18 Jobs That Won’t Exist in the Next 10 Years

The rapid advancement of technology, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the job market, leading to the transformation or disappearance of certain roles. While it’s challenging to predict the future with absolute certainty, here are 18 jobs that are likely to become obsolete or significantly diminished in the next 10 years due to technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors.

Cashiers

Automation and self-service technologies are increasingly prevalent in retail and grocery stores, allowing customers to check out their purchases without human assistance. The convenience and efficiency of these systems, coupled with the potential for cost savings for businesses, are reducing the need for traditional cashier roles. As this trend continues, cashier jobs are likely to decline significantly.

Bank Tellers

Online banking and advanced ATMs capable of handling a wide range of transactions, from deposits to account inquiries, are decreasing the necessity for in-person bank tellers. Banks are focusing more on digital services, leading to branch closures and fewer teller positions. This shift towards digital banking is expected to continue, making the bank teller role increasingly obsolete.

Travel Agents

With a ton of online platforms allowing travelers to book flights, hotels, and activities directly, the demand for traditional travel agents has significantly decreased. These websites offer personalized recommendations and competitive prices, making them a preferred choice for planning travel. The convenience and control provided by online booking are likely to further diminish traditional travel agents’ role.

Postal Workers

The decline in traditional mail due to digital communication and the automation of sorting and delivery processes are impacting postal workers’ jobs. While package delivery has seen a rise with e-commerce, drones, and autonomous vehicles are expected to take over a significant portion of these deliveries. The combination of reduced mail volume and technological advancements in delivery methods suggests a shrinking future for postal jobs.

Print Journalists

The digital transformation of news and the preference for online news platforms are reducing the demand for print media. Advertising revenues supporting print journalism are moving online, leading to downsizing in print newsrooms. As consumers continue to favor digital news sources, print journalism jobs are expected to decline further.

Video Store Clerks

The rise of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime has rendered physical video rental stores nearly obsolete. Consumers prefer the convenience and selection offered by streaming, leading to the closure of video rental stores. The role of video store clerks has already largely disappeared and is unlikely to exist in the next decade.

Manufacturing Workers

Automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence are increasingly being adopted in manufacturing, capable of performing tasks more efficiently and with less error than human workers. While new jobs in robot maintenance and oversight are emerging, the overall number of traditional manufacturing roles, especially those involving repetitive tasks, is expected to decline. This shift towards automation is poised to transform the manufacturing industry, reducing the need for human labor.

Librarians in Public Libraries

Digital resources and online databases are changing the way people access information, reducing the need for traditional librarian roles in public libraries. Although librarians are adapting by offering digital literacy programs and community services, the role of the librarian as primarily a custodian of physical books may diminish. The future of librarianship may focus more on digital services and community engagement rather than traditional tasks.

Data Entry Clerks

Advancements in OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology and AI algorithms have automated the process of data entry, significantly reducing the need for manual data entry clerks. These technologies can process and input data faster and more accurately, leading to cost savings for businesses. As automation technologies continue to improve, the demand for data entry clerks is expected to decrease further.

Telemarketers

Caller ID, spam blocking, and the rise of digital marketing strategies are making telemarketing an increasingly less effective and desirable marketing method. Automated robocalling systems have also reduced the need for human telemarketers, although they face increasing legal restrictions. The shift towards digital marketing and consumer preferences for less intrusive advertising methods are likely to phase out traditional telemarketing jobs.

Taxi Dispatchers

Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, which allow users to hail rides directly from their smartphones, are reducing the need for traditional taxi dispatchers. These platforms automate the dispatch process, matching drivers with passengers more efficiently than traditional methods. As ride-sharing services continue to grow in popularity, the role of the taxi dispatcher is becoming increasingly redundant.

Film Projectionists

The transition from film to digital projection in cinemas has dramatically reduced the need for film projectionists. Digital systems can be operated with far less human intervention, often remotely. As cinemas continue to adopt the latest digital projection technologies, the traditional role of the film projectionist is disappearing.

Fast Food Cooks

Automated cooking and food preparation technologies are beginning to enter the fast food industry, promising to deliver consistency, speed, and cost savings. Kiosks for ordering and robots for cooking and assembling meals are making the fast food cook’s role less necessary. As these technologies become more widespread, the traditional fast food cook role may be significantly reduced.

Checkout Baggers

Self-checkout lanes, which allow customers to scan, bag, and pay for their groceries without cashier assistance, are reducing the need for checkout baggers. Some stores are also adopting automated bagging systems that integrate with self-checkout stations. This trend towards self-service and automation in retail is likely to continue, reducing the demand for human baggers.

Telephone Operators

The automation of directory services and the decline of landline use have made telephone operator jobs increasingly rare. Most people now use the internet and smartphones to find contact information and make direct calls. The traditional role of the telephone operator in connecting calls and providing directory assistance is nearly obsolete.

Meter Readers

Smart meters, which automatically transmit utility usage data to the service provider, are replacing the need for manual meter reading. These devices offer real-time monitoring and eliminate the need for someone to physically visit each location to read the meter. As smart meters become standard, the job of the meter reader is disappearing.

Newspaper Delivery People

The digital consumption of news and the decline in print newspaper subscriptions are leading to a reduced need for newspaper delivery people. As more readers turn to online sources for their news, the distribution of physical newspapers is decreasing. This trend is expected to continue as digital media becomes the predominant form of news consumption.

Door-to-Door Salespeople

The rise of online shopping and digital marketing has greatly diminished the effectiveness and desirability of door-to-door sales. Consumers now prefer the convenience and breadth of options available online, leading to a decline in door-to-door sales opportunities. This traditional sales role is becoming increasingly obsolete in the digital age.