In today’s fast-changing job market, skillsets are being redefined by technological advancements and automation. As traditional skills and skillsets wane in relevance, adaptability and continuous learning have become essential for both current employees and future job seekers looking to thrive in a tech-driven landscape.

Disappearing Skillsets

1. Handmade, Artisan Shoes

The tradition of making handmade shoes goes back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans crafted shoes from animal hides, plant fibers, and wood. We’ve all seen Naked and Afraid, so just like that.

Shoemaking, as we know it, originated in the early 18th century AD when French cutter Philippe Avril invented the new stocking machine, which reduced the production cost by half and increased production manifolds.

Unfortunately, handmade artisan shoes were almost completely mechanized by the end of the 19th century. However, Bespoke shoemaking, the practice of making shoes to order, continues to be a skillset that thrives.

2. Seamstress

It’s mind-blowing to think that sewing used to be a required class in primary school. A real God’s honest life skill is required in school, but who would have thought it? This is why grandmas and aunties were/are so good at making matching pajamas. It’s too bad that we phased this out in the late 1960s to early 1970s when they removed what was known as home economics. Apparently, we thought no one would need to learn how to sew or cook anymore (SMH)

Sewing machine technicians became popular around the mid-19th century, particularly in the 1850s, when the first commercially successful sewing machines, primarily manufactured by Isaac Singer, became widely available to the public and required maintenance and repair services. This led to a growing need for skilled technicians to service them. 

While general sewing machine repairs have decreased, specialized technicians may still be required for complex repairs on older machines or high-end industrial models. 

3. Print Press Operator

Johannes Gutenberg is credited with inventing the printing press in the 15th century, around 1436. The printing press allowed for the mass production of books, which helped to spread knowledge and education. 

While the internet disrupted print media, the emergence of social media dealt the final blow. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, to name just a few,  transformed the way people consumed and shared information. Social media offers a personalized and interactive experience, enabling users to curate their news feeds, follow influencers, and engage in real-time discussions. 

“The future is now! Soon, every American home will integrate their television, phone, and computer. You’ll be able to visit the Louvre on one channel or watch female wrestling on another. You can shop at home or play Mortal Kombat with a friend from Vietnam. There’s no end to the possibilities!” ~ Chip Douglas

4. Radio DJ

No, the video did NOT kill the radio star. 

But as a result, people no longer gather around the old radio to listen to the latest episode of “The Adventures of Superman.” The radio’s popularity skyrocketed in the late 1920s and early 1930s, and by 1934, 60 percent of the nation’s households had radios. One and a half million cars were also equipped with them. The 1930s were the Golden Age of radio.

Then, we entered satellite radio. Yes, Howard Stern on Sirius was why most of us switched to satellite radio. The primary development in audio entertainment was the rise of internet-based music streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, and Apple Music. These services offer a wider variety of content and are accessible on a broader range of devices, including smartphones and smart speakers, effectively surpassing satellite radio in popularity. 

5. Photo Lab

Photo labs began to appear in the early 1900s. Bartell Drugs opened the first photo lab in Seattle in 1917.  In 1925, the first photo booth appeared on Broadway in New York City. For 25 cents, the booth took, developed, and printed eight photos, a process that took roughly 10 minutes.

You can still get most of your film developed and turned into prints through stores that specialize in photography. The actual services vary across different companies, but there are a number of specialty photography retailers all over the country that will develop color and B&W film in a variety of sizes.

6. Watchmaker

Yes, watchmakers are still in demand, I know, shocker. The need for skilled watchmakers is expected to continue as long as people value the craftsmanship of mechanical watches. 

Peter Henlein: A German locksmith from Nuremberg who is often credited with inventing the watch. The first watches were developed in Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. They evolved from portable spring-driven clocks that were available by the 1450s. 

7. Door to Door Salesman

Nowadays, selling door-to-door is a beneficial way to get new leads, develop a customer base, and boost your company’s bottom line. However, it’s also the most effective way to get shot or abducted when you disturb a serial killer and try to sell him something. 

After Forbes claimed in 2011 that door-to-door sales were one of the top 10 dying career paths, it has since skyrocketed and remained a huge industry. I’m still not answering the door, no matter who you are. 

8. Shoe Shiners

We can’t all be Andy Dwyer from Parks and Rec. and thrive with our shoe-shining business. Skillsets like these depend on the products in use by the end consumer, and most sneakers don’t need a polish.

In addition to street shoe shiners, artisanal shoe shiners specialize in the care of bespoke luxury shoes in some countries, including Japan, the U.S., and Singapore. These are usually found at high-priced men’s outfitters or operate as independent businesses. But just like we already learned in the aforementioned profession of shoe cobbling, Bespoke shoes aren’t daily attire for the working class. 

9. Bank Tellers

The number of teller jobs is greatly decreasing, projected to fall by 15% by 2032, which is about 53,000 positions. Traditional branch teller positions are being replaced by multi-function ATMs. Branch banking positions are increasingly going to be focused on sales activities. Great, just what I need. As if going to the bank wasn’t uncomfortable enough, now I have to get ready with a strong “NO” just to talk to a live person. 

The next time you pop into a Bank of America branch, don’t be alarmed if that’s what you’re met with. The U.S.’s second-biggest bank by assets has started to experiment with the concept of unmanned branches. No greeters. No tellers.

