The world we live in is on the brink of an unprecedented technological revolution that will enhance human life in many ways but also threatens the jobs of millions worldwide.
The future lies in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which heavily relies on digitalization and artificial intelligence to integrate smart robots into serving humanity.
According to research centers, these robots will soon become essential in the economy and our personal lives, so we must adequately prepare for this new era.
Since the earliest human societies formed due to the discovery of agriculture and fire, thousands of professions have appeared and disappeared with changing lifestyles. The same scenario is repeating now: it's time to replace some jobs with better, more cost-effective solutions.
This major shift has been discussed in major economic and political conferences like the World Economic Forum, which is known for shaping global economic and developmental plans.
Today's article focuses on jobs seriously threatened with extinction to help you plan your career better and avoid wasting time on less promising university courses.
Key Jobs Threatened with Extinction
Here are some of the major professions likely to disappear soon due to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is driven by robotics and artificial intelligence technology.
1. Pilots
Will the pilot profession really disappear? In short, yes, and here's why.
Pilots are at risk of losing their jobs because the commercial aviation sector has become highly competitive, pushing companies to invest more in economy lines and service improvements. This strategy alone isn't enough to offset the financial losses, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic and rising energy costs, which heavily relied on government aid to avoid bankruptcy.
Everyone knows piloting is one of the best-paying jobs, so companies are doing everything possible to replace pilots with autopilot systems to reduce inflated wages and save costs.
While the autopilot can handle most of the flight, the pilot's role in takeoff, landing, and emergency situations is crucial. However, the development of drone technology, especially in the military, threatens this reality, as many major companies aim to adapt this technology for commercial aviation.
In summary, most aviation experts predict the pilot profession will disappear entirely within the next 30 to 50 years, evidenced by increased investment in autopilot technology and regular reductions in pilot compensation.
2. Travel Agencies
In the past, people used to line up in front of travel agencies before holidays to organize their trips, book hotels, and rent cars.
Now, there's fierce competition from booking websites like Booking and Airbnb, and information about tourist destinations is freely available online.
To keep up, travel agencies have closed most of their branches to cut operating costs and high wages for agents, focusing more on online services to maintain high transaction volumes.
Using booking apps is one of the best ways to travel cheaply, as early booking allows you to get the best prices without paying agent commissions, saving a significant portion of your travel budget.
Nowadays, most regular travelers prefer organizing their trips individually using affordable websites and apps.
3. Cashiers
Millions of people work as cashiers worldwide, but unfortunately, most will lose their jobs soon, especially in developed countries.
Companies prefer automating billing tasks with AI-driven machines, as advanced software used by electronic payment gateways simplifies sales transactions.
Many major companies are investing in fully automated stores that require no staff, just surveillance cameras and smart robots.
For example, you can shop by scanning your smartphone at the entrance, selecting your items, and paying via phone.
This model is already implemented by major companies like Walmart, Amazon, and Starbucks, so you'll encounter these stores in every developed country.
4. Textile Workers
Despite the high demand for ready-made clothes, the number of textile workers is sharply declining, especially in developed countries where workers earn high wages.
They are being replaced by advanced machines that handle all stages of garment production, from design to packaging. These machines have undergone significant technological advancements, supported by major countries to bring back factories that previously moved to Asia for cheap labor.
The textile sector generates billions of dollars annually in taxes, but countries lose this revenue as companies focus on production in developing countries.
The technological revolution has led to the extinction of many jobs but also opened vast opportunities for the growth of the digital economy.
5. Professional Drivers
Companies like Tesla and other leading electric car manufacturers are working hard to develop self-driving systems, eliminating the need for drivers. Unfortunately, this trend will also affect the taxi sector.
For instance, Uber, which leads in taxi apps, has invested millions of dollars in developing self-driving systems.
Many Uber drivers are criticized for working with a company striving to replace them. This shift will be disastrous for taxi drivers but beneficial for human progress.
Self-driving technology will significantly reduce traffic accidents caused by human factors like alcohol consumption or falling asleep at the wheel.
6. Phone-based Customer Service
Successful companies invest millions annually to improve the quality of their customer service staff because telephone marketing and after-sales service are key to successful marketing strategies.
With advancements in text-to-speech technology and AI integration, there's no longer a reason to spend on customer service employees.
You can program a robot with ready-made commands to handle various customer complaints accurately.
Robots can also verify customer identities faster and more precisely than humans, checking voice tones. This technological solution is better because customer service companies often exploit cheap labor in developing countries, leading to chronic health issues for employees.
7. Librarians
Before smartphones and computers, books were the preferred reading medium.
Now, there's a growing preference for PDF books and audiobooks, posing a real threat to librarians.
Librarians did more than sell books; they guided avid readers in choosing titles.
Today, many websites offer book reviews, and online stores allow customers to share their impressions.
Online bookstores are seriously competing with physical libraries, which are at risk of extinction due to their inability to match the lower expenses of online platforms.
8. Postal Workers
HR experts agree that postal jobs are doomed, whether for delivery companies or organizing correspondence within companies.
The rise of email allows instant information and order exchanges without the delays of traditional mail.
Digital signatures enable employees to sign documents while corresponding with official entities electronically.
Delivery companies are also developing self-driving vehicles and drones to deliver packages, eliminating the need for postal workers.
9. Accountants
While accounting is in demand from companies and government tax agencies, it will soon disappear, especially with the rise of digital currencies.
Currently, apps automatically calculate invoices, expenses, and taxes, with accountants only approving them.
In the future, decentralized finance systems based on blockchain and digital currencies will make financial operations secure and reliable, allowing AI-enhanced programs to perform accounting tasks accurately.
10. Lumberjacks
Environmental and climate balance faces severe threats, leading countries to implement strict regulations to protect forests and control the timber industry. This trend has driven up wood prices, decreasing its demand.
Governments and companies are also shifting to digital documents, reducing paper use.
Additionally, synthetic wood is being developed for furniture production as a sustainable alternative to preserve the environment.
As a result, the number of lumberjacks has significantly declined, replaced by advanced tree-cutting machines that save time and effort. Given these reasons, the profession is expected to disappear entirely in the next 20 years.
Conclusion
As the saying goes, "Adapt or perish!" You need to develop your skills in the technical fields that shape the future instead of worrying about technological advances increasing unemployment.
Any disappearing industrial or commercial sector makes way for new promising sectors and jobs.
