Obsolete Careers: 12 Jobs That No Longer Exist

Technology and society are always evolving. As a result, certain careers that were once commonplace have now become obsolete. Though these roles served important functions in their time, innovation and changing cultural norms have made them relics of the past.

In this article, we’ll highlight 12 notable jobs that have disappeared over the years as the world has modernized. Understanding how workplace needs shift can provide insight into future trends and help today’s workers stay adaptable.

1. Lamplighter

Before streetlights became ubiquitous in cities, lamplighters were charged with manually lighting and extinguishing gas street lamps each evening and morning At their peak popularity in the 1800s, lamplighters walked from post to post using a long pole to ignite each street lamp for the night

Of course the advent of electrical lighting made their services obsolete. The last lamplighter stood down from duty in New York City in 1924.

2. Log Driver

Log drivers played a crucial role in the early timber industry by transporting cut logs downstream to the sawmill. Using a variety of tools and methods, they would guide massive log booms along rivers to lumber mills for processing.

As transportation technology improved, moving logs by truck and train became far more efficient. The last commercial log drive took place in Canada in 1996, marking the end of this rustic profession.

3. Milkman

Before grocery stores carried fresh dairy, milkmen delivered milk and other goods right to people’s doors. These suppliers transported milk in trucks or wagons and carried it in

• wicker baskets to hand-deliver to each home along their route.

Milk delivery peaked in the 1950s and dwindled along with the rise of supermarkets. Improved refrigeration also enabled people to store milk themselves. Though a few independent milkmen still exist, it’s a largely extinct career.

4. Switchboard Operator

Early telephone systems required manual operators to physically connect calls by plugging cables into a switchboard. Operators spoke with callers, connected lines, and processed requests.

The introduction of automated switching systems in the mid-20th century eliminated the need for manual coordination. Though switchboard operators are still occasionally used for niche needs, it’s no longer a thriving job.

5. Pinsetter

In the early days of bowling alleys, human pinsetters were hired to reset bowling pins and return balls to players. Young boys were often employed as pinsetters and worked in the “pits” beneath the lanes.

The creation of mechanical pinsetting machines, first introduced in the 1930s, phased out the need for human employees in this role. Automatic machines now reset pins quickly and efficiently.

6. Elevator Operator

Elevators originally required onboard operators to manually control the lift, doors, and stops. Operators swiveled a lever to operate brakes, regulate speed, and halt the car at floors. Riders weren’t allowed to touch the controls.

The advent of automatic elevators eliminated the need for paid staff to be present. By the 1960s, most elevator operator jobs had disappeared, though a small number persisted into the 1990s.

7. Resurrectionist

In the 18th and 19th centuries, resurrectionists were employed to exhume bodies from graves to sell to medical schools. Before modern legal anatomy studies, doctors and students had limited access to cadavers and frequently turned to grave robbers.

Once legal means for studying anatomy were established, the often-unscrupulous practice of exhumation dwindled. It remains illegal in most areas.

8. Ice Cutter

Before refrigeration and ice makers, ice cutting was big business. Skilled workers harvested ice from frozen lakes and ponds using large saws and other specialized tools. The ice blocks were then transported and sold to homes and businesses.

Commercial ice cutting peaked between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries. Innovation of industrial cooling methods made the manual occupation obsolete.

9. Rat Catcher

From medieval times until the 20th century, some cities employed rat catchers to control vermin populations. These workers used everything from dogs to poisons to traps to kill rats in urban areas and prevent the spread of disease.

Better sanitation practices, rodenticides, and pest control methods have largely eliminated the need for professional rat catching services. However, a few positions still exist in some areas today.

10. Coal Miner

Coal mining was once a leading industry that employed millions of workers across the world to extract coal from underground mines. While hazardous and labor-intensive, it provided stable mining jobs for generations.

As alternative energy sources like oil, natural gas and renewables took precedence, coal demand sharply declined. Though some mining persists, automation also reduced the need for human miners drastically. Coal mining employment dropped significantly over the 20th century.

11. Telephone Operator

In the early 20th century, telephone operators manually connected calls by plugging wires into switchboards and speaking with customers. Early phone books provided phone numbers for operators rather than individuals or businesses.

The rise of direct dialing and automated systems phased out this hands-on work starting in the 1960s. While small operators still exist, it’s largely a retired profession.

12. The Town Crier

For centuries, town criers served as public broadcasters to share news and proclamations in their communities. Walking the streets ringing a bell, they’d loudly announce information for all within earshot.

The printing press and other mass communication methods made the role increasingly less relevant. Today, social media and digital networks have essentially eliminated any need for the in-person criers.

Key Takeaways

As we’ve seen, innovation and technology are powerful forces that can rapidly reshape workplace needs. Careers that at one time provided steady employment can quickly become relics of the past.

When examining obsolete roles like those profiled, some key takeaways emerge:

• Improved technology is often the driving force making manual jobs obsolete. Automation replaces human effort in many areas.

• Advances like electricity, climate control, and transportation eliminated the need for many location-based services.

• Shifts in culture and ethics removed some dubious or unsafe practices.

• Access to education, training, and information expanded people’s opportunities beyond niche manual labor roles.

• More efficient distribution channels reduced the need for direct delivery services.

• Digital communication channels provide information instantly, eliminating criers and operators.

The rapid pace of change means employees at all levels must remain adaptable. While no role is guaranteed to persist forever, developing transferable skills and embracing life-long learning can equip workers to pivot alongside shifting workplace demands.

Remaining alert to emerging technologies and keeping an eye toward future needs is equally important for employers seeking to guide their organizations and talent pools toward the opportunities of tomorrow.

The Future of Work

Observing how past jobs have disappeared also provides some context on the careers likely to shrink or thrive moving forward.

According to recent research by McKinsey & Company, here are some jobs projected to experience declining demand through 2030:

• Data entry positions
• Administrative and office support roles
• Accounting and finance clerks
• Assembly and factory workers
• Farmworkers and agricultural laborers
• Postal service occupations

Conversely, the following careers are poised for growth:

• Nurses and other healthcare professionals
• Physicians and surgeons
• Software developers and AI specialists
• Creatives roles like designers and content creators
• High-skill trade jobs like electricians, plumbers, and machinists
• Renewable energy engineers
• Data analysts and scientists
• Computer systems analysts
• Mental health counselors and therapists

These projections align with expectations around automation, AI, machine learning, renewable energy, remote work, and other technological and cultural advancements.

By cultivating skills and expertise in growing fields, workers can maximize their career agility regardless of which specific roles ultimately stand the test of time.

Preparing for Tomorrow

The smartest approach in any era is to remain flexible, eager to learn, and open to change. Workers must regularly enhance their skillsets and watch for emerging opportunities. Businesses must foster a culture of growth and provide training for high-demand skills.

With vigilance and vision, employees and employers can work together to build workforces ready to excel as ongoing innovations propel society forward.