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How Automation Will Impact the Middle-Class Workforce

Posted: 02 Feb 2020 03:00 PM PST

Whether you're ordering at a fast-food restaurant or you're using your Amazon Echo to order items with 2-day shipping, the impact of automation is obvious. The increasing prevalence of automated processes spells trouble for the middle class, in spite of the low unemployment numbers in the United States right now.

Many people are concerned about whether automation will cause people to lose jobs. Certainly, it's causing a shift in the jobs market and will continue to do so. So, are all the doom and gloom predictions real or just hype? Will your job be in danger in the near future? Keep reading to find out:

  • How Automation will transform the middle-class
  • The industries most affected by Automation
  • How widespread unemployment will be
  • How Automation could benefit you

Automation will transform the demographics of the middle class workforce

Some studies are suggesting that approximately half of all U.S. jobs will be significantly affected by automation, while others have lower estimates. But whether it's a severe change or not, it seems very likely that automation will also change the demographics of the middle class. Currently, because most of the industries that automation will impact are male-dominated, it seems that men will be affected by automation far more than women. It also appears that younger and older workers may have a harder time keeping jobs, while those who are middle-aged will have better job security.

New schooling and jobs may be necessary for many

In the future, a significant portion of workers may need to go back to school and spend another few years getting a degree to build a new profession. That could mean they will re-enter the job force at an entry-level job while in the middle of their working years. Some people will need to relocate to areas that are experiencing economic growth in spite of automation. Other workers may be close enough to retirement age that they will choose to simply retire early. Ultimately, automation could result in harsher income inequality in America.

The industries most affected by automation

Some job descriptions will change only slightly as automation takes over, while other jobs will become obsolete. If a job can be performed primarily using automation, it probably won't be around for much longer. Or, at the very least, there will be significantly fewer people holding those jobs.

It is important to keep in mind that just because certain jobs are able to be automated does not necessarily mean they will disappear entirely. Some companies may not be able to afford to implement automation. Others may simply prefer doing things the "old-fashioned" way.

There are also entire industries that will struggle due to automation. Some of the main industries that will be affected include:

  • Transportation
  • Customer service
  • Healthcare
  • Legal services
  • Criminal justice
  • Advertising
  • Accounting and finance

Here's a closer look at how automation will affect a few of these industries.

The impact of self-driving cars on the transportation industry

Those who work in the transportation industry will experience a significant shift due to automation. As self-driving cars become more popular and reliable, they will be a cheaper way to transport goods and people. This will mean that truck drivers, bus drivers, taxi drivers, and others will be less necessary.

Since more than 3.5 million Americans currently work as truck drivers, this is a huge industry to consider when it comes to automation. They are the backbone of blue-collar workers. It's one of the most popular occupations in the country. However, self-driving cars will not necessarily take all truck driving jobs. Some drivers will still likely be needed in the near future to navigate sub-optimal road conditions and high-traffic areas.

How smart tech could hurt the criminal justice industry

Another industry that will be majorly impacted by automation is criminal justice. As tech becomes smarter, fewer people are needed to "catch the bad guys." While this is a good thing for the safety of society, it's not great for police and even people who work in the court system. Facial recognition is one of the most powerful forms of automation that makes it easy to find a criminal. Criminals could now even be sentenced and given parole using the power of automation.

The effectiveness of automated advertisements

Many people make the mistake of believing that automation will only negatively impact blue-collar jobs. That simply isn't the case. White-collar jobs like those in the advertising industry will also be affected. For example, advertising is becoming increasingly dependent on automation. People can already see how this happening with social media ads. No one is physically choosing and placing ads for you to see – it's all automatic.

Because advertising companies collect such a large amount of data, it's easy for them to create effective ads targeted to individuals based on automation. Advertisements will only continue to become smarter and even more targeted. Automation is able to determine the success of an ad without human intervention.

How widespread will unemployment be?

So, if you're a middle-class worker, do you have to fear permanent unemployment? Not necessarily. Career changes are the main concern. Most people who lose their jobs due to automation will be able to find employment elsewhere—it just will take some time and training. Middle-class workers need to be flexible in order to stay employed and realize that retraining could be inevitable.

In February 2019, the U.S. Department of labor awarded a $7.5 million grant to Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS). MUS is a group of 13 different workforce development boards located in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and several other Midwest states affected by the impact of Automation. Funds from the grant is helping dislocated middle-class workers reconnect with employment in growth occupations and industries not affected by automation. MUS rolled out pre-apprentice and registered apprenticeships programs with customized training to develop new opportunities for displaced workers.

