Jobs That Died in 2012

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

As we approach the end of one year and the start of another, you might hear a lot of talk about jobs that grew in 2012. But there’s always a flip side, and in this case, it’s the jobs that didn’t grow, and in fact, are becoming obsolete.

Why are these jobs endangered? “These jobs utilize antiquated technology or are primarily in hurting industries, and thus their job prospects are low,” says Katie Bardaro, lead analyst at online salary database PayScale.com. “For example, desktop publishers work in the publishing/printing industry, which has been hurt with the advent of online media consumption.”

To identify jobs that are dying, we consulted Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Every job on the following list comes in well below the bureau’s projected national job growth rate of 14.3 percent. Read on to see which jobs are likely to fade as society moves forward.

Sewing Machine Operator

Projected Growth: -25.8 Percent

Median Annual Salary: $23,700

When you look at the label inside your shirt, do you see the words “Made in the USA”? Didn’t think so. Nowadays, most of our clothing is made in China, Thailand and other countries. This outsourcing of clothing manufacturing could mean that stateside sewing machine operators are part of an occupational club that grows smaller every day.

Telephone Operator

Projected Growth: -16.6 Percent

Median Annual Salary: $26,100

How often do you dial “0” for operator assistance? If you have a computer or smartphone, you don’t need to. With a few mouse clicks or the touch of a few buttons, you can look up information yourself that you used to need an operator for. It’s no wonder telephone operator jobs are dwindling.

Desktop Publisher

Projected Growth: -14.7 Percent

Median Annual Salary: $43,100

A desktop publisher creates magazines, brochures and other print material. In today’s digital world, though, the publishing industry is struggling to stay afloat as most print material moves online. While some desktop publishers might be able to transition to Web publishing or graphic design work, they can be sure that the heyday of print is over.

Correspondence Clerk

Projected Growth: -12.1 Percent

Median Annual Salary: $30,000

Most business correspondence comes in the form of email these days, and filters let us pick which messages to read now and which to file away for later. A correspondence clerk used to have the same job, sorting through letters and messages and prioritizing them by order of importance. Sometimes these clerks would also type the replies as dictated by the boss. Now, most executives answer their own correspondence, forcing these clerks to write something else -- like their own resumes and cover letters.

Word Processor/Typist

Projected Growth: -11.5 Percent

Median Annual Salary: $35,000

The days of secretaries taking dictation and then spending hours at a typewriter transcribing the words are long gone. Now, even children learn to type and use a computer at a very early age. That means typing is no longer a specialized skill, which explains the lack of job opportunities for word processors/typists.

Motion Picture Projectionist

Projected Growth: -11.1 Percent

Median Annual Salary: $19,700

If you remember seeing Star Wars at the movies, you might remember looking up into the booth and seeing a projectionist feed film into the projector. These days, you’re more likely to see a film projector in a museum than a movie theater. As with many things in our society, film has gone digital, eliminating the need for someone to operate the projector.

Source: All salary data provided by online salary database PayScale.com. Salaries listed are median annual salaries for workers with five to 10 years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing. The projected growth rate is the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ forecast of the percentage job growth between 2010 and 2020.

http://career-advice.comcast.monster.com/job-search/company-industry-research/jobs-that-died-2012/article.aspx?WT.mc_n=comcast800

[scotinmass 588]

If only Romney had won!

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

If only Romney had won!

He would have brought back eight-tracks?

[scotinmass 588]

He would have brought back eight-tracks?

Probably. Him and his republican buddies are rooted firmly in the past.

[epsonderby 85]

As with any developing/progressing society, I would expect to see a lot of attrition when it comes to jobs that are no longer required. Not a lot that can be done about this in the short-term, especially when a lot of the jobs listed in the report don't necessarily have a natural contemporary transition.

The interesting this to note in the US right now is that there is a dire shortage in most areas of plumbers, electricians and carpenters - what I consider to be apprenticed trades. I would love to see kids not being forced into college, but to be truly given a choice between following an academic education or something a little more vocational - rather than college = good, everything else = bad. To me, they both have the merits and I don't necessarily see one as better than the other.

It comes down to funding and having someone to drive the initiative though. In this current economy, where do we look for that?

[scotinmass 588]

As with any developing/progressing society, I would expect to see a lot of attrition when it comes to jobs that are no longer required. Not a lot that can be done about this in the short-term, especially when a lot of the jobs listed in the report don't necessarily have a natural contemporary transition.

The interesting this to note in the US right now is that there is a dire shortage in most areas of plumbers, electricians and carpenters - what I consider to be apprenticed trades. I would love to see kids not being forced into college, but to be truly given a choice between following an academic education or something a little more vocational - rather than college = good, everything else = bad. To me, they both have the merits and I don't necessarily see one as better than the other.

It comes down to funding and having someone to drive the initiative though. In this current economy, where do we look for that?

