Automation and AI are changing the way we work. As technology grows, some jobs might disappear.
The World Economic Forum predicts AI could take over 85 million jobs by 2025.1 We look at the jobs that might be affected, why they might go away, and what people in those jobs can do instead.
1. Assembly Line Workers
Repetitive tasks and predictable movements make assembly line work ripe for automation through robots and advanced machinery. Workers can transition to roles overseeing the automated processes, ensuring quality control, or maintaining the machinery.
2. Production Line Supervisors
As production becomes increasingly automated, supervisors’ roles will evolve to focus on managing and optimizing these systems. They can learn to program and troubleshoot the technology, ensuring efficient production and adapting to evolving industry needs.
3. Cashiers
Self-checkout kiosks and contactless payment methods are already replacing cashiers in many stores. Cashiers can explore customer service roles, assisting shoppers with technology, answering questions, and providing personalized recommendations.
4. Stock Clerks
Inventory management systems and automated replenishment technologies are streamlining stockroom operations. Stock clerks can transition to roles managing these systems, ensuring accurate inventory data, and optimizing warehouse logistics.
5. Taxi Drivers
Self-driving car technology is rapidly advancing, with companies investing heavily in autonomous vehicles. Taxi drivers can explore opportunities in transportation logistics, dispatching autonomous vehicles, or providing customer support for ride-sharing platforms.
6. Truck Drivers
While full automation of long-haul trucking may still be years away, the industry is gradually adopting driver-assistance technologies. Truck drivers can focus on mastering these technologies, improving their driving efficiency, and adapting to the changing transportation industry.
7. Data Entry Clerks
Software that automatically extracts and processes data is becoming increasingly sophisticated, reducing the need for manual entry. Data entry clerks can upskill to become data analysts, utilizing their knowledge to interpret and make sense of the information.
8. Bookkeeping Clerks & Accounting Assistants
Cloud-based accounting software and AI-powered tools are streamlining financial tasks, automating bookkeeping and basic accounting functions. These professionals can move towards advisory roles, offering financial insights and guidance to clients, or specialize in areas requiring human expertise, such as tax preparation or complex financial analysis.
9. Telemarketers
Automated calling systems and AI-powered chatbots are becoming more effective at reaching out to customers, handling inquiries, and generating leads. Telemarketers can transition to customer service roles, focusing on building relationships with clients, providing personalized support, and resolving complex issues that require human interaction.
10. Loan Officers
Online lending platforms and AI algorithms are simplifying the loan application process and making credit decisions more efficiently. Loan officers can focus on offering personalized financial advice, helping clients navigate complex financial products, and developing tailored solutions for their unique needs.
11. Bank Tellers
The rise of online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs has decreased the demand for traditional teller services. Bank tellers can transition to roles focused on customer service and relationship management, assisting clients with complex transactions, offering financial advice, and promoting digital banking solutions.
12. Postal Workers
Automated sorting systems and package delivery drones are increasing efficiency in mail processing and delivery. Postal workers can transition to roles overseeing these systems, ensuring smooth operations, or specializing in customer service, providing personalized assistance for complex shipping needs.
13. Word Processors/Typists
Speech recognition software and AI-powered writing tools are becoming increasingly accurate and efficient, reducing the need for manual typing and document formatting. Word processors can develop expertise in editing, proofreading, and content creation, leveraging their language skills to enhance the quality of written communication.
14. Fast Food Workers
Automated ordering kiosks, robotic kitchen assistants, and AI-powered inventory management systems are streamlining fast food operations. Fast food workers can shift towards customer service roles, focusing on creating a welcoming environment, assisting with technology, and providing personalized recommendations.
15. Travel Agents
Online booking platforms and AI-powered travel assistants are making it easier for travelers to plan and book trips independently. Travel agents can specialize in niche markets, curating unique experiences, or offering personalized travel consulting services for complex itineraries or luxury travel.
16. Insurance Underwriters
AI algorithms and machine learning models are becoming more adept at assessing risk and processing insurance claims. Insurance underwriters can transition to roles focusing on complex cases, providing expert analysis and decision-making for unique situations or high-value policies.
17. Security Guards
Advancements in surveillance technology, such as facial recognition, motion detection, and AI-powered monitoring systems, are streamlining security operations. Security guards can transition to roles managing these systems, conducting in-depth threat analysis, or focusing on customer service and emergency response.
18. Newspaper Delivery Workers
The decline of print media and the rise of digital news sources have significantly impacted newspaper delivery. Delivery workers can explore opportunities in other delivery services, such as online grocery or package delivery, or leverage their knowledge of local routes for logistics and transportation roles.
19. Textile Cutting Machine Operators
Automated cutting machines guided by precise software programs are increasing efficiency and accuracy in the textile industry. Operators can shift to roles overseeing these machines, ensuring proper calibration and maintenance, or specializing in quality control to ensure the final product meets industry standards.
20. Welders
Robotic welding systems are becoming more sophisticated, handling repetitive tasks with precision and consistency. Welders can transition to roles programming and maintaining these systems, inspecting welds for quality, or focusing on specialized welding techniques requiring human expertise.
21. Switchboard Operators
Automated phone systems and AI-powered virtual assistants are handling routine call routing and basic inquiries. Switchboard operators can upskill to become customer service representatives, focusing on complex issues, providing personalized assistance, and building relationships with clients.
22. Entry-level Programmers
AI models like ChatGPT are capable of generating code for basic programming tasks, potentially impacting entry-level positions. Programmers can focus on developing expertise in complex algorithms, specialized software development, or creative problem-solving, using AI tools as assistants to boost their productivity and efficiency.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.