Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just a trend, it’s a game-changer. From the way we shop, work, and even interact with technology, AI is transforming almost every part of our lives.
While it’s exciting to think about all the new possibilities AI brings, it’s also reshaping the job market in a big way. Some professions that were once staples of our economy are now at risk of disappearing due to AI’s growing capabilities.
But what does this mean for the future of work? In the next 20 years, many jobs that rely on routine, repetitive tasks are expected to vanish as AI steps in to handle them more efficiently. AI-driven software is now able to handle tasks like data analysis, scheduling, and even customer service, which is causing a shift not only in manual labor but also in office jobs. Yet there’s still disagreement over whether AI will only take the place of these jobs or open up new ones.
Goldman Sachs estimated in a 2023 report that AI could automate 300 million full-time jobs, while McKinsey wrote in the same year that up to 375 million workers may be displaced by AI by 2030.
While that might sound like a distant concern, it’s already happening. Let’s take a look at five professions that are most likely to be replaced or drastically reduced in demand by AI in the next couple of decades.
1. Telemarketers
Remember those annoying phone calls you get selling products or asking for donations? Well, those calls could soon become a thing of the past. AI is already stepping in with chatbots, automated dialing systems, and voice assistants that can make calls, answer questions, and even close sales without any human involvement.
These AI systems can handle thousands of calls simultaneously, saving businesses time and money. With AI’s ability to analyze customer data and personalize conversations, there’s really not much need for human telemarketers anymore. As a result, the telemarketing profession is expected to shrink dramatically in the coming years.
2. Retail Workers
Picture this: walking into a store, picking out what you want, and simply walking out without ever interacting with a cashier. While this might sound like something from a sci-fi movie, it’s already becoming a reality. Companies like Amazon are leading the charge with cashier-less stores where customers use their smartphones to shop and pay, while smart systems keep track of what’s been taken from the shelves.
On top of that, self-checkout machines are already common in many stores, and soon, even more tasks will be automated. Robots will restock shelves, assist customers with product suggestions, and help manage inventory. This means that many of the jobs currently held by human retail workers will likely be replaced by machines. As automation continues to take over, jobs in retail, especially those in customer-facing positions, could decrease significantly.
3. Truck Drivers
Self-driving vehicles are no longer just an idea—they’re becoming a reality. In the transportation industry, autonomous trucks are already being tested, and they could soon replace millions of human truck drivers. These trucks can drive for long distances without needing breaks, and AI can optimize their routes to make deliveries faster and more efficient.
While it might take some time for self-driving trucks to be fully on the road, the technology is advancing rapidly. As a result, jobs for long-haul truck drivers and delivery drivers are at high risk of disappearing over the next 20 years. In fact, once these trucks become mainstream, the need for human drivers in the transportation sector could be drastically reduced.
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4. Data Entry Clerks
Data entry has been one of those repetitive jobs that’s been around for a long time. People used to spend hours typing information into spreadsheets, databases, and documents. But with the rise of AI tools, this job is rapidly becoming obsolete.
AI-powered software can now scan documents, recognize patterns, and input data automatically. It can also perform checks for errors and validate data more quickly and accurately than humans. As these systems become more advanced, there will be less need for human data entry clerks. Jobs that once required hours of typing will soon be handled by software that can do the same work in a fraction of the time.
5. Bank Tellers and Cashiers
Have you noticed how many people now use mobile banking apps to transfer money, check balances, or even deposit checks? Many customers are now opting for digital banking over traditional bank branches. This shift has already reduced the need for human tellers in many places.
The same goes for retail cashiers. With the growing popularity of self-checkout stations and contactless payments, cashiers are no longer essential for completing purchases. In fact, some stores have even begun experimenting with fully automated payment systems where customers simply walk out with their items, and the system charges them automatically.
As more people turn to digital banking and cashless payment methods, jobs in banking and retail checkout will continue to decline, leaving many tellers and cashiers without work.
6. Proofreaders
AI tools like Grammarly and other language processing software are becoming highly accurate at catching spelling, grammar, and even style errors. These systems learn from vast datasets and improve over time, making the role of human proofreaders increasingly redundant. It is expected that AI could perform 90% of proofreading tasks by 2030. Even the writing tasks are still being done in coordination with humans by using generative AI tools.
7. Manufacturing Workers
AI and robotics are transforming manufacturing by automating many of the manual tasks on assembly lines. Robots powered by machine learning can work faster, more precisely, and around the clock without requiring breaks. This trend is set to continue, with an expected 30% reduction in human manufacturing roles by 2030, according to a report by the World Economic Forum.
The Bottom Line: Embracing Change and Preparing for the Future
AI’s growth is exciting, but it also means that certain jobs are becoming less relevant. While it may sound worrying, it’s important to realize that automation doesn’t have to be a bad thing. As some professions fade away, new ones are emerging. There will be more opportunities for workers in fields like AI programming, robotics maintenance, and data science.
However, the key to staying relevant in the workforce will be adaptability. The jobs of the future will require new skills, especially in technology and creative thinking, which AI cannot easily replicate. If you’re in a profession that’s at risk of disappearing, it’s a good idea to upskill—learn new tools, take courses, and stay curious about emerging trends.
In the next 20 years, we may see many professions change dramatically. AI will be a driving force behind that change, but with the right mindset and preparation, we can navigate this new landscape and come out ahead. The future of work may look different, but it’s up to us to shape it.