8 jobs that are likely to become obsolete with the rise of AI

I used to think job security was guaranteed with hard work and experience—until AI started proving otherwise.

It’s a strange feeling watching industries shift overnight, with automation taking over roles that once seemed untouchable. And now, whether we like it or not, we’re in the middle of another major transformation.

But here’s the thing: knowing what’s coming doesn’t have to be scary. If anything, it gives you an edge.

Understanding which jobs are fading can help you pivot, upskill, or even get ahead of the curve.

Because while AI may be taking over certain tasks, it’s also creating new opportunities—ones that require the very things machines can’t replicate: creativity, critical thinking, and human connection.

So, which jobs are most at risk? Let’s break it down.

1) Cashiers

Let’s start with something we see every day – the grocery store cashier.

Cashiers are an integral part of our daily retail experience, but they’re also one of the jobs most likely to be replaced by AI. It’s already happening with self-checkout lanes popping up in supermarkets across the globe.

Think about it. With machines that can scan barcodes, weigh produce, and accept payments, the need for a human cashier is diminishing. Moreover, these automated systems can operate round the clock without requiring breaks.

This isn’t to say that the human element will vanish entirely from our shopping experience.

We’ll still need employees for customer service and managing these machines – but the traditional cashier role as we know it may become a thing of the past.

2) Telemarketers

Now, let me share a personal experience. A few weeks ago, I got a call from what I thought was a telemarketer. The person on the other end was trying to sell me insurance, but the tone was so monotonous and repetitive that I got suspicious.

I asked a few tricky questions, and soon enough, it was clear – I was talking to a robot.

Telemarketing is another job where AI is making considerable inroads. With advancements in natural language processing and voice recognition, AI bots can now make calls, follow scripts, handle basic inquiries, and even respond to certain emotions.

For businesses, this means cost savings and increased efficiency as these bots can make hundreds of calls simultaneously without tiring. However, for those in the telemarketing industry, this spells a potential decline in demand for their roles.

3) Manufacturing workers

Manufacturing has been the backbone of industrial development for centuries. However, the rise of AI is set to disrupt this sector in a big way.

Robots have been working side by side with humans on assembly lines for years, but the advent of AI takes this a step further. Advanced robots can now complete more nuanced tasks, learn from their mistakes, and improve their efficiency over time.

And here’s something to think about – according to the World Economic Forum, machines and automated software will be handling half of all workplace tasks by 2025.

If you’re in manufacturing or planning to start a business in this sector, consider the role AI can play. It’s not just about replacing jobs, but also about leveraging technology to improve efficiency and safety.

4) Taxi drivers

If you’ve been following tech news, you’ve likely heard about self-driving cars.

Companies like Tesla, Waymo, and Uber are investing heavily in this technology, aiming to make human drivers redundant.

The implications are clear for taxi drivers and other related professions. As autonomous vehicles become more reliable and widespread, the demand for human drivers is likely to decrease.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. New opportunities might emerge in the form of fleet management or vehicle maintenance.

Plus, there’s ongoing debate about the ethical and safety aspects of self-driving cars.

5) Journalists

This one hits close to home. Journalism – the profession that brings us stories from around the world, uncovers truths, and holds power to account. Yet, it’s not immune to the wave of AI.

AI-powered algorithms can now write basic news reports, especially in areas like sports or finance where facts and figures dominate. They can churn out articles faster than any human, and they don’t need coffee breaks.

However, journalism is more than just facts and figures. It requires empathy, understanding, and storytelling – areas where AI still has a long way to go. So while certain aspects of journalism may change or become obsolete, the essence of what makes a good journalist will always be needed.

Use this as an opportunity to focus on stories that need a human touch, leaving the fact-reporting to AI. Evolve with the times while staying true to the core values of journalism.

6) Data entry clerks

I remember my first job out of college – a data entry clerk at a local firm.

I would spend hours inputting information into spreadsheets. It was repetitive, but it paid the bills.

Fast forward to today, and this is one job that’s highly susceptible to automation. AI algorithms are now capable of handling large volumes of data with more accuracy and efficiency than humans.

Not only do they eliminate human error, but they also work 24/7, significantly reducing the time spent on these tasks. And with advancements in machine learning, these systems can even identify and correct errors in the data they process.

Consider investing in staff training for more complex data analysis or management roles. After all, while AI can crunch numbers, the strategic decision-making still lies with us humans.

7) Customer service representatives

Customer service is a key aspect of any business. However, with the rise of AI, the traditional role of customer service representatives is changing.

Chatbots and virtual assistants are increasingly taking over the first line of customer interaction. They can handle common queries, process orders, and even troubleshoot basic issues, all without human intervention.

This doesn’t mean that human customer service reps will become obsolete, but their roles will likely evolve. Instead of handling routine inquiries, they may focus more on complex issues that require a human touch.

I invite you to embrace the technology, but also remember the value of human empathy and understanding that AI can’t replicate.

8) Financial analysts

The finance industry is not immune to the rise of AI. In fact, AI algorithms have already started to take over some roles traditionally performed by financial analysts.

These advanced systems can process vast amounts of financial data, identify trends, and make predictions at a speed and accuracy that far surpasses human capabilities.

But here’s the key thing to keep in mind – while AI can perform calculations and analyze data, it lacks the human instinct and intuition that often play a crucial role in financial decision-making.

So, focus on building your strategic thinking and business acumen – these are skills that AI is far from mastering.

Final thoughts: The human element

The rise of AI isn’t as simple as machines replacing people—it means the world is evolving, and we need to figure out where we fit in that evolution.

Jobs will change. Some will disappear. But new opportunities will emerge, and those who adapt will always have a place.

I used to worry about technology making people obsolete, but the more I see, the more I realize that AI lacks the one thing that truly drives innovation: human ingenuity. Machines can process data, but they can’t dream. They can automate tasks, but they can’t build relationships.

So if your job is on this list, don’t panic—pivot. Learn new skills, embrace technology, and remember that AI isn’t the enemy.

The real challenge isn’t job loss; it’s staying stagnant in a world that refuses to stand still.

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Justin Brown

Justin Brown is an entrepreneur and thought leader in personal development and digital media, with a foundation in education from The London School of Economics and The Australian National University. His deep insights are shared on his YouTube channel, JustinBrownVids, offering a rich blend of guidance on living a meaningful and purposeful life.

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