15 Jobs That Might Not Be Around in 10 Years

Additional Coverage:

15 Jobs Most Likely To Disappear in the Next 10 Years (financebuzz.com)

Is Your Job on the Chopping Block? Careers Facing Extinction in the Next Decade

In an ever-evolving global economy, the concept of a “sustainable career” is becoming increasingly complex. While building financial fitness is crucial, predicting the longevity of any given profession can feel like gazing into a crystal ball. What once seemed like a secure path could, for various reasons, begin to dwindle before you even consider retirement.

Are you wondering if your current profession might be among those facing an uncertain future? Read on for a look at careers that appear poised to disappear sooner rather than later, largely due to rapid advancements in automation and artificial intelligence.

1. Mail Clerks

Jobs that involve repetitive, standardized tasks are prime candidates for automation. Mail clerks, who meticulously time-stamp, sort, and route mail behind the scenes in mailrooms, are finding their roles increasingly absorbed by machines capable of performing these tasks with greater efficiency.

2. Administrative Assistants and Secretaries

A report from the World Economic Forum indicates a significant decline in clerical positions, including secretarial roles, over the coming decade. The rise of AI and advanced software is making it easier to automate tasks such as scheduling, budget calculations using spreadsheets, and email management, potentially rendering traditional secretarial positions obsolete.

3. Typists

The demand for typists has already plummeted thanks to the widespread adoption of voice-to-text transcription and generative AI-powered formatting and phrasing tools. This job title faces a serious risk of becoming fully extinct within the next ten years.

4. Cashiers

The retail landscape is rapidly transforming, as evidenced by technologies like Amazon’s Dash Carts, which automatically tally items as shoppers place them in their carts. With the expansion of such innovations and the proliferation of self-checkout systems, the role of human cashiers in grocery and retail stores could entirely vanish in the coming decade.

5. Bank Tellers

The banking sector has already seen a significant shift with the growth of online banking. ATMs provide convenient cash access, and mobile apps allow for remote check deposits, reducing the need for in-person interactions with bank tellers.

6. Transportation Attendants

Digital scanners, cameras, and sophisticated surveillance systems are increasingly replacing human transportation attendants who traditionally check tickets on trains and other public transit. While flight attendants are an exception, with their jobs projected to grow, other attendant roles are likely to be absorbed by technology.

7. Proofreaders

While roles involving editing and content strategizing are expected to persist, proofreading, a time-consuming and repetitive task, is highly susceptible to automation. Artificial intelligence tools like EditGPT and Grammarly can perform these functions with optimal accuracy, signaling a likely decline in human proofreaders.

8. Door-to-Door Sellers

Younger generations are less inclined to answer unexpected knocks at their doors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a decline of at least 10% in door-to-door sales jobs over the next decade, with some global predictions suggesting an even steeper drop.

9. Accounting and Payroll Clerks

Historically, accounting and payroll clerks manually entered data and meticulously reviewed spreadsheets for errors. However, advanced accounting software is becoming increasingly adept at sorting and proofreading data with minimal human oversight, suggesting that data-entry positions in this field are likely to disappear, even as the broader accounting profession remains.

10. Telemarketers

Sales jobs in general are projected to decline by 2036, with telemarketing at the forefront of this trend. Furthermore, major phone carriers now routinely flag spam calls, allowing individuals to decline calls from telemarketers. The calls that do get through can often be automated, further eroding the need for human telemarketers.

11. Data-Entry Clerks

Any job requiring humans to rapidly input data sets and proofread for errors is likely to diminish in the next decade. As generative AI capabilities continue to improve, data-entry clerk positions across various professions are expected to be phased out.

12. Travel Agents

Many individuals are now comfortable independently booking hotels, flights, and tours. Generative AI modules can effectively answer questions typically posed to travel agents, indicating a shrinking demand for human intermediaries in this field.

13. Printers

While print materials won’t entirely vanish, the mass production of items like brochures, manuals, and even restaurant menus is becoming less common. This shift is leading to fewer job opportunities for professional printers.

14. Material Recording Clerks

Inventory management software with integrated generative AI features is poised to replace in-person stock-keeping clerks. Product tracking is a task that lends itself easily to automation and will become even more streamlined as technology advances.

15. Insurance Claims Adjusters

The task of investigating insurance claims and determining policyholder eligibility for assistance or settlements is increasingly being handled by algorithms and generative AI, signaling a potential decline for human insurance claims adjusters.

The Bottom Line

If your career field is listed above, there’s no need for immediate panic. The past few years have taught us that the future is unpredictable.

Rather than making fear-driven career changes, it’s wise to approach your financial future with strategic and measured decisions. Consider exploring part-time work to supplement your income, establish a careful budget, and research new career paths to make thoughtful choices moving forward.

Smart Money Moves for Everyone

Regardless of your current financial standing, there are always opportunities to enhance your finances and build wealth. Here’s a quick guide to kickstart your journey today:

Boost Your Income: If expenses are tight, explore side hustles that complement a full-time job or discover legitimate ways to keep more cash in your wallet.
Grow Your Assets: Time and compound interest are powerful tools for wealth creation.

Begin by understanding your current financial position to develop an actionable plan. Consulting a professional can be a smart move, especially if early retirement is a goal.

Seize Opportunities: Maximize benefits by taking advantage of all available deals, discounts, and money-saving opportunities. For car owners, ensuring you have the best price on car insurance could save hundreds.

Conversely, be vigilant in avoiding common money-wasting traps that can silently drain your bank account.