8 Jobs replaced by automation | How do you save yourself?

Jobs replaced by automation? How many and within how much time will this happen? Have you ever wondered if a machine might replace your job? 🤖 As automation sweeps through industries at an unprecedented pace, it’s a question that’s keeping many of us up at night. From factory workers to financial analysts, no profession seems entirely safe from the relentless march of technology.

Even restaurants are hiring robot waiters. Imagine arguing with one of them about a wrong order! He’ll play the recording and prove you wrong. You’re done. Also, have you seen those rotating cooking woks? Now, you don’t even need to stir your noodles. Just keep spicing them up. A manual hand is needed, but yes, it is halfway there.

So, before you start panicking, take a deep breath. While it’s true that automation is transforming the job market, it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, this technological revolution is creating exciting new opportunities for those willing to adapt.

In this post, we’ll explore the industries the jobs replaced by automation, the types of jobs at risk, and – most importantly – how you can prepare for an automated future. Whether you’re looking to future-proof your career or simply curious about what lies ahead, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in and discover how you can thrive in the age of automation.

Human Labour vs Automation aka Man vs Machine

When comparing cost savings between automation and human labour, automation typically provides greater long-term savings as it can handle repetitive tasks more quickly, with greater accuracy, and without requiring breaks or benefits.

In contrast, human labour tends to have lower initial costs but involves higher ongoing expenses, such as salaries and benefits. However, the initial investment required to implement automation systems can be substantial.

No.	Current Statistic	Impact on Employment
1	14% of workers claim to have already lost a job to ‘robots’.	Ongoing Job Displacement
2	In May 2023, 3,900 US job losses were linked directly to AI.	Immediate AI Job Impact
3	British Telecom aims to replace 10,000 staff with AI within 7 years.	Corporate AI Workforce Plan
4	Early AI and automation have already driven down wages by up to 70% since 1980.	Historical Wage Impact
5	Educated, white-collar workers are now being impacted by automation.	Evolving White-Collar Job Impact
6	81% of office workers think AI improves their job performance.	AI’s Positive Workplace Influence
7	30% of workers fear their job will soon be replaced by technology.	Worker Job Displacement Concerns
8	More than half of 18 to 24-year-olds are concerned about AI taking jobs.	Generational Employment Worries
9	81.6% of digital marketers believe content writers will lose jobs because of AI.	Content Creation Industry Concerns
10	CEOs of AI firms like OpenAI have signed an open letter warning about the risk of extinction from AI.	AI’s Broader Societal Impact

Stats & Related Info

Advancements in automation have undeniably improved productivity and efficiency, but they have also raised significant concerns about job losses. Studies suggest that up to 50% of jobs could be replaced by robots by 2030. This poses a critical question: what will happen to such a large displaced workforce?

The manufacturing sector is a prime example. Between 2010 and 2016, output increased by 10–20%, but job growth lagged far behind, at just 2–5%. This highlights the growing disconnect between productivity gains and employment.

Consider Parkdale’s mill in Gaffney, South Carolina, a leading industrial equipment supplier. Today, the mill produces 2.5 million pounds of yarn per week with just 140 workers—a staggering contrast to the 2,000 workers needed for similar production levels in 1980, representing a 93% reduction in workforce.

This situation presents a dual perspective: remarkable productivity on the one hand and significant job displacement on the other. For low-cost labourers losing their livelihoods to technological advancements, the issue becomes particularly pressing and demands urgent attention. The robot vs human labour is a very serious discussion and issue.

Here’s a table based on the information extracted from the image:

Category	6 out of 10 current occupations have more than 30% of technically automatable activities.
Technical Automation Potential	~50% of current work activities are technically automatable by adopting currently demonstrated technologies.
	6 out of 10 current occupations have more than 30% of activities that are technically automatable.
Impact of Adoption by 2030	Work potentially displaced by automation: 15% of workers (400 million) at the midpoint scenario.
	Workforce needing occupational change: 3% of workers (75 million) at the midpoint scenario.
Impact of Demand for Work by 2030	Trendline demand scenario: % of workers (FTEs) not specified. Step-up demand scenario: % of workers (FTEs) not specified. Total Impact: 8–9% of the 2030 workforce (2.66 billion workers) will be in new occupations.

Jobs replaced by automation

A. Manufacturing and production

Manufacturing has been at the forefront of automation. Robots and AI systems handle tasks like assembly, welding, and quality control. This shift has led to increased efficiency and precision, but also a reduction in human labour needs.

Task	Human	Automation
Assembly	Slower, prone to errors	Faster, consistent
Quality Control	Limited scope	24/7 monitoring
Customization	Less flexible	Highly adaptable

B. Transportation and logistics

In transportation and logistics, you’re witnessing a revolution:

• Self-driving vehicles
• Automated warehouse systems
• AI-powered route optimization

These advancements are reshaping how goods are moved and stored, potentially impacting millions of jobs in trucking, warehousing, and delivery services.

