5 Jobs That Will Be Obsolete in 2024

“Predicting the future is always a gamble, but when it comes to the job market, some educated assumptions can be made,” says Caitlyn Hill from Growthmentor.

We always think about the exciting, transformative implications of advancing technology in our future, but what about the jobs that could become obsolete as a result?

1. Cashiers The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% decline in cashier employment from 2022 to 2032, amounting to a reduction of 348,100 jobs. Automation and self-service are swiftly taking over the retail industry. Self-checkouts, contactless payments, and online shopping have collectively minimized the need for human cashiers.

2. Travel Agents According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, travel agent jobs in the US plummeted by about 70% from 2000 to 2021. Online travel agencies, trip planner apps, and AI-driven recommendation systems offer the same services that traditional travel agents offer, but at the customer’s convenience, reducing overheads, and offering more options.

3. Telemarketers According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, telemarketing jobs are projected to decline by 20.6% from 2022 to 2032. AI-powered chatbots and automated calling systems are increasingly replacing human telemarketers.

4. Manufacturing Workers The manufacturing sector, globally, is becoming increasingly automated. Robots are more efficient, precise, and can work non-stop, making them a more attractive option for many manufacturers. While there is still a need for human workers in some areas, the overall trend is towards automation, reducing the demand for traditional manufacturing jobs.

5. Newspaper Delivery Drivers Newspaper market consumption volume is projected to drop to 43.6 million copies by 2025. The Digital Age – with its iPads, Kindles, and smartphones – is fast phasing out physical newspapers. With news sites and apps providing instant updates, the need for newspaper delivery is dwindling. This trend, unless reversed or balanced by new avenues for delivery drivers, tends to suggest a further decline into obsolescence.

Tips to Adapting to Change

Navigating these predicted changes is no easy feat. Occupations we had taken for granted are poised to fade into the background. Caitlyn Hill recommends an actionable tip for professionals, “Future proof your career by upskilling in areas of technology and digital transformation. You don’t want to be replaced; you want to be the one manipulating the technology.”

• Continuous Learning: A LinkedIn report found that 94% of employees would stay longer at a company if it invested in their learning and development.

• Online Courses and Certifications: Utilize online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning for skill enhancement. A survey by Coursera revealed a significant positive career outcome for 87% of learners who completed courses.

• Industry Networking: Engage in professional networks and communities relevant to your field. Networking can lead to new opportunities; a report by LinkedIn states that 85% of jobs are filled via networking.

• Soft Skills Development: Focus on enhancing soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, which are highly valued across industries. According to the World Economic Forum, these skills are among the top sought-after in the evolving job market.

• Mentorship and Coaching: Seek mentorship or career coaching. A study by the American Society for Training and Development found that individuals who have mentors are 5 times more likely to achieve career success.

• Career Counseling Services: Utilize career counseling for guidance on transitions. According to the National Career Development Association, career counseling significantly improves career decision-making.

• Staying Informed: Keep abreast of industry trends to anticipate future skills demand. Research by Gartner shows that staying informed is key to adapting to future work trends.

• Workplace Training Programs: Participate in training and development programs offered by employers. A study by the Association for Talent Development found that companies that offer comprehensive training programs have 218% higher income per employee.