Jobs that are disappearing: what professions won't be here in 10 years time

Growing up, you probably never contemplated pursuing a career as a social media influencer, vlogger, app developer, or big data architect. We can thank technological advancements primarily for these new job opportunities, but groundbreaking tech can also lead to many jobs disappearing into oblivion. 

When making career plans, having an awareness of jobs that might not be around in 10 years time will help you pivot your career in the right direction. Perhaps you’re already working in a profession that could be facing extinction by 2030. Regardless, being forewarned is being forearmed. 

In this article, we explore:  

• Why are so many jobs disappearing?

• 10 jobs that are disappearing within the decade

Why are so many jobs disappearing?

Technology and AI are causing a major shake-up in the job market! What’s more, factors such as the pandemic, economic downturns, and outsourcing have also caused instability for workers generally and have negatively impacted specific industries. 

The good news is that while giant strides in technology eliminate the need for some professions, new jobs will be created. Understanding what jobs are likely to disappear in the next 10 years could be the wake up call you need to switch careers and develop the skills required to successfully navigate this new job landscape.

10 Jobs that are disappearing within the decade   

With the rise of technology, ‘routine’ jobs are disappearing. Here are 10 jobs predicted to decline and perhaps even become obsolete in the next decade:

1. Administrative assistants and legal secretaries

There could be 26 million fewer administrative and recordkeeping jobs by 2027 according to the World Economic Forum report. Data entry clerks and executive assistants take the biggest hit. AI and cutting-edge software can easily handle many of the responsibilities, with the added bonus of increased efficiency and accuracy.

2. Cashiers

Self-checkouts, Apple Pay, and the use of crypto currencies are becoming more mainstream and eliminating the need for a friendly cashier to process your payment. Amazon already operates cashier-free convenience stores in the U.S. and London. With other retailers intending to follow in their footsteps, the demise of cashiers seems inevitable.

3. Parking enforcement workers

Smart parking systems avoid the need for human parking enforcement officers, with automated systems proving more efficient and less prone to error. An increasing number of cities are implementing automated systems, leading to reduced need for human enforcement officers.

4. Banking professionals

User-friendly banking options mean that bank transactions can be completed anywhere at any time, removing the need for jobs like bank tellers and causing a decline in the number of physical bank branches. AI, big data, and smart technology are predicted to play a larger role in the banking sector over the next 10 years, leading to more jobs becoming obsolete. 

5. Drivers

Ride-sharing apps like Uber have already reduced the need for traditional taxi drivers, but with self-driving cars not far away the driving industry will experience a major shakeup. Public bus drivers, long-haul truckers, and basically anyone that gets paid to drive from A to B will be impacted by this huge technological advancement. 

6. Watch repair technicians

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for watch and clock repairers is anticipated to drop by 29.8 percent from 2022 to 2032. Cellphones, smartwatches, and other digital devices capable of telling the time are typically more in favor than traditional timepieces, meaning that time is running out for talented watch and clock technicians.

7. Sports referees

Robots are gaining favor over humans in the world of refereeing. The general consensus being that this technology eliminates error and avoids arguments with players, managers, and the crowd who are often very passionate about referee decisions. Goal-line technology and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) systems are already in place across top football leagues. With more innovation on the horizon, the red card for sports referees is looming.

8. Postal service workers

Automated mailing systems, increased digital communications, and tight budgets have all combined to reduce the postal service workforce, with the decline projected to continue over the next 10 years. There will still be job openings, albeit on a smaller scale, but the belief that postal work is a stable job with good benefits will be no more.  

9. Fast food cooks

Fast food restaurants have already implemented self-service terminals to process orders and payments, so it makes sense that the next phase will be to automate the kitchen. A forecast cited by CNBC found there is an 82% probability that fast food cooks will see their jobs replaced by automated kitchen assistants.   

10. Computer programmers

Computer programming and coding are often considered in-demand jobs. The development of AI tools could change that. AI can number-crunch at high levels of accuracy and code fast, removing the need for humans. Programmers and coders with specific skill sets will still be needed, though it would be wise to incorporate AI into their roles to ensure optimal performance.

If you want to take charge of your career, check out Career.io’s Job Search Strategy tool that can help you navigate the competitive job market with confidence.

Key takeaways

1. Technology is shaking up the job landscape, with some jobs expected to disappear due to AI, automation, and doubtless other technical innovations that are on the horizon.

2. Identify skills that are in demand and hard to automate, then fill any skill gaps. Analytical and creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, self-awareness, and curiosity are predicted to be the top skills employers will be on the lookout for in the future.

3. Technological advancements create new jobs too, so it’s not all doom and gloom. Create a long-term career plan to pivot away from declining jobs and ensure career success.