In the ever-evolving world of technology, some professions that were once common and vital to society have become expendable. The advancement of automation, the internet and digitalization has transformed the work, leaving some professions in the past. See eight examples below.
8 professions that are in the past
1. Pole Lighter
The lamplighter was a professional responsible for turning on and off public lighting lamps on streets and avenues, before the automation of urban lighting. He went around the city and lit the lamps in the evening hours; then it went out at dawn.
He was an essential figure in ensuring safety and lighting in the streets before the emergence of automatic electric lighting. With the electrification and automation of public lights, the profession of lamplighter fell into disuse.
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2. Lantern
In cinemas in the past, ushers were responsible for helping the public find their seats in the dark and ensuring that the environment was suitable for showing the film.
With modern movie theaters equipped with automated lighting and advances in the viewer experience, ushers have become obsolete.
3. Book Seller
Before the advent of digital age, booksellers played a fundamental role in the dissemination of literature. They roamed neighborhoods and communities, often with backpacks or bags full of books, offering a wide variety of titles directly to customers in their homes.
These salespeople were known for their personal recommendations and ability to tailor their offerings to each customer’s reading preferences.
However, with the arrival of the internet and online bookstores, the scenario has changed significantly. People now have access to a wide range of titles with ease, choosing from online catalogs and receiving books at their doors.
This digital transformation has reduced the need for traditional booksellers, who have gradually seen their role diminish.
4. Milkman
The milkman was an essential professional in the past, collecting and delivering fresh milk to homes. The presence of milkmen guaranteed the quality and safety of the product. However, over time, the profession was replaced by supermarkets and modern distribution methods.
Today, the delivery of milk to homes is rare, but the milkman is fondly remembered for his contribution to everyday life.
5. Telephone operator
The operator was a professional responsible for connecting telephone calls manually, operating a telephone exchange. It played an essential role in communication, connecting subscribers.
With the advancement of telephone automation, the profession of telephone operator was gradually replaced by automatic call switching systems.
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6. Radio actor and actress
Radio actors and actresses were professionals who played roles on radio programs, performing vocal performances for auditory entertainment in roles in series of comedy, drama, thrillers and other genres.
During the 1920s to 1950s, radio was the most popular form of entertainment. The voices of the actors and actresses were the main tool of expression. They were responsible for creating compelling characters and conveying stories in captivating ways.
Although the golden age of radio has come to an end, the legacy of these professionals is still remembered and respected.
7. Human computer
A “human computer” was a person trained to perform complex calculations and mathematical tasks manually, before the era of electronic computers. They were often employed in areas such as astronomy, engineering and scientific research.
These professionals played a crucial role in solving problems that required computational capacity that machines at the time did not have.
With the advent of electronic computers, the need for “human computers” decreased significantly, but their historical contribution is recognized as fundamental to the development of computing.
8. Linotypist archivist
Finally, a linotype archivist was a professional who operated a linotype machine. This, in turn, was a device used to create lines of text in typography.
These specialists were responsible for composing text in metal or typographic alloys, making it ready for printing in newspapers, magazines and other media.
Linotype was widely used until the mid-20th century, when printing technology offset and digital compositing have largely replaced that profession.
Therefore, linotyping archivists played an important role in the production of printed materials, despite their demand having decreased drastically with technological developments.
O technological progress revolutionized the job market, making many professions that were essential in the past obsolete. Although these professions have disappeared, new employment opportunities have emerged in other areas.
The disappearance of professions due to the advancement of technology is a reminder that, as new technologies emerge, it is essential that workers prepare for the changes and seek learning opportunities and continued growth.