These Jobs Are Most Likely To Become Obsolete In The Next 10 Years
Time to upskill yourself!
By Lailazee - 29 Jan 2024, 12:52 AM
1. Data Entry
Data entry jobs involve entering, updating, or validating data into computer systems. With the rise of automation and AI, routine data entry tasks may become more efficiently handled by machines, reducing the demand for human input.
Jobs and tasks that may be affected include administrative work, updating contact info, managing schedules, inputting details into spreadsheets, listing products on e-commerce sites, managing inventory, HR work, managing payroll, and more.
2. Telemarketers
Telemarketers, individuals tasked with making unsolicited phone calls to promote products or services, face the risk of becoming obsolete due to several factors.
As consumers increasingly prioritise privacy and often express frustration with intrusive telemarketing calls, regulatory measures have been implemented to control such practices.
Additionally, the prevalence of AI, automated marketing systems, online marketing channels, social media advertising, WhatsApp, and email campaigns provides businesses with a faster, easier way to reach customers directly.
Nowadays, people are wary of even answering their phones, and the only people who call you are probably your mum or scammers.
3. Cashiers
Cashiers, traditionally responsible for processing transactions and handling payments in retail settings, are facing the prospect of becoming obsolete due to technological advancements.
Self-checkout systems and automated kiosks have streamlined the payment process, reducing the reliance on human cashiers. You can find them in many supermarkets, as well as shopping outlets like UNIQLO and Decathlon.
Also, as online shopping continues to grow, while rental fees for physical shops increase, brick-and-mortar retail stores face a shaky future in general.
4. Travel agents
When was the last time you booked a vacation through a travel agency?
With a change in consumer behaviour, coupled with the widespread availability of travel-related websites, online booking platforms, and apps, it's now easy to independently research, plan, and book a trip.
The convenience of booking flights, accommodations, and activities online, often with competitive prices, has reduced the reliance on travel agents. Additionally, advancements in AI have given rise to travel chatbots and virtual assistants that provide personalised recommendations and assist with bookings.
5. Customer service
As AI-driven chatbots become more sophisticated, handling routine customer queries may require fewer human representatives, if any at all.
Coupled with automated systems that offer self-service options, online FAQs, and troubleshooting guides, customers are left to find solutions independently.
This will probably be one of the most frustrating outcomes for customers, who sometimes just require a human to solve a problem or answer a question. Alas, technology enhances efficiency, and the role of human customer service representatives may cease to exist in the near-future.
6. Graphic designers
With the rise of AI-generated designs and templates, roles focused on basic graphic design tasks may face challenges.
Design platforms such as Canva and Midjourney are user-friendly and affordable (if not free). They include a host of tools and templates that automate basic design tasks. From removing a background to blurring, cropping, brightening, and more, even the most unartistic person with no skills or experience can create a design worth publishing.
Nowadays, companies that hire graphic designers also expect them to be able to manage social media accounts, produce and edit videos, analyse basic data, and grow their brands. To remain relevant in the industry, use AI as a tool to automate your processes, and level up your skills in other areas to make yourself more attractive in the job market.
7. Print editors, writers, and designers
Professionals working in the magazine industry, including editors, writers, and designers, are experiencing shifts in their roles due to the evolving media landscape. The rise of digital publications and online platforms has led to changes in how content is consumed.
Print magazines face challenges as readers increasingly turn to digital alternatives. Consequently, traditional roles in print-centric editing and layout design may see a decline.
However, the transition to digital platforms also opens up new opportunities for individuals in the magazine and print industry. Roles may evolve towards digital content creation, including multimedia features, interactive articles, and social media engagement. Professionals can focus on developing skills in digital design, video production, and online community management to stay relevant in this changing environment.
8. Manufacturing jobs
Manufacturing jobs in general have faced a decline due to machine automation. Now, with the introduction of AI and smart manufacturing technologies, assembly-line workers are less likely to be needed in the future.
While automation may lead to the end of certain traditional manufacturing roles, it also opens up opportunities for upskilling the workforce to operate and maintain advanced technologies.
Jobs and industries that may be affected in Malaysia include semiconductor technicians, textile and garment workers, automotive assembly line workers, electronic assemblers, food processing, rubber processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and more.