Types of jobs at risk

Repetitive manual labour

You’re likely to see significant changes in jobs involving repetitive manual labour. Assembly line workers, warehouse packers, and machine operators face high automation risks. As robots become more advanced, they can perform these tasks with greater efficiency and consistency.

Job Type	Automation Risk
Assembly line workers	High
Warehouse packers	High
Machine operators	High

Data entry and processing

Your data entry and processing roles are also at risk. With advancements in optical character recognition and machine learning, computers can now:

• Extract information from documents
• Process large datasets
• Generate reports automatically

This reduces the need for human intervention in these tasks.

Benefits of job automation

Increased productivity

You’ll see a significant boost in productivity as automation takes over repetitive tasks. Machines can work tirelessly, increasing output and efficiency. This allows you to focus on more complex, value-added activities.

Cost reduction for businesses

Cost Category	Reduction Potential
Labour	High
Training	Medium
Errors	Low

Automation helps your business cut costs in various ways:

• Reduced labour expenses
• Lower training costs
• Fewer costly errors

Challenges for displaced workers

Skill obsolescence

You may find your skills becoming outdated as automation takes over certain roles. This can lead to:

• Decreased employability
• Lower earning potential
• Reduced job security

Skill Type	Obsolescence Risk
Technical	High
Soft	Low

Unemployment and financial instability

When your job is replaced by automation, you might face periods of unemployment. This can result in:

• Financial strain
• Difficulty paying bills
• Potential loss of savings

Emerging job opportunities

AI and machine learning specialists

As automation reshapes the job market, AI and machine learning specialists are in high demand. You’ll find exciting opportunities in developing and maintaining AI systems across various industries. Your skills in programming, data analysis, and algorithm design will be crucial.

Automation technicians and engineers

Your expertise will be invaluable in designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems. You’ll work on:

• Industrial robotics
• Smart manufacturing systems
• Automated logistics solutions

Skill	Importance	Growth Potential
Robotics	High	Exponential
PLC Programming	Essential	Steady
System Integration	Critical	High

Preparing for an Automated Future

Continuous learning and upskilling

To thrive in an automated future, you must embrace lifelong learning. Focus on developing skills that complement AI and automation, such as critical thinking and creativity. Consider taking online courses, workshops, and certifications to stay relevant in your field.

Developing adaptability and resilience

Key Traits	Benefits
Adaptability	Easier transition to new roles
Resilience	Better handling of job market changes

Cultivate these traits to navigate the evolving job landscape:

• Stay open to new opportunities
• Embrace change positively
• Learn from setbacks
• Build a strong support network

Potential Scenarios for Employment Growth

1. Rising Incomes and Consumption
Global consumption is projected to grow by $23 trillion between 2015 and 2030, driven by emerging economies. This could create 250–280 million jobs in consumer goods, with an additional 50–85 million jobs in healthcare and education.

2. Aging Populations
By 2030, there will be 300 million more people aged 65 and older, increasing demand for healthcare jobs such as doctors, nurses, home-health aides, and personal-care assistants. This trend could add 50–85 million jobs globally.

3. Development and Deployment of Technology
Technology spending may grow by over 50% between 2015 and 2030, creating 20–50 million high-wage jobs globally in IT services and tech development.

4. Investments in Infrastructure and Buildings
Addressing infrastructure gaps and housing shortages could create 80 million jobs in a trendline scenario and up to 200 million in a step-up scenario. Jobs include architects, engineers, and construction workers.

5. Investments in Renewable Energy and Climate Adaptation
Investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate adaptation could generate up to 10 million jobs in both trendline and step-up scenarios, covering roles in manufacturing, construction, and installation.

6. Marketization of Domestic Work
Paid services replacing unpaid domestic work could create 50–90 million jobs globally, focusing on childcare, cleaning, cooking, and gardening, spurred by rising female workforce participation.

Key Sectors with Net Job Growth

• Healthcare providers
• Engineers, scientists, and analysts
• IT professionals and technology specialists
• Managers and executives
• Educators in emerging economies
• Artists, performers, and entertainers
• Builders and construction professionals
• Manual and service roles, e.g., gardeners and home-health aides

To Wrap Things Up

The shift towards automation in various industries is undeniable, and its impact on the job market is profound. As you’ve seen, automation affects a wide range of sectors, from manufacturing to customer service, with routine and repetitive tasks being the most vulnerable. While this transformation brings challenges for displaced workers, it also offers numerous benefits, including increased productivity and efficiency.

As you navigate this changing landscape, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve. Focus on developing skills that complement automated systems, such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Embrace lifelong learning and consider exploring emerging job opportunities in fields like AI development, data analysis, and human-machine collaboration. By adapting and preparing for an automated future, you can position yourself to thrive in the evolving job market and capitalize on the new opportunities that automation brings.