15 Jobs That Millennials Have Killed, According to Baby Boomers
Millennials, those digital natives born between 1981 and 1996, are often blamed by Baby Boomers for shaking up the job market with their tech-savvy ways and changing consumer habits. As a result, some traditional jobs are becoming as obsolete as floppy disks. Let’s dive into the 15 jobs that have felt the brunt of the Millennial impact, sprinkled with a dash of humor and nostalgia!
Travel Agents
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Remember when planning a vacation meant flipping through glossy brochures at a travel agency? Millennials prefer DIY travel planning with apps like Expedia and Airbnb, making travel agents a rare find. In 1997, there were 124,000 travel agents in the U.S., but that number has dropped significantly since then. Sorry, travel agents, it seems clicking beats chatting now.
Bank Tellers
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Gone are the days of long bank lines; Millennials prefer the ease of mobile banking. With apps that let you deposit checks and transfer money instantly, the need for bank tellers has decreased. According to a 2018 survey, 70% of Millennials use mobile banking. Why wait in line when you can tap your screen?
Video Store Clerks
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Thanks to Netflix and Hulu, Blockbuster nights are now a retro fantasy. Millennials stream movies and shows at home, making video store clerks almost extinct. Blockbuster had over 9,000 stores at its peak, but now only one remains. It seems like nobody misses those late fees!
Newspaper Delivery
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The daily thud of the newspaper on the porch is almost cinematic now. Millennials get their news from apps and social media, leading to a decline in newspaper circulation. Newspaper ad revenue has dropped by over 60% since 2000. Wake up and scroll; it’s the new morning routine!
Cashiers
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Self-checkout and online shopping have become the norms, pushing traditional cashiers aside. Millennials prefer the speed and convenience of scanning their own items. A study found that 73% of consumers prefer self-service technologies. It’s all about swiping and bagging yourself!
Switchboard Operators
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Millennials might not even know what a switchboard operator is. With smartphones and direct dialing, the role of connecting calls is almost obsolete. This job peaked in the 1970s but has since been replaced by automated systems. Talk about a ‘hang up!’
Taxi Drivers
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Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are the go-to for Millennials, leaving traditional taxi drivers struggling. Over 65% of Millennials have used ride-sharing services. Fasten your seatbelts because traditional cabs are finding it hard to keep up.
Postal Workers
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E-cards and emails are the Millennial way, leaving postal workers with fewer letters to deliver. U.S. Postal Service mail volume has decreased nearly 30% in the past decade. Remember when getting mail was exciting? Now, it’s mostly bills and junk.
Librarians
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With the internet at their fingertips, Millennials are less likely to visit physical libraries. Library visits have declined by 31% from 2009 to 2019. Google knows a lot, but it can’t give you a stern shush like a good old librarian.
Factory Workers
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Automation and advanced technology have taken over many manufacturing jobs. Millennials are more inclined towards tech-driven careers, leading to a decline in traditional factory work. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), the global average number of industrial robots per 10,000 manufacturing workers increased from 66 in 2015 to 85 in 2017.
Movie Theater Ushers
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Streaming giants have made home the new cinema for Millennials. With over 200 million Netflix subscribers, traditional theaters are seeing fewer patrons. Most folks wouldn’t want a ticket stub when they can pause for snacks at home.
Travel Book Writers
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Millennials rely on travel blogs and Instagram for real-time travel tips instead of traditional travel books. The sale of travel books has declined as digital content becomes more popular. Why buy a book when you can scroll through endless travel inspo?
Print Journalists
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Blogs, podcasts, and social media have overtaken traditional print journalism for Millennials. Newspaper readership among younger audiences has dropped significantly, with many opting for digital news. According to a Pew Research Center analysis of year-end SEC filings from publicly traded newspaper companies, U.S. newspaper ad revenues fell below the $10 billion threshold again last year.
Department Store Salespeople
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Online shopping is the Millennial preference, reducing the need for in-store salespeople. E-commerce sales have surged, accounting for 21.3% of total retail sales in 2020. Shopping with a click beats a chat; no offense to those charming sales folks.
Film Photographers
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Instant digital photography is the Millennial’s go-to, sidelining traditional film photography. The sale of digital cameras has soared while film sales have dwindled. Instant gratification wins over waiting for film development. Sorry, film buffs, it’s a digital world now!