Additional Coverage:
- 15 Dead End Jobs To Avoid at All Costs (financebuzz.com)
Is Your Job on the Chopping Block? 15 Career Paths Facing an Uncertain Future
Local Insights into a Changing Job Market
Here in the US, we’re seeing some big shifts in the job market, and it’s all thanks to the ever-growing presence of automation. What was once a surefire career path might not be so stable anymore.
But don’t despair! Understanding where the job market is headed can empower you to make smart career moves, find fulfilling work, and finally get off that paycheck-to-paycheck treadmill.
We’ve rounded up 15 jobs that data suggests could be on the decline in the coming years, along with some promising alternatives to consider.
The Jobs That Might Be Fading Away:
1. Telemarketer
Remember those unsolicited phone calls? Turns out, fewer and fewer folks are picking up.
With so much advertising moving online, the demand for telemarketers is shrinking fast. The Bureau of Labor Statistics even calls it one of the fastest declining jobs in the country.
If you’ve got a knack for sales, consider pivoting to related roles – there are plenty of opportunities out there!
2. Data Entry Clerk
If your daily grind involves repetitive data entry, listen up. Automation is making quick work of these tasks, meaning fewer human hands are needed to maintain company records.
While this job category is expected to drop, the good news is that data analysis, on the other hand, is booming!
3. Bank Teller
When was the last time you physically went into a bank for most of your transactions? With online banking becoming the norm, bank teller positions are projected to decline by a significant 13% over the next decade.
Tellers might want to explore opportunities in online customer support within the financial sector.
4. Retail Cashier
Self-checkout lanes are everywhere, and that trend isn’t slowing down. The BLS predicts a 10% drop in retail cashier jobs by 2034.
If you’re currently in retail, honing your skills in sales associate or customer support roles can offer more job security.
5. Print Journalist
The world of traditional print media continues to shrink. While we love a good newspaper, employment for news analysts, reporters, and journalists is expected to decline by 4%.
The good news? Your excellent editorial skills are highly transferable to the thriving digital media and content creation landscape.
6. Tax Preparer
User-friendly tax software like H&R Block and FreeTaxUSA are making it easier than ever for Americans to file their own taxes. While fewer dedicated tax preparers may be needed, certified accountants and auditors are still very much in demand, with a projected 5% job growth.
7. Assembly Line Worker
The assembly line, once a solid path to a good living, has been revolutionized by automation. However, similar hands-on roles, like hand laborers in warehouses, are expected to remain stable over the next decade.
8. Travel Agent
These days, everyone’s an armchair travel expert, thanks to a wealth of online information. While traditional travel agents may see less demand, the travel content industry is booming!
If you love travel, consider blogging, creating online content, or partnering with brands.
9. Social Media Expert
Hold on, isn’t social media huge? It is, but so is the number of people with social media skills.
Managing a company’s online presence is increasingly being folded into broader PR or marketing roles. If you want to specialize, make sure you’ve got a diverse set of marketable skills.
10. Traditional Taxi Driver
The arrival of ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft completely changed the game for traditional taxis. However, driving jobs aren’t disappearing entirely!
The BLS projects a 9% growth for shuttle drivers and chauffeurs.
11. Fast Food Worker
Kiosk ordering is becoming standard in fast-food restaurants, leading to more automation. But don’t count out the entire industry!
The BLS projects a 5% growth for food and beverage serving and related workers, with opportunities in roles like serving and food service management.
12. Computer Programmer
Once a high-demand role, computer programmers are now facing a new challenge: AI. Artificial intelligence can increasingly write, modify, and test code, leading to a projected 6% drop in programming jobs.
However, your tech skills are highly transferable to other burgeoning industries.
13. Legal Assistant
AI-powered tools are now capable of handling many tasks that legal assistants traditionally managed, such as research and documentation. While employment is expected to remain flat, law firms will still need skilled workers in areas like legal technology support.
14. Administrative Assistant
Many industries are automating clerical and organizational tasks, leading to a phasing out of administrative assistant roles. If you have admin experience, consider pivoting to sectors with stronger job security, such as healthcare, manufacturing, or transportation.
15. Insurance Underwriter
Evaluating insurance applications, the core task of underwriters, is increasingly being handled by AI. The BLS projects a 3% decline in this field.
However, those with insurance experience can leverage their expertise into other financial and project management roles.
The Bottom Line for Your Wallet
It’s clear that the job market is evolving, and staying informed is your best defense. Pivoting into a career path with more security not only offers peace of mind but also gives you more negotiating power when it comes to your salary.
Smart Money Moves for Everyone:
No matter your financial situation, there are always steps you can take to improve your financial well-being.
- Tackle Your Debt: Debt can be a huge roadblock. Beyond cutting expenses, look into tools like balance transfer credit cards or debt counseling to help you pay it off faster.
- Boost Your Income: If money is tight, a little extra income can make a big difference. A new job is one option, but a part-time side hustle could be a great fit if you’re not ready for a big change.
- Trim Your Expenses: It might not sound fun, but cutting expenses doesn’t have to be painful. Start with your biggest bills – like soaring auto insurance rates – and shop around for better deals.
Planning a vacation? A smart travel credit card could help offset those costs.
Read More About This Story:
- 15 Dead End Jobs To Avoid at All Costs (financebuzz.com)