In the vortex of technological innovations that characterizes our time, a question becomes increasingly pressing: What professions will be destined to disappear in the near future?
The advent of revolutionary technologies such as artificial intelligence, e-commerce and mobile apps is redefining the work landscape, creating new opportunities and making some traditional professions obsolete. By 2040, 5 professions/activities in particular could suffer an irreversible decline, if not disappear completely.
What are these professions?
And what will the implications be for the job market and the people who work in it? Let's briefly analyze closely the 5 "fields" at risk and the possible consequences of their decline.
1. Taxi: a service in decline
Taxis, once the only fast and reliable form of public transport, have seen their popularity plummet in recent years. The rise of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft has offered a cheaper, more flexible and more convenient alternative to traditional taxis.
Consequences: The decline of the taxi industry has put the jobs of thousands of taxi drivers around the world at risk. The future is made of more flexible and economical licenses and alternatives autonomous driving. In the next decade, "traditional" taxi drivers could become white flies, or disappear completely.
2. Travel agencies: an unnecessary intermediary
In the past, travel agencies were a point of reference for booking trips and holidays. However, the spread of websites such as Expedia, TripAdvisor and Booking.com has made the use of an intermediary unnecessary. Travelers can now plan and book every aspect of their trip independently, comparing prices and offers in real time.
Consequences: The disintermediation of the tourism sector has led to the closure of numerous travel agencies and the dismissal of travel agents and travel staff. The near future is one AI guide pervasive and always at our side, ready to recommend destinations, book in our name and translate words and signs for us.
3. Paper publishing and related professions: challenge for survival
The advent of ebooks and news websites has led to a drastic decline in sales of newspapers, magazines and paper books. The use of digital content is now the norm, especially among the new generations.
Consequences: The print publishing industry is facing a profound crisis that has led to the closure of many newspapers and bookstores. Journalists, publishers and booksellers are among the professions most at risk. In the future, paper products will be a refined luxury, like a good liqueur. The hope is that their quality is worthy of the saying "few, but good".
4. Print advertising: a catastrophic investment
In the past, print advertising was a key marketing tool for businesses. However, the rise of digital advertising has made print advertising a much, much less effective investment. Businesses can now reach larger, more segmented audiences with online campaigns at lower costs.
Consequences: The decline of print advertising has led to the decimation and downsizing of old-fashioned advertising agencies and printing houses. The near future will mark total extinction for the former, and reduction to irrelevance for the latter.
5. Retail Stores: Digital Competition
E-commerce has favored the growth of giants like Amazon, leading to the decline of many physical shops, especially small ones. Consumers now prefer the convenience of purchasing online, being able to compare prices and receive products directly at home more and more quickly.
Consequences: The closing of retail stores has led to job losses for clerks, cashiers, warehouse workers and other sales workers. The future will see the partial recovery of points of sale as multi-service hubs, which will partially enter the same digital commerce industry.
Collapse of professions: how to face the challenge of professional retraining
Between now and 2040, many industries will close and take many professions with them. The key to adapting to change is professional retraining. It is necessary to invest in training courses to acquire new skills in growing industries, such as information technology, robotics, artificial intelligence and personal care.
Governments can play an important role in supporting professional retraining through:
- Funding for training courses: Scholarships, training vouchers and economic incentives for people who decide to retrain.
- Apprenticeship Programs: Collaborations with companies to create apprenticeship paths that encourage learning new skills in the field.
- Training centers: Investments in the creation of modern and accessible training centers, equipped with cutting-edge technologies.
Companies can also contribute to the professional retraining of its employees. They can do this through:
- Corporate training plans: Offer training courses during working hours to update employee skills.
- Reimbursement of training costs: Contribution to the expenses incurred by employees for attending external training courses.
- Mentorship and coaching: Support of tutors and coaches to support employees in the retraining process.
In conclusion, professional retraining is a collective challenge that requires the involvement of all social actors. Governments, companies and individuals must work together to create an effective and accessible training system that allows people to adapt to change and build a successful working future.
And the skills?
In addition to professional retraining, it is important to develop a series of transversal skills that will be increasingly required in the job market of the future. Among these we find:
- Continuous learning ability: The ability to adapt to new technologies and learn new skills throughout the lifespan.
- Problem solving: The ability to identify and solve problems in a creative and innovative way.
- Effective communication: The ability to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively.
- Teamwork: The ability to collaborate with others effectively and achieve common goals.
- Critical thinking: The ability to analyze information critically and make thoughtful decisions.
By developing these skills, individuals will be able to successfully face the challenges of the job market of the future and build a fulfilling and lasting career.
The future of work is in our hands: let's shape it with the flexibility of continuous learning and the tenacity of those who know how to reinvent themselves.
