Many industries are changing fast due to automation, AI, and shifting global needs. This article explores which careers are at risk and why.
You’ll learn which jobs may vanish and what’s driving these changes. The goal is to help you stay informed and prepare for what’s coming.
What “Careers at Risk” Means in This Article
Careers at risk are jobs likely to shrink or vanish in the next decade. This happens due to technology, automation, and shifting business models.
Machines now do tasks faster and cheaper. Software replaces roles that once needed people.
Global changes push companies to cut costs. This article shows what jobs are affected and why.
Main Reasons Jobs Are Disappearing
Jobs are fading because of fast changes in how the world works. The points below explain what’s causing this shift.
Automation Replaces Repetitive Tasks
Machines now handle simple, repeated tasks. Automation saves time and avoids mistakes. Jobs like sorting and assembling are affected first. These roles are done faster and without breaks.
AI Handles Support and Office Work
AI tools now replace support and admin jobs. Tools like ChatGPT or Jasper can handle chats, write content, and sort data. AI does it fast with little help. This cuts many office roles.
Jobs Are Moving Overseas
Companies move jobs to cheaper labor markets. This helps them save and stay competitive.
Outsourcing affects tech, support, and factory jobs. Work is done elsewhere, but it reaches the same clients.
Remote Work Cuts Local Jobs
Sites like Upwork and Fiverr let firms hire from anywhere. This reduces the need for local staff. Fewer openings appear in high-cost areas. Global freelancers now do the same jobs.
Digital Habits Replace Old Services
People now use apps and platforms for speed and ease. Streaming sites like Netflix ended DVD stores.
Apps replaced stores, taxis, and bank visits. Old systems are no longer needed.
Demand Drops for Outdated Jobs
When fewer people use a service, jobs vanish. Retail, clerks, and support staff are hit hard.
New tools do the same tasks faster. Businesses follow what people want now.
Climate Rules Force Industry Shifts
Governments push new rules to cut pollution. This forces industries to reduce or shut down. Green policies demand cleaner energy. Older systems must adapt or close.
Fossil and Plastic Jobs Decline
Coal plants are closing in many regions. The IEA tracks the shift to clean energy. Jobs tied to coal or plastic are fading. These sectors face pressure to change.
Jobs Most Likely to Disappear by 2035
Many typical roles are shrinking due to automation and tech changes. The ones below are expected to disappear or reduce sharply by 2035.
Retail Cashiers Are Being Replaced
Self-checkout machines now handle many tasks that cashiers used to do. More stores let customers scan and pay on their own.
Apps and mobile wallets also reduce the need for cash handling. This makes fewer cashier positions available.
Telemarketers Are Losing Ground to AI
AI chatbots can contact customers faster and answer common questions. Digital ads target people better than cold calls.
Most users ignore unknown phone numbers. These factors make the telemarketer role less useful.
Apps is replacing Travel Agents
People now book flights, hotels, and trips online using Booking.com or similar platforms. These tools give more control and better prices.
Travel agents are used less unless for complex trips. The role is fading in most places.
Data Entry Is Being Automated
Automation tools now handle data input with high accuracy. Platforms like Zapier help connect systems and remove manual work.
This cuts time and errors. Most data entry tasks no longer need a person.
Postal Jobs Are Declining
Email and online bills reduce physical mail use. Private delivery companies handle most packages.
The use of digital communication replaces the need for many mail services. Postal jobs are shrinking each year.
Print Media Is Shrinking Fast
Readers now get news from websites and apps. Platforms like Medium and digital papers attract more users.
Print ad revenue is down. This reduces roles in editing, printing, and delivery.
Fast Food Jobs Are Partly Automated
Some restaurants now use robots to cook, clean, or take orders. Kiosks let customers order without a cashier.
Chains like White Castle are already testing robots in kitchens. These tools lower the need for entry-level staff.
Bank Tellers Are Less Needed
People now use mobile apps or ATMs to manage money. Online banking covers most simple services. Branch visits are rare. Banks need fewer tellers than before.
Industries Facing Broad Transformation
Some entire fields are changing fast, not just single jobs. New tools and systems are reshaping these sectors.
Manufacturing Is Going Robotic
Smart machines now handle much of the physical labor. Robots build, pack, and test products faster.
Human roles shift to monitoring and fixing machines. This reduces traditional factory work.
Transport Jobs Are at Risk
Many firms are testing self-driving cars and trucks. Companies like Waymo already operate autonomous taxis.
Long-haul drivers and delivery riders may be replaced. Tech is improving every year.
Customer Support Is Being Automated
AI bots like those in Zendesk now solve problems around the clock. They answer faster and don’t need breaks.
Fewer people are needed to manage calls or chats. This lowers demand for support reps.
Skills That Can Help You Stay Relevant
If your job might change, building strong skills helps you stay prepared. These focus areas are useful across many fields.
- Adaptability and Digital Literacy – Learn to use platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning to keep up with tech changes.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving – Focus on roles that need decisions, not just tasks.
- Emotional Intelligence and Communication – Skills like empathy and active listening are harder to replace.
- Tech and Data Skills – Learn coding, cybersecurity, or analysis with tools like DataCamp or Khan Academy.
Jobs That Will Likely Survive or Grow
Some roles are expected to grow despite automation and tech changes. These jobs focus on human skills, complex thinking, or new industries.
- Healthcare and Personal Care – These jobs require hands-on work and real interaction, such as nursing, caregiving, and therapy.
- Education and Training – As tools change, people need help learning new skills and adapting fast.
- Green Energy and Sustainability – Demand is rising for solar techs, eco-planners, and energy auditors as clean energy expands.
- AI/Automation Support Roles – Humans are needed to build, manage, and troubleshoot the systems running automation.
What Should You Do Now?
You can prepare now by making a few key moves. These steps help you stay useful even as work changes fast.
- Audit your current job and spot parts that may be done by software or machines.
- Upskill using tools like edX or local training sites to stay sharp.
- Watch labor trends and stay flexible as job needs shift.
- Be open to change and ready to learn new things fast.
Closing Summary: The Future of Work Is Shifting
Jobs are changing fast, and it’s clear which jobs are likely to vanish by 2035. Roles that rely on routine tasks or outdated systems will shrink the most.
At the same time, new opportunities will grow in health, tech, and clean energy. Focus on skills, adaptability, and staying ready for change.
