Back off robots. There are some jobs that humans just do better
Increases in automation inevitably means many jobs will become obsolete over the next ten years.
Tasks requiring repetition, data entry or providing basic customer service are all likely to be automated.
Already we’re seeing this in automated checkouts and manufacturing production lines.
Bank tellers, customer service agents and telemarketers are examples of jobs likely to be automated, although the world should be able to get by without telemarketers altogether.
The upside to this is us super-gifted humans can then be put to work in more meaningful roles.
Technological advancements plus social and environmental factors will all factor in creating a new-look employment sector.
If you’re a registered nurse who also happens to dabble in wind and solar energy, your future is just rosy.
Put your feet up and relax. You will be highly employable over the next twenty or so years.
Jobs requiring creativity, social intelligence and even manual dexterity are at low risk of being done machines.
Phew.
Here are some of the occupations that will be highly sought after.
Registered Nurses
Ageing populations will create an increased demand for registered nurses. The job requires interpersonal skills and empathy which gives humans the edge over automation.
Male nurses could become greater in number and the demand for quality nurses could bring a long overdue rise in salaries.
Would anyone dare begrudge higher salaries for nurses? Thought not.
Mechanical Technicians
Yes, the world will become more automated but this also creates more jobs for technicians, mechanics and repairers. These workers have to fix any problems, install systems and provide maintenance, often in cramped conditions.
They also have to think on their feet and have good hand-eye coordination. Sorry bots.
Occupational Therapists
An excellent career choice for job stability as this ticks all the boxes. They provide support and training for those dealing with physical difficulties resulting from disability, ageing, injury or illness.
Vital skills include being able to communicate and empathize with a wide range of people. Occupational therapists also need to be creative in thinking up solutions and prescribing programs for their clients.
Alternative Energy careers
Not surprisingly, jobs in alternative energy fields will continue to grow over the next few decades.
Technicians will be highly sought after to use their knowledge and expertise to install, maintain and repair solar panels and wind turbines.
Consultants with expertise in solar, hydro and nuclear energy sources will enjoy plenty of job options as will construction managers.
School Teachers
Cynics would argue that robots would make excellent teachers and in some cases students wouldn’t notice the difference.
When I recall a certain science teacher in Year 9 who shall remain nameless, this is certainly a valid point.
However on the whole, school teachers’ ability to interact effectively and use their intuition gives them a massive edge over automation.
While some tasks such as marking tests or even teaching math or grammar could be automated, teachers have to be able to assess students individually and adapt to their needs.
Aerospace Engineers
The aerospace industry is growing rapidly as more efficient and advanced aircraft is sought after. Engineers will be in hot demand to design and improve aircraft, spacecraft and satellites.
The salaries in this field are already quite appealing so can be expected to grow. Even if engineering isn’t your thing, finding other jobs within the industry would be a stable career move.
Software Engineers
No surprises here as every industry is dependent on software. Whether it’s designing network and operating systems or designing apps and games, software engineers can pretty much pick and choose their projects.
If you’re not one, marry one.
Creative roles
The trusty right side of the human brain trumps robots or computer programs (for now). Non-structured jobs demanding creativity such as writing, graphic design and acting are all a human-only field.
Having said that some actors and screenwriters may be nervously looking over their shoulder.
Lawyers
Say what you will about lawyers but bear in mind if you ever require legal representation then a living, breathing human lawyer is your best bet.
The legal industry is already investing in robotic technology in order to automate time-intensive manual tasks. These include contract and document analysis and case reviews.
This frees up lawyers to spend more quality time on their clients and to apply their skills more constructively.
Such skills are unique to a human lawyer and include critical thinking and analysis, problem solving, conflict resolution, negotiating and persuading and creative thinking.
All are intrinsic human qualities that are unlikely to be adequately automated, at least in our lifetimes.
These are a sample of jobs that will continue to thrive over the next 10 – 20 years. There are countless other careers that will evolve and emerge depending on technological, societal and environmental factors.
The key is that while the automation of jobs will continue to grow, human workers will simply shift to more suitable roles or continue to thrive in their current jobs. Adapt and move forward.
No need to worry. Human and proud of it.
gustoker 
I can certainly vouch for human nurses. They are amazing.
Truly. Plus human nurses are more fun at a party than robot nurses
Yay for optimism!
Yes, yay for humans! Cynics call themselves realists, pessimists aren’t worth the trouble but optimists get things done. In my humble and correct opinion.