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The Future of Work: Jobs Facing Extinction in the Next 20 Years!

February 13, 2023 · 4 min read

It's difficult to predict exactly which jobs will be obsolete in 20 years, as technological advancements and economic shifts can change the job market rapidly. However, some jobs that are likely to become less common or disappear entirely in the next 20 years include:

1. Cashiers and bank tellers: Automation and online banking are likely to continue reducing the need for these roles. The widespread adoption of self-checkout technology and online shopping has already led to a decline in the number of cashiers. In the next 20 years, it's expected that this trend will continue, with more and more retail stores opting for fully automated checkout systems.

2. Travel agents: The growth of online travel booking sites and mobile travel apps has had a significant impact on the travel agency industry. In the next 20 years, it's expected that more and more people will book their own travel arrangements online, leading to a decline in the number of travel agents.

3. Retail salespeople: Online shopping is likely to continue to grow, reducing the need for salespeople in physical stores.

4. Data entry and processing clerks: The increasing popularity of cloud-based data storage and machine learning algorithms has made it possible for computers to perform many of the tasks that were once done by data entry clerks. As a result, the demand for these jobs is expected to decline in the coming years.

5. Manufacturing jobs: The rise of automation and robotics in the manufacturing industry has already led to significant job losses in this sector. In the next 20 years, it's likely that many more manufacturing jobs will become automated, as companies look to cut costs and improve efficiency.

6. Telemarketers and door-to-door salespeople: The rise of automated call centers and voice-activated virtual assistants has already had a significant impact on the telemarketing industry. In the next 20 years, it's likely that telemarketing jobs will become increasingly scarce, as companies continue to automate their customer service processes.

7. Stock and bond traders: Automated trading algorithms and AI-driven investment strategies will continue to be adopted, reducing the need for human traders.

8. Delivery drivers: The rise of drone delivery and self-driving vehicles is already beginning to disrupt the delivery industry. In the next 20 years, it's possible that many traditional delivery jobs will become automated, as companies look for ways to cut costs and improve efficiency

9. Bookkeepers and accountants: Automated bookkeeping and accounting software will continue to make these roles less necessary.

10. Secretaries and administrative assistants: Virtual assistants and AI-powered scheduling and email management tools will continue to reduce the need for these roles.

11. Customer service representatives: Advances in AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants will continue to reduce the need for human customer service representatives.

12. HR and recruitment professionals: Automated recruitment tools will continue to make these roles less necessary.

13. Transcriptionists and court reporters: With the widespread use of speech-to-text technology, fewer people will be needed to transcribe audio and video recordings.

14. Security guards: With the increasing use of surveillance cameras and other security technology, fewer people will be needed to physically monitor buildings and other property.

15. Bank Tellers: As more and more banking transactions are conducted online and through ATMs, the demand for bank tellers is expected to decline. Automated systems and mobile banking apps are becoming increasingly sophisticated, allowing consumers to perform many banking tasks without ever having to step foot in a bank branch.

16. Post Office Workers: The decline of traditional mail services and the growth of digital communication has already had a significant impact on the postal industry. In the next 20 years, it's expected that this trend will continue, as more and more people opt for electronic forms of communication and shipping.

17. Print Journalists: The decline of traditional print media and the growth of digital media has already had a significant impact on the journalism industry. In the next 20 years, it's expected that this trend will continue, as more and more people consume their news online. This is likely to lead to a decline in the number of print journalists and a shift towards digital journalists.

18. Receptionists: The rise of virtual assistants and automated phone systems has already led to a decline in the number of receptionists in some industries. In the next 20 years, it's possible that more and more companies will opt for virtual receptionists and automated systems, as they look for ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs.


It's worth noting again that as some jobs become obsolete, new jobs will be created that require different skills, such as those in areas like data science, artificial intelligence, and automation. So while some jobs may disappear, new opportunities will be open for people with the right skills.

by Yevheniia Osmakova

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