The world of the Job market has seen shifts throughout history with many jobs once thought secure, replaced, or even made redundant with the changing tide of time. Today’s job market in Canada is no exception. Technological advancements, economic shifts, and changing consumer behaviors have reshaped the industry, with uncertainty looming over many “safe bets”.
In this blog, we’ve covered 25 jobs that were once considered the best long-term careers but are now at risk of completely becoming a thing of the past.
Retail Cashiers
Technological innovations have led the market to adopt self-checkout systems and automated kiosks. These systems efficiently do the job and are more profitable for the business owner. Major retailers like Walmart, Loblaws, and Costco have already adopted this technology, and other smaller businesses are expected to follow suit.
Bank Tellers
With technology making everything accessible in just a click, the banking industry has also adapted to growth. People no longer have to go to banks for small things as many in-person services are being replaced by online banking and mobile apps. Because of this, many banks are either closing branches or reducing staff, shifting their services to ATMs and different digital platforms.
Print Journalists
In today’s digital age, owning a smartphone is common, and anyone with a little bit of digital literacy can access information with just a click. People no longer read newspapers and magazines, putting the jobs of print journalists at risk. Many print media businesses are wrestling to stay afloat, with layoffs and closures becoming common in the industry.
Travel Agents
In the past, people had to rely on the services of travel agents to make their trips memorable. However, the internet has made it possible for vacationers to plan their trips and get the most out of them. Online booking platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb further help with planning a trip. Consequently, the demand for travel agents has plummeted, and the industry has started declining.
Postal Workers
Email, electronic billing, and private courier services have left postal workers redundant. People no longer use traditional mail as they used to in the past. The continuous rise of automation has left postal workers’ job security in jeopardy.
Manufacturing Workers
The need for manual labor in Canada’s manufacturing sector has been steadily declining. This is because most factories have shifted towards automation or outsourced their work overseas. This shift has reduced employment opportunities for many, as only a few advanced manufacturing roles remain available for laborers.
Librarians
Libraries are an important community hub, offering people opportunities to learn and improve their lives. Unlike in the past, libraries have shifted their operations online, with many university management systems efficiently taking over traditional librarian roles.
Telemarketers
Telemarketing has made millions of sales possible, yet telemarketers are on the edge of losing their jobs. Automated calling systems and AI-powered chatbots are taking over their roles. Moreover, cold calls aren’t as effective as once thought.
Taxi Drivers
Compared to traditional taxis, Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing apps offer cheaper travel options. This makes them an attractive option for everyday commuters. Moreover, automation in the automobile industry has altogether reduced the need for human drivers.
Data Entry Clerks
Although tedious, data entry jobs were a source of livelihood for many. However, as better software and AI are introduced to the market, manual data entry jobs are falling behind. Many companies have adopted automated systems to process and organize data, replacing data entry clerks.
Oil and Gas Workers
As the world confronts significant environmental challenges, efforts are being made to reduce our carbon footprint by transitioning to renewable energy sources. This shift has made jobs in the oil and gas industry increasingly uncertain. In response, some workers are beginning to prepare for this transition by retraining for positions in the renewable energy sector.
Bookkeepers
Software like QuickBooks and Xero have made bookkeeping simpler and more efficient for businesses. This software has decreased the need for dedicated bookkeepers. Bookkeepers are already preparing themselves to remain relevant in the competitive market.
Farmers
The competition in the farming industry has increased with large agribusinesses spending more on operational costs for sustainable production. In these circumstances, small-scale farmers are struggling to keep up, with many of them diversifying their income streams or leaving farming altogether.
Insurance Underwriters
Insurance underwriters are rapidly losing their jobs to the speed, efficiency, and accuracy of AI and machine learning algorithms. These technological advancements are increasingly being relied on to process insurance applications. Many underwriters are currently training for data analysis and customer service roles to keep up in the competitive job market.
Receptionists
The days when businesses relied on human receptionists to answer numerous daily calls are now behind us. With advancements in technology, automated phone systems and virtual assistants have become prevalent, leading to a decline in the demand for front desk staff.
Film Projectionists
The role of film projectionists, once in high demand, has seen a noticeable decline due to the rise of digital streaming and automated projection systems. Movie theaters have adapted to this evolution, and many now use digital projectors that require little to no human intervention.
Printers and Publishers
Along with the decline of print media, the printing and publishing industries have also seen major setbacks as digital publishing becomes the new norm. This has forced many printers and publishers to transition to digital roles or become obsolete and unwanted.
Real Estate Agents
The role of real estate agents was crucial for acquiring top properties in the past. However, the landscape has changed with the emergence of online platforms like Zillow and Purplebricks. These platforms have simplified the process of buying and selling homes. Additionally, competition in the industry has intensified, making it challenging for many agents to keep up.
Warehouse Workers
In the past, businesses had to hire numerous professionals to manage their warehouses effectively. However, recent advancements in automation and robotics have significantly decreased the need for human workers. Robots now handle tasks such as picking and packing orders, and many large companies, including Amazon, have already adopted these technologies.
Call Center Workers
With the growth of AI, call centers have replaced human workers with AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants. This software can effectively handle customer service requirements. As the traditional call center roles decline, the workers are readying themselves for roles in tech support or sales to keep up with the modern world.
Broadcast Technicians
The widespread availability of streaming services and the rise in digital content creation have changed how people consume media. Automated systems and digital tools have become widely accessible, simplifying the broadcasting process. As a result, the demand for skilled broadcast technicians has decreased, prompting many to reconsider their career options.
Pharmacists
The career path of pharmacists is also not safe anymore as the market has been introduced to automated dispensing systems and online pharmacies. However, they are still needed for patient consultations and complex prescriptions. Yet, as technology advances, the role of pharmacists might entirely be replaced by machines.
Middle Management
Many industries are restructuring their management by adopting AI-driven analytics and flatter organizational structures. This trend is reducing the need for middle managers. To stay relevant, managers must train themselves for roles in strategy, operations, or other departments.
Fast Food Workers
The food industry has also seen technological innovations with self-service kiosks and automated cooking gradually replacing workers. Students and many others relied on these jobs to make ends meet, but these jobs won’t remain in the market for long.
Traditional Advertising Roles
Traditional advertising roles are becoming obsolete as digital marketing and programmatic advertising dominate the market. With most of the world spending a significant amount of time online, print ad designers and media buyers are gradually becoming unnecessary.
Conclusion
While technology has transformed many careers, it has also created numerous new opportunities. Canadians can leverage technology to maintain their relevance in a competitive landscape and earn a good living by remaining open and adaptable to changes in the job market. Instead of feeling discouraged by robots and automation taking over traditional jobs, individuals should embrace change and thrive in the evolving economy.
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