The Next Big Extinction Event: Jobs! The Future Of Work

The recently released report by MYOB “Surviving the Singularity” shows that the jobs we know today will be extinct tomorrow but if you’re starting out on a new career path then don’t be alarmed because just as some jobs become extinct new ones will be created according to Bill Gates; “Software substitution, whether it’s for drivers or waiters or nurses… it’s progressing,” Gates said. “Technology over time will reduce demand for jobs, particularly at the lower end of skill set… 20 years from now, labor demand for lots of skill sets will be substantially lower. I don’t think people have that in their mental model.”

What Jobs Could Go Out The Door By 2034?

Take A Look:

• Telemarketers
• Auditors
• Bank tellers
• Travel agents
• Retail salespersons
• Technical writers
• Real estate agents
• Word processors
• Social media experts
• Print journalists
• Assembly line workers
• Postmen and women
• Data analysts
• Middle managers

New Zealand Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Future of Work Commission, Grant Robertson says

“A recent study says that 40% of jobs in the Australian economy will not exist in 10-15 years time. This represents a major shift in the nature and experience of work for many people. This will be a massive challenge to ensure people have the opportunity to re-train, gain the new skills that the economy needs and give them income security. It also represents an enormous opportunity for people to use the new technologies, globalized world and flexible work practices to create fulfilling and prosperous work. Many people dream of being their own boss, work on social entrepreneurship and building work around their family lives. This is the future of work if we invest in technology, income security, education and training and sustainability.”

Where Are The Future Opportunities According To MYOB Report?

• Bot lobbyist: A bot lobbyist will be able to take charge of a virtual army of real (and not-so-real) social media accounts to support a client’s PR and marketing campaigns.
• Future currency speculator: The growing virtual currency market will need experts, which could give rise to the future currency speculator.
• Productivity counsellors: As workers compete in a future of scarcer work opportunities, and ever more information is available to employers about their staff’s habits, health and attention, these specialists will be able to help provide maximum value.
• Big data doctor: Big data already has a growing influence in many industries. A new area of medical specialization could include doctors who provide treatment recommendations based on a patient’s biographic profile and personal data.
• Crowdfunding: specialists for crowdfunding websites like Kickstarter become increasingly popular, it is likely we’ll see a whole industry grow up around managing, promoting and ‘curating’ the ideas pitched by fundraisers.
• Jobs of the future counsellor: And to help a new generation come to grips with the changing future of work, it is likely the school jobs counsellor will have to have a firm view of the opportunities of the future.

According to MYOB:

“In an increasingly globalized economy, workers will also have to develop new skill sets, such as speaking multiple languages and changing sleeping patterns for multiple time zones. Humans will have to compete harder for a smaller number of jobs, while we battle our own biological limitations to keep up. As work begins to change the demands on our brains and bodies, we will increasingly use technology to augment and boost our abilities.”

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Photo credit: flazingo_photos via Visual Hunt / CC BY-SA