roof Bolters, Mining
Employment Change: -28.5%
Roof bolters play a crucial role in underground mining by installing roof support systems to prevent cave-ins and maintain worker safety. The decline in employment is associated with changes in mining practices and safety measures.
2. Watch and Clock Repairers
Employment Change: -29.8%
Watch and clock repairers specialize in fixing and maintaining timepieces. Their employment has seen a decrease due to the increased use of disposable or digital timepieces. Many people now use inexpensive, battery-powered watches and digital devices like smartphones, which are often replaced rather than repaired when malfunctioning.
1. Word Processors and Typists
Employment Change: -38.6%
Word processors and typists were once responsible for manual document typing and word processing tasks. Today, individuals and professionals can easily create and format documents electronically, eliminating the need for dedicated typists. Advanced software with features like spell-check and grammar-check have reduced the need for manual typists.
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Disclosure: None. 30 Dying Professions to Avoid Like a Plague is originally published on Insider Monkey.
