There are so many new factors at play shaping our career market. Finding out which path to take is an arduous task, but here are five career paths to stay clear from.
Daniel MacDougall
What are the top 5 fastest declining careers?
An examination of trends and future outlooks.
In this article, we investigate the fastest declining careers through an array of developing factors. If you’re searching for a new career, these jobs are the best to stay clear from.
There are many factors influencing future career decisions, such as the green energy movement and AI systems taking over. Embarking on an alternative career path, contemplate the state of the world when the job search commences. Consider the economic shifts, technological advancements, and the changing needs of society.
This data comes from labor market surveys, government employment projects, and industry reports. These are the top five careers with dramatic declines and dismal outlooks.
Bank Tellers and Retail Clerks
For those heading to the financial sector, the term “FinTech” should be your start. The banking sector has taken a substantial overhaul, leading to the closure of many physical branches. Some predict a 40% decline in these positions by the end of the decade, and there are others with an even more discouraging forecast.
This takes the cake in leading career declines at the party. If you spend time in a bank, look at the customers in line. Most are from an age when bank visits were a frequent requirement. Nowadays, individuals can conduct most banking activities online, rendering traditional banking roles to the past.
Postal Service Clerks
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is expecting postal service jobs to decline by 8% over the next year, and 28% in the not-too-distant future. The major contributors to this are automated sorting and machine learning systems.
Another factor is far less mail. Digital means of billing and communication have paved way for paperless methods. Most deliveries to your front door are through Amazon and other online shopping platforms, differing from government funded mail services. There will always be a place for postal service, but this may take a different shape through technological advances in the future.
Cashiers
It would be wise to avoid any job postings from the aforementioned, even if you are not considering it as a potential career. A scene already taking place in grocery and large box stores. Even the person who approaches, asking if “you need help to scan your items,” could become a thing of the past. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% decline in positions over the next year, and the automated checkout will only get better. Personally I always go the cashier, but the self-checkouts are becoming ubiquitous.
Data Entry Clerks
Data entry jobs witnessed a 4% decline over the last year. While this number may appear insignificant, experts see this number accelerating with advancements in AI. AI capabilities are flourishing for businesses, allowing the consumption and interpretation of massive amounts of data. Picture a program that can do your job, never take breaks, no sick time off, and never sleeps.
There still may be a place for humans to scan information to find what they’re looking for. Those large numbers of data entry clerks may no longer be required to accomplish companies goals.
Administrative and Executive Secretary
Same as before, the AI revolution weighs heavily on another career. From 2022 to 2023, The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics witnessed a 10% decline in job positions, and the future outlook does not appear promising. AI systems will soon take over many administrative and secretarial responsibilities. There are possibilities within the organization for career transmissions, but that has yet to be seen.
AI can easily handle administrative HR duties, scheduling, and report generation. As AI systems develop, so will the administrative capabilities.
The decline of professions by AI and societal demands is ever-changing. In the past, technological advancement formed new career paths. With AI and political factors forcing their way through, the career landscape is becoming unpredictable. It is increasingly difficult to determine how far AI systems will reach and if your employer adopts these systems.
Weekly Side Quest:
Think of your career five years from now. How is the landscape around you going to change, and how could your prepare for these changes? Give it some thought. Adapt any new systems that will enhance your position.
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Author's note: none of the writing was generated or made by AI. Our mission is provide a human touch to our journeys together. Thankyou always, Daniel MacDougall…