We hate to admit it, but most of us are stuck in jobs that are somewhat in the limbo between progression and regression. Then, we feel that it's bound to go down the drain for reasons that the advancing technology and time could only answer. We don't see the VCR repairman so much these days, do we? Or how about the learned encyclopaedia salesman, who used to come knocking on our door to talk us into purchasing bulky books that seem to grow wider and wider each passing edition? Well, some jobs have actually gone extinct while others simply morphed into their much improved, better selves. That's why we came up with this top 7 endangered jobs list to give you a forewarning if you are stuck in a job that is just buying some time before it officially turns into ashes.
7. Librarian
Whatever happened to the lady who is stereotyped wearing thick glasses, clad with very formal ensemble, and usually rings the bell whenever someone makes some noise inside the library? The thing about the never-changing technological advancements and breakthroughs is that some jobs have simply diminished their values in a snap. Such is true for our dear librarians. Technology has created savvier, more responsive, and more understanding librarians namely: Google, Yahoo, and many others.
Fact is the modern people have neglected the Dewey decimal system and opted to keywords and the like instead. Keying in certain words will instantly give one all types of search results: from news to blogs and even to books and PDFs. It is not surprising why many schools invest more on computer rooms rather than the expansion of their libraries. Hence, we can say that being a librarian at this age isn't an ideal thing but it isn't a bad thing ever as most of our librarians today continue to thrive in a more challenging, technologically-inclined world.
6. Professional Typist
Who do we call when we want something to be typed done in a matter of hours if not minutes? Many of us may be unaware of this profession but there actually is decent job in typing. Before, typists were like stars of the show for their ability to type hundreds and hundreds of words per minute. However, as computers have been introduced and as several document software popped out of the blue, the office space for professional typists has become a rare sighting.
The main reason why modern men and women prefer to do things their own way is the fact that most if not all document programs have spelling checkers, auto-correct commands, and other advantageous typing tools. Thus, we conclude that this job is already losing its value at present. But of course we also recognize the fact that some professional typists have invested time and effort in learning how to handle modern-day typing feats in order for them to keep up with the demands of the times.
5. Video Store Clerk
Now, here's a job that many people nowadays may refer to as a Latin word. If you or your family have been catching up with the trend, then perhaps in the past you have also frequented the video stores or the video rental shops, well, unfortunately, you can't expect to see that cool dude or chick, who has know-how when it comes to looking for your pick of the week or recommending the best of the best newly released movies.
We usually ask them almost anything and everything about films while they're doing their job behind the counter or in one of the shelves inventorying the number of VCDs and whatnot. Sadly, in an age where live streaming of movies can be realized with just a few clicks and in a time where mailbox deliveries of online sold items, it is not surprising that the video store clerk as an occupation is nearing extinction.
4. Iceman
Nope! Not the superhero or the comic book character but the man who used to beat the odds in working inside large freezers in ensuring that large volumes of water can transform into large blocks of ice. Before our own refrigerators even had the capacity to produce cubed ice with just one press and even before refrigerators turned into an everyday home appliance, people had to contact the nearest ice station for them to have blocks of ice delivered directly to their homes.
Unfortunately, for the iceman his work has to pay the consequences when refrigerators, freezers, and even dispensers have turned into commercial home appliances. To cut the story short, this job is not only close to the endangered mark it has already crossed it and is even close to hitting the extinct mark.
3. Travel Agents
There was a time when we entrust all of our traveling questions and all our traveling needs to that person who has the perfect know-how on the different travel destinations, transportation packages, and whatnot. There used to be a time when we call or ask a travel agent for the best family vacation packages. Today, although we can say that there is still a considerable number of travel agents here and there, more often than not these travel agents are working virtually.
Ever since the internet has become a relative necessity for most of us, we prefer to check booking and travel details online. Moreover, we can now directly access the websites of the hotels or resorts we plan to book for our escapade, diminishing the chances of private tour agencies on getting more clients. But hey at least travel agents are still surviving the modern age.
2. Newspaper Boy
Perhaps some of us would agree that we once considered delivering newspapers in our neighbourhood the perfect summer job or even part-time job for that matter, but sad to say the era where newspaper boys or girls ride their bicycles early in the morning to spread the latest headlines in town has come to pass.
As much as we hate to admit this but the internet played an instrumental role on the death of this job. Today, all of the latest news and headlines are just a click away: from computers to laptops and even from tablets to smartphones. Furthermore, we can easily access a plethora of world event details and many other impactful insights just by tuning in to our computers.
1. Postal Worker
Now here is something that has definitely been challenged by the advancing technology the most. Yes! We are referring to the postal office and the odds and ins of it. And it's pretty obvious that we won't be singing "stop wait a minute Mr Postman" once everything's been said and done.
The power of social media and email has definitely outshone the full potential of postal workers. Alongside our personal letters, it seems that everything else has also resorted to the more convenient online medium. Shopping, communication, bill-paying, and even banking have already updated their systems such that they don't primarily rely on the postal service anymore, which is like the sound of the death bell for our postal workers.
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