Automation – Where Have the Jobs Gone?

An article in January 28, 2013, edition of The Dallas Morning News on page 1A, “Man vs. Machine a Losing Fight”, written by Paul Wiseman, Bernard Condon, and Jonathan Fahey of The Associated Press presents an important message to job seekers and perhaps to job holders as well.  The article’s subtitle is “Millions of workers are becoming obsolete as technology advances.”

The article states that between 2000 and 2010 the following jobs disappeared:

·        1.1 million secretaries

·        64 percent of telephone operators

·        63 percent of typist and word processors

·        46 percent of travel agents

·        26 percent of bookkeepers

As further proof of this trend in the workplace, Fresno, California, had 50 full-time meter readers six years ago and now it has six.  Meter readers’ earnings are up to $67,000 per year. 

The article identifies these factors that are behind this trend:

·        Big data – Improved management decisions using information

·        The cloud – Almost unlimited access to data within an organization at affordable cost

·        Smarter machines – e.g. Voice recognition and voice response

·        Smarter users – e.g. self-banking, online ordering, travel booking

The article continues with more future developments such as driverless cars, trucks, and trains.  But is the continuous move for innovation and technology new?  No, since the industrial revolution productivity resulting in new jobs and the phasing-out of other jobs has been constant.

Here are some suggestions for job seekers:

·         Accept and embrace new methods and tools

·        Evaluate your skills and capitalize on them

·        Get trained

·        Actively pursue job opportunities in your strength areas     

Please share your ideas for job seekers dealing with this age of automation or email me at glynjordan@gmail.com.

Thanks, Glyn