15 Disappearing Jobs That Won’t Exist in 2030

The concept of a cashless society has gained prominence in recent years, with advancements in contactless payments, Apple Pay, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. While some still use cash for spending tracking, the need for cashiers is becoming less significant as self-service tills and stations become common in supermarket chains and fast-food restaurants.

A 2013 study found that fast food workers face an 81% chance of automation in the future, with cooks potentially redundant as employers use current technologies to speed up processes and reduce operational costs. CaliBurger is already testing an automated workforce with AI-driven kitchen assistants.

Courier services will continue, but traditional mail carriers are facing challenges due to the shift to online payment, online viewing of bills and statements, and the decline of letter writing. Despite this, companies still require utility bills as proof of address, despite most companies abandoning paper statements. This shift is expected to impact the future of mail delivery and parcel delivery.

Banking jobs will not disappear entirely, but local branches will become less crowded due to the convenience of online and telephone banking. Transactions and account management will be easier from home, while financial advisors and experts will still be needed. Banks will remain open, but with fewer branches.

The textile industry is experiencing a decline in workforce due to the increasing use of machines in manufacturing and production, resulting in fewer opportunities for textile workers. However, the shift towards semi-automation necessitates skilled specialist operators in smaller numbers.

The print media industry is facing a decline due to increased online content investment and Millennials' preference for less biased news sources. This shift could lead to a decline in business for print press operators. However, the age of print newspapers is coming to an end, as there are numerous online sources providing minute-by-minute coverage, making it unnecessary to wait until tomorrow for news.

FIFA is introducing technology into sports, with goal-line technology and the video assistant referee (VAR) system being used in top European leagues. This follows the example of other sports like tennis, cricket, and rugby, which have used technology to make real-time decisions during matches. While some believe artificial refereeing reduces error, others argue that many sports rules are open to interpretation, increasing the drama and spectacle of matches.

Jewellers' jobs could be threatened by changing trends and social behaviours. The jewellery industry shrunk by 4% in 2018, with hundreds of stores closing in the US. Younger generations are less likely to invest in expensive jewellery, as they have less disposable income. Additionally, younger generations are more likely to support ethical and sustainable businesses, potentially signaling the downfall of high-end jewellery brands as millennial consumers shift their focus elsewhere. This could lead to the downfall of high-end jewellery brands.

The rise of rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft has led to a decline in dispatcher roles, with companies adopting automated taxi-dispatch systems and booking software. Google Maps has also enabled people to plan travel routes and discover local transportation services with just a few screen taps.

As digital paper products become more prevalent and corporations and governments adopt sustainable practices, lumberjacks jobs may become endangered due to the shift towards a greener and more sustainable environment.

Telemarketing companies are adopting automated sales calls to replace unwanted sales calls, reducing hiring costs and allowing potential customers to engage at any time of the day or night. This new approach is expected to be more pleasant for most people, except telemarketers.

Overfishing in the UK and US is causing significant ecosystem disruptions, impacting food chains and marine life survival rates. Climate change is also affecting fish stocks. Professional fishers face stricter quotas due to these developments, and even those who choose to remain may be unable to escape technology. Research is underway into fishing 'bots' that can replace humans, making it unlikely that even the few who remain in the profession will escape technology.

The legal sector has already automated over 30,000 jobs, including legal secretaries, with a Deloitte report suggesting that over 114,000 jobs could be automated in the next two decades due to the adoption of cloud computing and artificial intelligence. This technological disruption could significantly reduce the number of roles available within the sector, as robotization and digitalization take over their main tasks.

Assemblers, responsible for manufacturing products like toys and vehicles, may become endangered due to automation. The US Bureau of Labour Statistics predicts a 11% decline in the profession by 2028, resulting in the loss of around 203,300 jobs, highlighting the urgent need for a shift towards automation in manual labor.

A 2017 Dell report suggests that 85% of jobs available in 2030 have not yet been invented, with the technological landscape set to become unrecognizable over the next 13 years. Many jobs will be redefined, with vital skills transferable to other roles. Flexibility and a willingness to change careers will be important attributes in the future job market. Author and futurist Martin Ford recommends pursuing careers in industries that require creative and interpersonal skills, such as art, science, business, and medicine, as computers cannot replicate true human inspiration and intellect.