10. Tailors

Tailors, dressmakers, and sewers: The only way to probably make this a viable career now is to get a job at a bridal shop. This workforce in 2022 was 48,426 people, 72.7% women and 27.3% men. This implies an annual growth of 14.9% between 2014 (56,926) and 2022 (48,426).

In bigger cities, it’s a more viable career option. Getting established isn’t easy, but if you’re good at alterations and decent at marketing yourself, you could do well.

11. Knife Sharpeners

Although the world still needs professional knife sharpeners, their skillsets are not in as much demand as they used to be. While many people can sharpen their knives at home with basic tools, achieving a genuinely exceptional edge often requires the skill and expertise of a professional, especially for high-quality knives. Many people prefer to leave this task to experts due to the potential for damage if not done correctly. 

The U.S. knife sharpening service market size is expected to reach USD 135.9 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 7.3% from 2025 to 2030

However, many butchers, hardware stores, and sporting goods stores offer professional knife sharpening for about $5. Knife Sharpener Salaries Top earners are around $37,000 annually, so you better have a side hustle unless knife sharpening is the side hustle. 

12. Journalist 

One thing The 2020 pandemic brought to the surface was that most “professional” journalists employed by major corporations aren’t telling their own stories and have no journalistic freedom to tell a story the way they want to. 

According to Pew Research Center data, approximately 34% of journalists currently work as freelancers, a significant portion of the industry’s journalists who are not traditionally staff-employed; roughly one-third of journalists are freelancers. 

With significant news and media layoffs in recent years, freelance and independent journalists will only rise.

13. Indoor Venues

While not a skillset per se, indoor venues are definitely disappearing rapidly. People are choosing to have more weddings and large events outside. Indoor venues are limited by conditions and space, among other factors. Outdoor venues are winning because the party planners don’t have to nitpick the paint, the smell, the colors, or the lighting. All they have to do is decide how many chairs there are and if there is a central arch or table. Mic drop! 

14. Cashiers 

I think we should all be able to take at least one item from the store as payment for checking my own ass out. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cashier jobs are projected to decline significantly due to the rise of self-checkout systems and other technological advancements, making them increasingly obsolete, with a projected 10-11% decrease in employment over the next decade. Self-checkout, Scan-n-Go, Amazon Go, and other services 

15. Realtors. Yes, It’s a Skillset

A subject near and dear to my heart. While technology is undoubtedly changing how the industry operates, it’s unlikely that real estate agents will be replaced anytime soon. However, AI and human expertise will complement each other. Here’s why AI won’t entirely replace real estate agents but will transform how they work.

Over the past decade, several large real estate companies, including real estate portals, have started to approach homeowners with cash-only offers. In some cases, the companies approach owners who have listed a property. In other cases, they approach owners who haven’t even put their property on the market yet.

For over a century, Americans have relied on real estate agents to help them buy and sell properties. With the internet, buyers and sellers are 10 times more informed than ever, but the one saving grace some agents might have is that changing consumer habits takes time. Given the high stakes of buying and selling real estate (it’s the biggest purchase most consumers will ever make), it seems highly likely that many consumers will continue to feel more comfortable working with an agent than closing a deal directly with an investment company, but only time will tell. 

16. Machinist 

Many are uncertain about the future of CNC (computer numerical control) machining, but it is not a dying trade…yet. Instead, it’s changing. It’s still a highly valuable skill, especially in the precision manufacturing sector. However, as machines evolve and new technologies emerge, the role of a CNC machinist is becoming more complex.

17. Hotel Concierge 

The concierge job is not becoming an entirely obsolete skillset, but it will undoubtedly change because it is becoming increasingly strategic in welcoming customers. The way of working must evolve to meet the important needs in terms of hyper-personalization, excellence, and authenticity. Basically, these people are your personal planner while on vacation, but most people do their own research these days and know exactly what they want to do already. Again, the concierge isn’t as needed as it was, but it may still have a place in the future. 

18. Drivers 

Drivers face a big setback due to the rapid advancement of autonomous vehicles and drone delivery systems, which are revolutionizing the transportation industry. With self-driving technology, filling roles such as taxi, truck, and delivery drivers are increasingly at risk of being replaced by automated counterparts that don’t sneak any of my fries or do unspeakable things to my drink.

As these technologies continue to evolve and gain traction, the need for human drivers is expected to diminish significantly in the coming years, marking a profound transformation in the transportation landscape.

19. Assembly Line Workers

Rosanne and Jackie would be out of a job and no longer casually flirt with Booker while on break at Wellman Plastics. 

Roles involving manual assembly line work: Manufacturing is becoming more automated, decreasing the demand for manual assembly line workers. These skillsets and skilled positions have been on the decline in the U.S. for several decades now, and will unfortunately continue.

20. The Draftsman

The draftsman, now called engineering tech, is being replaced with the degreed engineer, whose job now includes many more hats, such as CAD designer, engineer, detailer, data manager, etc. The “Draftsmen” are being allowed to disappear through attrition.

A lot of amazing professions that were once thriving businesses that generations past didn’t know what they would do without seem to have little room in this world today, but at least this development isn’t leaving anyone jobless—well, except for those pesky delivery drivers. 

While the crafts themselves are fading away, the people who pass the traditions down from them are still trying to incorporate them into this new era. As the saying goes, “They just don’t make ’em like they used to.”