Is Your Job Future-Proof?

Two Cents
4 Aug 202107:53
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis script delves into the historical evolution of jobs due to technological advancements, illustrating how roles like milkmen and elevator operators have become obsolete. It addresses the fear of technological unemployment, from ancient times to the Industrial Revolution, and highlights economist John Maynard Keynes' optimistic prediction of reduced work hours due to automation. The narrative pivots to modern examples of job transformation, emphasizing that while technology displaces certain tasks, it also creates new opportunities in fields like AI, robotics, and data science. The arts and jobs requiring interpersonal skills, such as social work and elderly care, are noted as relatively resilient to automation. The script concludes with advice to stay adaptable and informed to future-proof one's career.

Takeaways
  • 🕰️ Jobs that existed a century ago, such as milkmen and elevator operators, have become obsolete due to technological advancements.
  • 📞 The script humorously suggests that the role of switchboard operators has been replaced by modern communication technologies, like cell phone repairmen and broadband technicians.
  • 🤖 The fear of technological unemployment is not new, dating back to Aristotle's time, and has seen various reactions, including the Luddite movement during the Industrial Revolution.
  • 🔮 Economist John Maynard Keynes predicted a future of reduced work hours due to automation, but reality has shown that work remains abundant despite increased productivity.
  • 🔄 Economists generally agree that technology changes jobs rather than eliminating them, with new roles emerging to replace those that become obsolete.
  • 🏭 Automation has been transforming industries like manufacturing and agriculture for some time, and is now expanding into service sectors with the use of robots and AI.
  • 🍔 Fast food companies and other businesses are experimenting with automation for tasks like burger flipping and customer service, which could impact jobs in these areas.
  • 🚗 The development of self-driving vehicles threatens jobs for drivers of taxis, trucks, and buses, as well as other transportation-related occupations.
  • 📈 Jobs involving repetitive and predictable tasks are particularly vulnerable to automation, including roles in banking, insurance, and purchasing.
  • 🎨 Careers in the arts, such as poetry, music, and fashion design, are seen as less threatened by technology, as human creativity and emotion are difficult for machines to replicate.
  • 🛠️ Trades like plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC are relatively safe from automation due to their unpredictable nature and the need for human flexibility in problem-solving.
  • 👵 Jobs that require interpersonal interactions, such as social work, counseling, and elderly care, are considered future-proof due to the complexity of human emotions and the need for trust and respect.
  • 📚 The script encourages continuous learning and adaptation to new skills as a way to future-proof one's career against the advance of technology.
Q & A

  • What jobs were common a hundred years ago that no longer exist today?

    -Jobs such as milkmen delivering dairy to doorsteps, elevator operators ensuring smooth rides, switchboard operators connecting calls, and manual pin setters in bowling alleys were common but have since become obsolete.

  • How does the fear of technological unemployment date back historically?

    -The fear of technological unemployment dates back to 350 BC with Aristotle's contemplation of machines performing human labor, and during the Industrial Revolution with Luddites destroying machinery.

  • What was John Maynard Keynes' prediction regarding work hours due to automation and technology?

    -John Maynard Keynes predicted that automation and technology would allow people to work only 15 hours a week.

  • How do most economists view the impact of technology on jobs?

    -Most economists argue that technology changes jobs rather than eliminates them, with new tasks replacing those rendered obsolete.

  • What are some modern examples of jobs that have replaced obsolete ones?

    -Modern examples include cell phone repairmen, broadband technicians, and mobile app developers, which have replaced jobs like switchboard operators.

  • How is automation affecting jobs in the service industry?

    -Automation is replacing cashiers and bank tellers with automatic kiosks, and fast food companies are experimenting with burger-flipping robots.

  • What advancements in technology are making self-driving vehicles a reality?

    -Advancements in artificial intelligence are making self-driving vehicles a reality, putting jobs like cab drivers, truck drivers, and bus drivers at risk.

  • Why are clerical jobs also at risk of automation?

    -Clerical jobs are at risk because algorithms can perform tasks like risk calculation, data research, and inventory management faster and more accurately than humans.

  • What careers are currently seeing strong growth and might offer protection from technological unemployment?

    -Careers in genetics, video game design, social media marketing, alternative energy, and sustainability are seeing strong growth and may offer protection from automation.

  • Why are jobs in the arts relatively safe from automation?

    -Jobs in the arts are safe because, despite advancements in AI, human creativity and emotional expression in art are difficult for machines to replicate.

  • What types of jobs are considered future-proof due to their reliance on interpersonal interactions?

    -Jobs that rely on interpersonal interactions, such as social workers, counselors, occupational therapists, and clergy, are considered future-proof due to the need for tact, compassion, and trust.

  • What advice is given to protect oneself from potential technological unemployment?

    -The best way to protect oneself is to stay informed about innovations in one's field and be ready to learn new skills, as those already in the field are better positioned to take on new jobs created by technological advances.

  • What is the 'Future of Work' docuseries and where can it be found?

    -The 'Future of Work' is a six-part docuseries on PBS Voices that explores real work-related questions Americans are facing today, hosted by Julia and the speaker from the script. It can be found using the link in the description.

