We were genuinely curious to explore the evolution of professions over the years, and it’s truly fascinating to see how much the times have changed. The gradual shift in societal needs and technological advancements has rendered these 15 professions obsolete. Witnessing the transformation is remarkable, underscoring the importance of adapting to the evolving work landscape and opportunities.
Stockbroker
“Yup. Brokers used to be ‘in the know’ guys, but now all the trading firms have brought traditional brokerage analysis in-house in favor of paying expensive partner-level guys by the hour,” laughs one money-orientated online user.
Investing in stocks, mutual funds, and other financial instruments was opaque. Conducting research was challenging, and those in the financial profession often appeared more as gatekeepers than true experts. This was primarily because, in the past, you couldn’t simply access the internet to purchase investment products. Indeed, brokers were considered the go-to individuals with insider knowledge. However, with time, many trading firms have opted to bring traditional brokerage analysis in-house, favoring this approach over the costly practice of compensating external partner-level experts hourly.
Radio Disc Jockeys
One music lover in the online discussion says, “They’re not gone yet, but they are dwindling toward extinction. Local disc jockeys are fewer and fewer as radio stations consolidate under corporations.”
Local DJs, while not entirely vanished, are becoming increasingly scarce, with their numbers dwindling toward potential extinction. This trend can be attributed to the consolidation of radio stations under large corporate entities, which often prefer standardized programming over the unique and personalized touch that local DJs used to provide. As a result, the era of local DJs and their distinctive contributions to the radio landscape gradually gave way to a more homogenized and corporate-driven broadcasting environment.
Painters
“Painters were basically gods once,” says one person.
During the transition from the High Renaissance to the early Mannerism era, artists essentially served as the equivalent of cameras, meticulously capturing the visual essence of their time. Art played a profoundly immersive role in people’s lives during this period, with traditional marriage portraits, books of hours, and depictions of the Madonna and Child adorning households and reflecting the cultural and religious values of the time. These artworks served as aesthetic embellishments and spiritual touchstones, connecting individuals to their beliefs and traditions.
Pricing Gunner
“The entire industry of pricing guns. Everything in the store had a small white sticker with the price on it. The UPC code and scanner eliminated this and probably half of the jobs that stock shelves,” said one person online.
The advent of barcodes has led to the gradual demise of the pricing gunner’s role. This small yet crucial occupation, which involved manually labeling products with prices, has yet to be rendered obsolete by technological advancements. As businesses have embraced barcode scanning systems for inventory management and pricing, the need for individuals to manually apply price labels has diminished. While technology has brought efficiency to retail operations, it has also resulted in the phasing out of traditional roles like that of the pricing gunner, reflecting the changing landscape of work in the modern world.
Full-Service Gas Station Attendant
“My first job out of school was a full-service gas station. Regular customers, local gossip. 25 years since I worked there, local people still recognize me,” adds one older user to the discussion.
In the past, full-service gas station attendants offered a comprehensive range of services, from pumping your gas and washing your windows to engaging in friendly conversation and providing directions. However, a significant shift occurred as most of the country transitioned to self-service gas stations. The nostalgia for full-service stations is palpable, with fond memories of the attendants routinely checking oil levels, tire pressure, and other vehicle essentials. These stations held a unique charm that many people miss today.
Manual Processor
“Factories used to be full of ordinary people, like flipping over a different piece of metal every 8 seconds or pulling green apples off the conveyor belt. Now that robotic systems are easy to program and cheap to buy, those jobs don’t exist,” says a commenter.
The role of the manual processor has mainly become obsolete due to significant advancements in factory automation, driven by the proliferation of robots and automated processes. In the past, manual processors played a vital role in various industries, contributing their labor-intensive efforts to tasks that machines can now efficiently handle. This shift in the manufacturing landscape underscores the relentless progress of technology, which has reshaped the nature of work and the roles individuals play in today’s highly automated industrial settings.
Photo Booth Operator
One person explains the role, “Back in the 20th century, there used to be small huts in parking lots where a person would develop your film in as soon as 1 hour,” adding, “With digital cameras and phones. They’re obsolete.”
The day when the last photo booth operators decide to retire will undoubtedly be a somber occasion, marked by a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for their service. Though often behind the scenes, these operators have played a significant role in preserving memories and capturing candid moments for countless people. While their profession may be fading, their impact on preserving cherished memories will always be remembered and appreciated by those who have had the pleasure of using their services.
