Knocker-uppers used to wake people up before alarm clocks, milkmen got paid to deliver milk to families’ doors, and elevator operators were required back when elevators were new. All three of those jobs no longer exist due to technological innovations and changes in consumer behavior.
More jobs will follow the same path of knocker-uppers, milkmen, and elevator operators, especially with artificial intelligence advancing at a rapid rate. Language models can engage in long conversations and provide personalized information for consumers at scale. These are the seven jobs that are the most likely to disappear by 2030.
Cashiers
Self-checkout is reducing the need for cashiers, and smart carts will fuel the trend. These carts aren’t mainstream yet, but they let you check out items as you place them in your cart. As these carts become more popular, cashier jobs may become rarer, especially in big retailers.
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Bank Tellers
More people do their banking online, and there are plenty of digital-only banks that prove you don’t need physical locations. Financial institutions can save money by closing some of their physical branches, which may reduce the need for bank tellers.
Travel Agents
AI tools like ChatGPT can act as travel agents and offer great recommendations. Online booking sites also make it easy for people to book their own travel, which may reduce the need for travel agents.
Call Center Agents
AI chatbots can handle basic calls, and as the technology gets more advanced, call center agents may be in low demand. AI can also speak and act as a call center agent with programmed answers to common questions.
Taxi Drivers
Uber already hurt taxi drivers, but the profession may be in jeopardy as autonomous vehicles become more common. Not only are autonomous vehicles able to operate around the clock, but they can also become far cheaper than taxi drivers’ service in the long run.
Warehouse Stockers
Retail giants like Amazon and Walmart have been investing in AI and robots for years in an effort to streamline some of the manual work. While people will still be needed in facilities, warehouse stockers may take a backseat to robots that can perform the same tasks more efficiently.
Data Entry Clerks
AI tools can quickly input, interpret and organize data while making fewer errors. As AI tools become more advanced, data entry clerks may have fewer opportunities in the future.
What To Do If Your Job Is in Danger
If you are worried about AI or another innovation taking away your job, the best approach is to learn new skills and pick up additional side hustles. Multiple income streams reduce your financial risk in the event you get laid off, and learning high-earning skills for relevant jobs can speed up your career pivot if it becomes necessary.
Workers have to be proactive as AI automates more tasks. Learning how to become more efficient and effective with AI tools can open new opportunities. It’s important to avoid a poverty mindset. Instead of thinking about how terrible it would be to lose your job due to AI, look for opportunities to reinvent yourself and boost your income.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The 7 Jobs Most Likely To Disappear by 2030 and What To Do If You Have One