Outlines
00:00
🕰️ Jobs of the Past and the Future of Work

This paragraph discusses the disappearance of certain jobs over the past century, such as milkmen and elevator operators, and humorously suggests that current jobs may also become obsolete in the future. It touches on the historical fear of technological unemployment, from Aristotle's time to the Luddites and John Henry's tale. The script mentions John Maynard Keynes' optimistic prediction of reduced work hours due to automation and acknowledges that while technology increases productivity, work persists. Economists generally agree that technology transforms jobs rather than eliminating them, giving examples of how new roles have emerged as old ones fade away. The paragraph concludes by highlighting the ongoing changes in manufacturing, agriculture, and service industries due to automation and AI advancements, emphasizing jobs at risk that involve repetitive and predictable tasks.

05:03
🛠️ Safe Jobs in the Age of Automation

The second paragraph focuses on the resilience of certain jobs against automation, particularly trades like plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC, due to their unpredictable nature which requires human flexibility. It also highlights jobs that rely heavily on interpersonal interactions, such as social work, counseling, and elderly care, as being future-proof due to the complexity of human emotions and the need for trust and respect. The paragraph points out the growing demand in elderly care due to the aging population in America and suggests that while no job is entirely safe, staying informed about innovations and being willing to learn new skills can help protect one's career. It ends with a plug for the 'Future of Work' docuseries on PBS, encouraging viewers to explore the evolving landscape of work and the challenges faced by Americans today.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Technological Unemployment
Technological unemployment refers to the loss of jobs due to the introduction of labor-saving technological advances. In the video, this concept is central as it discusses the historical and future impact of technology on jobs, such as the Luddites' resistance to machinery during the Industrial Revolution and the potential for AI and automation to replace current jobs.
💡Elevator Operator
An elevator operator is a profession that has become obsolete due to automation. The video uses this as an example of a job that required training and precision to ensure a smooth ride for passengers, illustrating how technology has eliminated the need for such roles.
💡Switchboard Operator
A switchboard operator was essential in a pre-automated era for manually connecting phone calls. The script mentions this job as one that has been made obsolete by technological advancements, highlighting the shift from manual to automated processes in communication.
💡Automation
Automation is the use of technology to perform tasks without human intervention. The video discusses how automation has changed jobs rather than eliminated them, creating new roles while making others redundant, such as the shift from switchboard operators to broadband technicians and mobile app developers.
💡Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that can perform tasks like learning and problem-solving. The script mentions AI's role in creating self-driving vehicles and impacting jobs in various sectors, emphasizing its growing influence on the job market.
💡Repetitive Tasks
Repetitive tasks are those that involve the same actions or steps performed over and over again. The video points out that jobs involving such tasks are particularly vulnerable to automation, as machines can perform these actions more efficiently and without error.
💡Clerical Jobs
Clerical jobs involve administrative tasks and are increasingly being automated. The script uses examples like insurance underwriters and loan officers being replaced by algorithms, showing how even white-collar jobs are affected by technological advancements.
💡Interpersonal Interactions
Interpersonal interactions refer to the social or professional exchanges between people. The video suggests that jobs requiring these interactions, such as social workers and clergy, are more resistant to automation due to the complexity of human emotions and the need for trust and respect.
💡Elderly Care
Elderly care is a profession focused on providing support and assistance to the aging population. The script highlights the growing demand for elderly care workers in America, noting that this job is less susceptible to automation due to its human touch and the unpredictability of individual needs.
💡Innovation
Innovation refers to the process of creating new ideas, devices, or methods. The video encourages viewers to stay informed about innovations in their fields to adapt and learn new skills, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in the face of technological change.
💡Future-Proof
Future-proof describes something designed to remain useful or relevant in the future. The script uses this term to describe jobs that are less likely to be replaced by technology, such as those in the arts and trades, due to their unique human elements and unpredictability.
Highlights

A century ago, numerous jobs such as milkmen and elevator operators have become obsolete due to advancements in technology.

The fear of technological unemployment dates back to 350 BC with Aristotle contemplating machines performing human labor.

During the Industrial Revolution, Luddites destroyed machinery out of fear of job displacement.

John Maynard Keynes in 1930 predicted that automation would reduce work hours to 15 per week, a prediction not yet realized.

Economists argue that technology changes jobs rather than eliminating them, creating new roles as old ones become obsolete.

The rise of automation has transformed industries, with robots now performing tasks in manufacturing, agriculture, and even fast food.

White-collar jobs are not immune to automation, with algorithms replacing roles in insurance underwriting and loan officer positions.

Advancements in AI are making self-driving vehicles a reality, threatening jobs of cab, truck, and bus drivers.

Amazon's implementation of unmanned drones for package delivery exemplifies the expanding reach of automation.

Any job involving repetitive and predictable tasks is particularly vulnerable to automation.

Careers in emerging fields like genetics, video game design, and social media marketing have seen significant growth.

The demand for jobs in robotics and data science is high, reflecting the trend of machines taking over traditional roles.

The arts remain a field where human creativity is irreplaceable by technology, at least for now.

Trades such as plumbing and electrical work are less susceptible to automation due to their unpredictable nature.

Jobs that rely heavily on interpersonal interactions, such as social work and counseling, are more future-proof.

Elderly care is a growing field with high demand, offering job security as the U.S. elderly population increases.

The best defense against technological unemployment is staying informed about innovations and being willing to learn new skills.

Even if a job is taken over by a robot, there will be new roles in designing, building, programming, and maintaining these machines.

The 'Future of Work' docuseries on PBS explores contemporary work-related issues and challenges faced by Americans.

Transcripts

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Related Tags
Job AutomationFuture JobsTech ImpactCareer ShiftEconomic ShiftInnovationArts ProtectionHuman TouchElderly CareSkill Adaptation