It’s hard to recall that, not too long ago, people used to work full-time operating an elevator, processing telegrams, and redirecting calls on a switchboard.
Looking at the last decade alone, the evolution of jobs has been dramatic. Video stores and theatres have closed with the rise of streaming services. Travel agencies have folded when most people book their own flights and hotels. E-commerce has disrupted manufacturing and retail. The pandemic has further changed how and where we work. Many jobs have disappeared or become unstable gigs.
At the same time, new forms of work have emerged, and they go beyond tech sector jobs like software and data science. Healthcare work has ballooned with an aging population. Lawyers now deal with unprecedented data privacy and cybersecurity cases. Demand is high for engineers, architects, and designers who can build useful systems that are also sustainable for the planet.
Outside of traditional employment, many find opportunities in crafts that have regained popularity. There is a new generation of carpenters, beer brewers, and food truck owners. Others share music online, start a daycare, and organize cooking classes out of their homes (I know some personally). Many serve their customers with great products and services while building an honest, mission-driven business.
One thing is certain: work will continue to evolve. It always has.