I work in a skilled trade. Kids in this country are not interested in training. They want the degree and the easy desk job. They don't want to get their hands dirty. This causes a skills shortage which forces the wages up. Their short sightedness is my gain. I make more money than most people with a degree.

[epsonderby 85]

I work in a skilled trade. Kids in this country are not interested in training. They want the degree and the easy desk job. They don't want to get their hands dirty. This causes a skills shortage which forces the wages up. Their short sightedness is my gain. I make more money than most people with a degree.

That's what I don't get about the kids. They could make such good money if only they didn't mind getting their hands dirty. I know a lot of plumbers and electricians back in the UK that pull down 6 figures and they have so much free time to spend with their families.

I fear that there are a lot of kids out there that love getting their hands dirty but they never get a chance to make a career out of it because they never have all of the options explained to them.

[scotinmass 588]

That's what I don't get about the kids. They could make such good money if only they didn't mind getting their hands dirty. I know a lot of plumbers and electricians back in the UK that pull down 6 figures and they have so much free time to spend with their families.

I fear that there are a lot of kids out there that love getting their hands dirty but they never get a chance to make a career out of it because they never have all of the options explained to them.

When I moved here I was told I'd never get a job because there was so many unemployed Americans so a foreigner would have no chance. In reality I had no problem getting a job because nobody else has the skills to do it and nobody wants to learn.

My stepson could have walked in to a good job as an apprentice carpenter in a union job with great pay and benefits through his father who is a union official but he wasn't interested in a job where he'd have to make a physical effort. Now he's delivering pizza for tips.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

That's what I don't get about the kids. They could make such good money if only they didn't mind getting their hands dirty. I know a lot of plumbers and electricians back in the UK that pull down 6 figures and they have so much free time to spend with their families.

I fear that there are a lot of kids out there that love getting their hands dirty but they never get a chance to make a career out of it because they never have all of the options explained to them.

Trades are tough because the immigrants are coming in and kicking our butts, both skill wise, and putting downward pressure on wages. For those that are still working, the unions are constantly in their back pockets, rooting around for cash, and pushing a socialist agenda. So, you go to work for yourself, and make a good living some years, and barely eke out a living in others. Problem is, the schools don't teach problem solving, and the modular nature of our technology doesn't allow for the development of basic mechanical and engineering skills, so there is no natural interest among our youth to get a little dirty, even if it means fresh air and some independence, that you won't get in a brightly lit cubicle swapping airborne germs with your fellow employees.

Edited January 15, 2013 by The Patriot

[spookyturtle 9,466]

Steve Jobs died in 2011.

[epsonderby 85]

I am a big fan of the 16-18 college system in the UK. It allows for kids that know academic study isn't for them to follow a route that will give them a career and financial independence. There are also college courses for those interested in academic pursuits, but mostly for the vocational route. Get them started early and get them aware of the income they could possibly have.

How does it work here? Can kids choose vocational options at High School? or do they have to wait until it is over and then apply to a vocational college?

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

I am a big fan of the 16-18 college system in the UK. It allows for kids that know academic study isn't for them to follow a route that will give them a career and financial independence. There are also college courses for those interested in academic pursuits, but mostly for the vocational route. Get them started early and get them aware of the income they could possibly have.

How does it work here? Can kids choose vocational options at High School? or do they have to wait until it is over and then apply to a vocational college?

I'm not sure how it is now but back when I was in High School, you could take vocational options in High School. I went to Ofallon Tech High school and my speciality was Computer Data Processing.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

That's what I don't get about the kids. They could make such good money if only they didn't mind getting their hands dirty. I know a lot of plumbers and electricians back in the UK that pull down 6 figures and they have so much free time to spend with their families.

I fear that there are a lot of kids out there that love getting their hands dirty but they never get a chance to make a career out of it because they never have all of the options explained to them.

And the people in those trades, don't call back or show up a lot of times. I guess some are busy , but i know some that work just enough to get by

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I am a big fan of the 16-18 college system in the UK. It allows for kids that know academic study isn't for them to follow a route that will give them a career and financial independence. There are also college courses for those interested in academic pursuits, but mostly for the vocational route. Get them started early and get them aware of the income they could possibly have.

How does it work here? Can kids choose vocational options at High School? or do they have to wait until it is over and then apply to a vocational college?

In my High School you could elect to take additional vocational courses... everyone had to take at least one as a requirement but the scheduling was flexible so you could take more. There was auto shop and carpentry and welding and other things I can't remember. I took drafting for my requirement.

Personally I am a fan of the US system where the idea is the students will be more well-rounded and have taken English higher than 16 year-old level so presumably they can read and write better even if they want to be a carpenter

Obama and others have called for a return to more vocational and apprentice options here, because yes, the US can get back to being a strong manufacturing and creating nation, not a nation of consumers. I know a friend of mine is working on an ad campaign to make what used to be called "VoTech" seem "cool" with gov. funds. Also, these options are exponentially better than For-profit colleges (like Phoenix) that steal your money and make false promises and prey on poor and confused people.