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These jobs will disappear rapidly by 2030 — Bank tellers, cashiers, postal workers, administrative assistants, secretaries and sales clerks will be hit hardest

Published 09/01/2025 às 16:07
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With the advancement of artificial intelligence, many traditional professions are at risk of disappearing by 2030. Find out which jobs are most threatened by automation and what this means for the future of work.

The future of the job market is undergoing rapid transformation, and the impacts of global trends are already being felt. As the World Economic Forum (WEF) Future of Jobs Report, millions of jobs around the world will undergo change by 2030.

Based on data from more than 1.000 global employers, together representing 14 million workers in 55 countries, the report provides a clear picture: While new roles are emerging, some professions are disappearing.

The impact in numbers

170 million new jobs will be created, representing 14% of current jobs, while 92 million jobs will be replaced, resulting in a positive balance of 78 million.

These numbers show how advances technological, economic changes, the transition to a green economy and population aging will transform the way we work. To keep up with these changes, companies and workers need to prepare for new market demands.

Entire sectors are being reshaped, with profound implications for both companies and workers.

Jobs that could disappear

Office and administrative workers are among those most at risk. Professions such as bank tellers, cashiers, administrative assistants, data workers and executive secretaries are among those expected to suffer the largest declines in absolute numbers.

Practical example: Imagine a cashier at a bank. With the increasing digitalization of financial services, roles like this are being replaced by mobile apps and automated systems.

The situation is not much different for postal workers and other services that involve repetitive interaction. The efficiency brought by technology makes these tasks increasingly obsolete.

Expanding sectors

On the other hand, essential job roles are on the rise. Rural workers, delivery drivers, construction workers, salespeople and food processing operators are among those expected to experience high demand.

A highlight goes to the care economy, which includes professionals such as nurses, social workers and personal care assistants. With populations aging in many countries, these services become even more crucial.

In the education sector, teachers are also among the growing professions. This reflects the ongoing need to train new generations in a world where skills are rapidly becoming obsolete.

The role of technology and the green transition

Technology roles are at the forefront of the transformation. Big data specialists, fintech engineers, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning specialists, and software developers are all expected to see impressive percentage growth.

The green transition also brings new opportunities. Environmental engineers, renewable energy specialists and professionals related to autonomous and electric vehicles are clear examples of emerging roles in this area.

Technical context: The growing demand for AI specialists, for example, is directly linked to the automation of repetitive processes, such as data analysis. Companies are investing in systems that can make predictions, identify patterns and perform complex tasks without human intervention.

Skills in high demand

The report highlighted that although technology is on the rise, human skills remain indispensable. Analytical thinking was identified as the most sought-after skill, with 70% of employers classifying it as essential. Other valued skills include creativity, resilience, flexibility and agility.

At the same time, areas such as AI, big data and cybersecurity continue to lead the list of desired technical skills. 41% of employers indicated they plan to reduce the size of their teams as automation advances, but this does not eliminate the need for workers capable of thinking critically and solving complex problems.

Worker adaptation

One of the report’s most intriguing findings was the reduction in “skills instability.” By 2023, 44% of workers’ skills were at risk of becoming obsolete. By 2024, that number had fallen to 39%. This suggests that workers are seeking out skills and upskilling, making them better prepared to face changes in the marketplace.

Practical example: A driver who learns to operate autonomous vehicles or a teacher who specializes in using digital tools for distance learning are examples of professionals who are adapting to these new demands.

These data underscore the complexity of the employment landscape in the near future. While some professions face extinction, new opportunities emerge, often requiring rapid reskilling and adaptation.

The challenge for employers and workers will be to find ways to align these transformations with market needs, ensuring sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The study can be checked using this link.

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Priscila
Priscila
09/01/2025 16:32

Lula government destroying the country

Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide range of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, shipbuilding, geopolitics, renewable energy and economics. I have been working since 2015 with prominent publications in major news portals. My degree in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10 thousand articles published in renowned media outlets, I always seek to bring detailed information and relevant insights to the reader. For story suggestions or any questions, please contact me by email at flclucas@hotmail.com.

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