The world of work is in a whirlwind of change, with new titles and positions created almost daily. But did you know that a study by the McKinsey Global Institute predicts up to 800 million jobs could be automated by 2030? That means many seemingly secure professions today might be a thing of the past by the time your kids enter the workforce. However, jobs disappearing is nothing new. Let’s look at 20 once-common job titles that have vanished due to technology, societal shifts, and good old-fashioned progress.
Lamplighter (1800s-Early 1900s)
These individuals braved wind, rain, and snow to ensure gas lamps illuminated city streets. The invention of the electric light switch rendered their job obsolete.
Ice Cutter (1800s-Early 1900s)
Before widespread refrigeration, these hardy souls harvested ice from frozen lakes and rivers to keep food cold. The rise of mechanical refrigerators made ice-cutting a thing of the past.
Milkman (Mid-1900s-Late 1900s)
The friendly neighborhood milkman delivered fresh dairy products straight to your doorstep. Supermarket refrigeration and changing consumer habits led to the decline of this once-familiar sight.
Telephone Operator (Mid-1900s-Late 1900s)
These human switchboards connected callers by manually plugging jacks into designated lines. The rise of automated switchboards and direct dial technology made them unnecessary.
Pinsetter (1900s-Mid 2000s)
These individuals were responsible for manually resetting pins in bowling alleys after each frame. Modern bowling alleys now utilize automated pinsetting machines for faster and more efficient play.
Blacksmith (Ancient Times-Early 1900s)
These skilled artisans used fire and tools to shape and repair metal objects, from horseshoes to tools. Mass-produced metal goods and the rise of alternative materials like plastic diminished the need for blacksmiths.
Town Crier (Medieval Times-Early 1900s)
These public announcers used bells and their booming voices to disseminate news and information in towns and villages. Newspapers, radio, and television eventually became more efficient methods of communication.
Slide Projector Operator (Mid-1900s-Late 1900s)
A staple of classrooms and presentations, these individuals operated slide projectors to display images and information. The rise of digital presentations and video projectors made their role obsolete.
Tollbooth Collector (Mid-1900s-Present)
These workers collected fees from drivers at toll booths on bridges and highways. Cashless tolling systems with electronic transponders are gradually replacing tollbooths and their human operators.
Travel Agent (Mid-1900s-Present)
Travel agents once booked flights, hotels, and vacation packages for clients. The rise of online travel booking platforms and the ease of researching and independently booking travel have impacted this industry.
Soda Jerk (1800s-Mid 1900s)
These fountain service specialists whipped up fizzy concoctions and dished up ice cream sundaes at soda fountains. The rise of fast-food restaurants and self-service machines led to their decline.
Switchboard Operator (Early Telephone Era)
In the early days of telephones, operators connected calls by physically plugging wires into designated jacks. With the development of rotary dials and later touch-tone phones, their role became unnecessary.
Lift Boy/Elevator Operator (Late 1800s-Mid 1900s)
These individuals operated elevators in buildings, often manually controlling their ascent and descent. Automatic elevators and safety features rendered their position obsolete.
Night Watchman (Pre-Security Systems Era)
These guards patrolled buildings and grounds overnight to deter crime and ensure safety. Modern security systems with alarms, surveillance cameras, and remote monitoring have largely replaced them.
Codebreaker (World War II)
During WWII, these brilliant minds played a crucial role in deciphering enemy codes using machines like the Enigma. With the end of the war and the development of new encryption technologies, their specialized skillset became less necessary.
Fax Machine Operator (Mid-1900s-Late 1900s)
These individuals operated fax machines to transmit documents electronically. The rise of email and secure digital document sharing has made faxing a less common practice.
Data Entry Clerk (Mid-1900s-Present)
These workers manually input data into computer systems, often from physical documents or handwritten records. Improved optical character recognition (OCR) technology and automated data entry systems are reducing the need for manual data entry.
Film Developer (Mid-1900s-Early 2000s)
These specialists processed photographic film to create prints and slides. The shift to digital photography and the ease of processing digital images has significantly impacted this profession.
Travel Agent (Continued Evolution)
While online booking has impacted travel agents, a niche still exists for those specializing in luxury travel or complex itineraries. The future of travel agents may lie in curating unique travel experiences and providing personalized service.
Blockbuster Video Clerk (1985-2010)
These employees assisted customers in renting VHS tapes and DVDs at brick-and-mortar video rental stores. The rise of streaming services like Netflix and the decline of physical media led to the demise of Blockbuster and similar stores, along with the video clerk position.
