The world of work is changing rapidly, and some jobs are more at risk than others. If you are a job seeker, it is important to be aware of the careers that are most likely to be automated or outsourced in the near future. Here are 12 careers to avoid if you are a job seeker
Floral Artist
The number of flower shops has drastically decreased after a boom of new ones opened in the 1980s and 1990s as consumers on a tight budget choose to purchase fresh, loose flowers from grocery stores rather than lavish bouquets and decorations from specialty shops. Also, some florists have been able to minimize the amount of brick-and-mortar stores and operate more efficiently, thanks to the growth of the Internet.
Steel and Plastic Machine Worker
Despite the durability of materials like metal and plastic, the job market in the United States for those who handle them is becoming more flexible. Many traditional occupations in metal and plastic manufacture are increasingly handled at lower costs by machines overseas. These lower-skill jobs, which require setup and running machinery by hand, are getting harder to come by.
TV or Radio Announcer
There is a risk that more podcasters, talk show hosts, and radio disc jockeys may have to go off the air permanently. These professionals are becoming less necessary as most radio and television stations have merged and syndicated content becomes more popular. Also, radio stations and their employees face intense competition from streaming music providers. Internet radio stations might present broadcasters with new opportunities.
Embalmer
Given the certainty of death, you’d think embalmers—those who prepare remains for interment—would be a sure bet for consistent employment. Indeed, jobs in this field are predicted to remain stable over the next ten years, but this will come after a decade of sharp declines. There have been 53.1% fewer embalmers in the United States over the last ten years. The popularity of cremation, a less expensive and labor-intensive method of interment, is a major contributing factor.
Video Game Book Runner
A growing number of states are contemplating constructing casinos and racetracks to increase tax income, which has increased the popularity and accessibility of gambling facilities. This increases demand for gaming-related careers, which are all predicted to grow over the next ten years, albeit more slowly than the employment market in the United States. The legalization of sports betting by the Supreme Court in May may increase demand for sports book editors and runners, who supervise bets on athletic events. Still, this employment is not a solid bet, considering its low compensation and scarce opportunities.
Forest and Conservation Officer
Even though it’s still important to grow, maintain, and preserve forests, many of the jobs forest and conservation personnel undertake, including counting and identifying trees, are now quickly done by new technology like remote sensing. This implies that fewer workers will be required to do the same amount of labor. However, the increasing incidence of wildfires may increase demand for these professionals because only they can forestall and contain forest fires.
Pharmacy Assistant
These jobs have already seen significant losses; during the last ten years, the total number of pharmacy assistants in the United States has decreased by 29.3%. Growth for the next ten years will be flat, at least if the drop slows significantly. Pharmacy technicians, who also support pharmacists, are taking on many of the aides’ responsibilities—such as answering phones, staffing the cash register, and stocking shelves—which significantly contributes to the layoffs.
Fabricator and Assembler
This large crew of manufacturing workers assembles finished goods and the parts that go into them, using machinery, tools, and their hands to produce a wide range of goods ranging from toys and home appliances to automobiles and computers. The information above relates especially to coil winders, tapers, and finishers—workers who handle electric and electronic equipment such as motors, transformers, and generators. While a few tasks are still done by hand by assembly workers and fabricators, much of the labor is already done by computerized machines because the pieces are too small or delicate for human touch.
Flooring Finisher
Employment in this specialized construction field was reduced by 51% over the past ten years, during which the housing crisis was particularly noticeable, and this negative trend is anticipated to continue, albeit much slower, into the next ten years. Demand may fluctuate in tandem with the housing market, but a career path characterized by such economic vulnerability may prove problematic. Furthermore, the volatility is scarcely worth it, given the poor income.
Telephone Operator
Since Apple’s iPhone was introduced in 2007, the telephone operator has undergone a tremendous transformation, revolutionizing communication and information access. Ten years ago, 71.2% more phone operators were employed than currently; this trend is predicted to continue.
Installers and Repairers of Electronic Equipment for Motor Vehicles
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers are responsible for installing and repairing electronic equipment in vehicles, focusing on security, sound, and navigation systems. However, this specialty has been impacted by the increasing quality of these systems and their standardization in new cars, requiring less maintenance.
Log Worker
The logging industry is not declining due to increased tree huggers but primarily because most of the tasks once requiring muscle are now performed by machines. However, a new workforce will still be needed to replace retiring workers, as the physically demanding job isn’t conducive to long careers.