Careers that won’t survive the next 5 years: 39% of job skills will be obsolete by 2030
Imagine waking up one day to discover that your job no longer needs you, not because you made a mistake but because a machine has learnt to do it better, faster, and cheaper. It might sound dramatic, but according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, that’s the direction we’re headed. The report warns that 39% of core job skills will become outdated by 2030 because of the rapid evolution of technology, automation and changing business needs.
Artificial intelligence is no longer on the horizon; it’s already reshaping workplaces around the world. According to the report, nearly half of all employers are rethinking their business models and planning to fit AI into their model, and two-thirds are actively seeking employees who can work with it. At the same time, 40% of employers say they expect to reduce jobs where automation takes over.
Which careers might not make it to the next decade?
Skills like critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and digital fluency are becoming the new currency of employment. On the flip side, repetitive, rules-based roles that once powered entire industries are losing their relevance.
We’re not just talking about learning a few new tools here. This is a complete rewrite of the skill sets. And for many careers, the transition is arriving faster than expected.
1. Data Entry Clerks
What used to be a stable job is now one of the most vulnerable. With AI systems that can scan, process, and organise documents in seconds, the demand for manual data entry is rapidly vanishing.
Survival Tip: Transition to data analysis or digital project coordination, where human judgement still adds value.
2. Bank Tellers, Cashiers and Ticket Clerks
As digital banking and self-checkout systems become the norm, traditional roles at the front desk are becoming less necessary. People prefer online ticket systems rather than standing in long queues. Banks are going branchless, and stores are going cashierless.
Survival Tip: Shift towards customer experience roles, fintech, or financial advising, areas where human empathy still matters.
3. Telemarketers
This profession is being rapidly replaced by chatbots and AI. Now, with AI-powered sales tools and chatbots that never sleep, businesses don’t need employees doing cold calls anymore.
Survival Tip: Move into digital marketing or performance analytics. These areas are booming and reward creativity and strategy.
4. Routine Manufacturing Workers
Robotics has revolutionised manufacturing floors. While high-skilled technicians are still in demand, traditional assembly-line roles are being replaced by machines that are faster, more precise, and cheaper.
Survival Tip: Learn robotics maintenance or specialise in quality control and supply chain management.
5. Travel Agents
Google is Your New Travel Buddy. From planning your itinerary to comparing ticket prices, most of us now trust websites and apps over travel agencies. The need for middlemen is shrinking, unless you’re offering ultra-specialised travel experiences.
Survival Tip: Consider transitioning into travel content creation, niche tourism consultancy, or corporate travel coordination.
6. Postal Workers
As the world shifts to email, e-bills, and paperless systems, the traditional postal role is declining. Even logistics companies are investing in drones and automation.
Survival Tip: Explore roles in digital logistics, e-commerce warehousing, or customer experience in the delivery sector.
7. Printing Press Operators: From Print to Pixels
With media consumption going digital, newspapers and print magazines are downsizing. The demand for printing professionals is drying up, especially in traditional publishing houses.
Survival Tip: Skill up in digital publishing, graphic design, or video content creation.
Despite this, not every job can be handed off to machines. In fact, many jobs that require hands-on work or human care are thriving in this AI age.
Roles in:
• Construction
• Delivery and logistics
• Food processing and farming
• Healthcare and personal care
These sectors are expanding, not shrinking. Why? Because no algorithm can lay bricks, harvest crops, or comfort a patient with the same level of skill, care, and emotional intelligence a human can. Nurses, social workers, therapists, and carers will be more in demand than ever.
The most staggering finding from the WEF’s report is this: by 2030, 39% of today’s job skills will be outdated. That means nearly 4 in 10 things you rely on to do your job today may soon become irrelevant, meaning that many parts of your current work could change or become outdated because of things like new technology, automation, or different approaches businesses are adapting. So, it’s important to keep learning and adapting.
Whether you are a recent graduate or a professional in the middle of your career, you must upskill immediately.
Skills in high demand
The skills that will be in high demand include:
- AI literacy: Knowing how AI functions, not just how to use it
- Big data and analytics: Interpreting data, patterns, and behaviour
- Software development: Particularly in automation and system design
- Green energy and robotics: Linked to the sustainability revolution
- Soft skills: leadership, flexibility, and emotional intelligence
It’s not about becoming a coder overnight rather about becoming someone who’s ready to evolve as the world does.
The WEF highlights other factors at work, even if AI is the primary disruptor. The cost of living alone might result in the loss of 1.6 million jobs, particularly in occupations that cannot keep up with inflation. The work market is being altered not just by robots but also by other contributing factors like trade restrictions, economic downturns, and geopolitical unpredictability.
However, there are still reasons to be optimistic.
Despite the chaos, a net gain of 78 million new jobs is expected by 2030. These new roles may not be defined yet but will soon exist. It will favour those who embrace change rather than fear it. The question shouldn’t be “Will my job survive?” but rather, “Am I ready to evolve?” Because in a world where nearly 40% of our skills are on the verge of expiring, the most powerful skill one can have is adaptability.
AI might be quick. However, humans are adaptable, creative, and imaginative. We have altered the course of history, and now it’s time to do it again.