Priests
“Back when my mother was a child, priests were a force to be reckoned with. My mother’s generation started to think, ‘Why are we worshiping these guys?'” laughs a woman on the online thread.
The role of priests in society has experienced a notable decline in demand compared to earlier times. In the past, their presence and guidance were highly sought after, with a central role in religious and community life. However, as society has evolved, changes in religious practices and beliefs have led to a reduced need for priests in various congregations and denominations, reflecting a shifting landscape in the role of spiritual leaders.
Philosophers
“Once were people who would tackle questions about humanity, purposefulness, politics, and life,” explains a knowledgeable user of the internet.
Historically, philosophers played a significant role in grappling with profound questions about humanity, purpose, politics, and the meaning of life. While their teachings continue to be part of college curricula, the practical demand for philosophers in contemporary society has considerably waned. The evolution of our world has shifted the emphasis toward other fields of study and professions, making philosophical inquiry less prominent in addressing today’s pressing challenges.
Typist
Another adds their opinion, “As a person who interviews college-age interns, I wouldn’t look down on someone for putting their WPM, especially if it was high. People of my generation (the 30s) are generally expected to be good types because our main (only) source of internet use growing up was computers.”
During the 1950s, possessing proficient typing skills was genuinely considered a valuable and impressive skill set. However, in our contemporary era, marked by the rapid advancement of technology, the prestige associated with typing has significantly diminished. The evolution of technology has shifted the focus towards different aptitudes and competencies, emphasizing the need for individuals to adapt and acquire new skills in today’s ever-changing professional landscape.
Blacksmith
“A guy who went to my school forged a chain mail vest, but everyone made fun of him. I felt SO bad for the guy as that must have been arduous work, just a couple of hundred years late to the party when that was considered a valued trade,” laughs one online user about an old school friend.
The art of blacksmithing is gradually fading into obscurity, primarily because of the significant advancements in metalworking machinery and technology. Looking back in history, it’s easy to envision that being the skilled craftsman responsible for crafting weapons held immense prestige and importance. However, in today’s context, many need to recognize the exceptional talent and expertise demanded by this profession, often dismissing it as an eccentric hobby rather than acknowledging its historical significance and craftsmanship.
News Anchor
“When I was a kid in the 80s, there were three channels. The nightly news was an important part of a family’s routine, and the anchor was respected as someone Americans trusted to tell them what was happening. Now it’s a bunch of people screaming,” adds another to the thread.
In the 1980s, when they were just kids, there were only three television channels, and the nightly news played a vital role in the daily routine of many families. During that era, news anchors were highly respected figures, regarded as trustworthy sources of information that Americans relied on to update current events. However, in today’s vastly altered media landscape, with numerous channels and often a more sensationalized approach to news reporting, the role of news anchors has evolved significantly. Even a comedy like “Anchorman 2” managed to underscore these transformations in the profession humorously.
Librarians
“When I was younger, I’d always wanted to be a librarian. As I got older, I spoke to a few, and they told me not to become one because it was a dying profession,” says one bookworm.
As the majority of books become easily accessible through digital downloads, numerous libraries find themselves reducing their operations, resulting in job losses for librarians. During their younger years, there was a strong desire to pursue a career as a librarian. However, upon seeking advice from experienced librarians as they grew older, they were cautioned against entering the profession due to its declining prospects in the face of technological advancements in the literary world.
Teacher
“Ironically, tell people you are a professor, and you are seen as being on the cutting edge of your field, despite professors not making much more than teachers at the tenure level and much less at the adjunct level,” says one person on the thread.
In bygone eras, a profound reverence existed for teachers, as they often were the sole individuals in town possessing a formal education. These dedicated educators earned a decent income and, in some instances, were fortunate enough to receive a complimentary place to stay, which further exemplified the respect accorded to them. This historical perspective underscores the transformation in societal values and the evolving role of teachers in our communities today.
Professional Mourner
“I am a super empathetic person and cry/tear up often at the deaths of people I don’t even know. I would have been great at this job,” laughs one.
In various eras and regions, it was standard for individuals, primarily women, to be compensated for shedding tears during someone else’s funeral. This practice was prevalent in ancient Egypt during the European Gothic period and persisted into the late 20th century in a few countries. As a highly empathetic person who frequently becomes emotional at the passing of people you’ve never met, you might have excelled in such a role. Considering your tendency to tear up even during everyday situations like bank advertisements, it’s intriguing to think that there could be a business opportunity in offering professional mourners for various occasions.
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