The U.S. Department of labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) provides information on training programs and other services that are available to assist workers who have been laid off or are about to be laid off. Many of these services are designed to meet state and local needs.

How automation could benefit you

Automation isn't all bad, some of the most notable benefits of automation in the workplace will include faster time to market, increased efficiency in work performed, higher worker productivity, and significant gains in customer satisfaction scores. Automation could be beneficial to the careers and salaries of highly skilled individuals. Note that highly skilled doesn't necessarily mean "highly educated." It will still affect those who hold bachelor's, master's, and even doctorate degrees. In addition, automation could be a catalyst for job creation. This is because automation is able to improve the productivity of workers, driving down the prices of goods and services. Because consumers are then able to afford more than in the past, new jobs are needed.

Prepare for the automation takeover

To survive the automation takeover, you will have to prepare your business for the rise of automation. Change is inevitable, and if you aren't properly planning for it, your business will suffer. You'll need to develop a tailored strategy to survive the automation takeover. Stay plugged into Business.com and visit EmersonDeOliveira.com to learn how to help your business thrive in spite of the challenges of automation.

 

9 Best Side Hustle Ideas For 2020

Posted: 02 Feb 2020 07:00 AM PST

In 2020, millions of people are busy trying to determine their resolutions for the new year. For many people, a new year brings with it renewed economic opportunities, which is why this is such an excellent time to begin determining side hustles for 2020. Not all side gigs are created equal, however, and some side hustles are far more worthy of your time and attention than others. 

Here's a breakdown of nine of the best side hustle ideas for 2020, why this is the year to be chasing after them and how they'll reward you for your hard work. 

1. The 2020 U.S. Census

Every ten years, the government takes a census to determine the nation's population and to elucidate other important demographic information. Now that the 2020 census is just about here, it means that dedicated and intelligent individuals in need of good-paying side gigs can find plenty of work by contributing to the census process. 

According to the federal government's official census webpage, this is the largest civilian mobilization in the nation. Hundreds of thousands of people will be hired to canvas for addresses and other important information that helps determine things like congressional representation and the dispersal of tax dollars to nation-wide and local projects. 

Those in need of a good side gig in 2020 should rush to become a census worker as soon as possible, as there are many important roles which must be filled. Besides being an excellent way to bolster your paycheck, it's also contributing to the health and well-being of the country as a whole. You can apply online at the official government webpage or find more information by calling 855-JOB-2020. 

2. Delivery and driving

For those in need of a job that involves lots of going door to door but can't work for the U.S. Census Bureau, there are always plentiful delivery and driving jobs to be had. Ridesharing is as big as it has ever been, with major companies like Uber, Lyft and countless others in desperate need of more workers if they're to remain strong in the market. 

The ideal thing about so many of these driving positions is that they're often part-time and thus ideal for those looking for a side gig. Don't think you need to work for Uber or Lyft, either, as there are plenty of alternative options which you can browse, too. Even traditional taxi cabs remain alive and well, so don't be afraid to look around your local population centers to see if nearby businesses are hiring drivers. 

3. Personal training

For those who have the athletic capacity to serve as a personal trainer, 2020 is an excellent time to get involved in the fast-growing fitness sector. Becoming a personal trainer takes time and dedication, but those clever professionals capable of marketing their services to a wide audience will quickly find themselves inundated with clients ready to pay the big bucks to get in shape. 

As 2020 draws nearer, it's thus worthwhile to build your side gig ambitions around the notion of becoming a personal trainer. This usually entails having a stellar web presence, as you'll need to be able to market your services, but don't be afraid to chase after a local angle either. After all, there are doubtless many individuals near you who would be willing to pay in exchange for strength or endurance coaching services. 

4. Real estate professional

With services like AirBnB at your disposal, it's easier than ever to become a mini real estate professional by renting out your extra space. Services like HomeAway and Flipkey can help you turn your extra space into extra pocket cash if you know how to tidy up properly. If you're good at marketing your services, your side gig renting your extra space could become a permanent fixture of your income.

5. Tutor

Maybe being a personal trainer is out of reach due to your own struggles with athleticism, but that by no means prevents you from coaching individuals in other areas of life. Intellectually savvy side hustlers can make a nice living for themselves as tutors, for instance, as many people are in desperate need of in-person schooling for a wide variety of reasons.  

If you possess valuable area expertise, you may find your tutoring skills in hot demand, especially now that you can advertise your services online. Social media channels enable you to quickly and easily locate potential students in desperate need of your services, so get searching if you're still in need of a side hustle as 2020 approaches. 

6. Electronics resale

To those who are excellent online shoppers, purchasing, refurbishing and re-selling used electronics is an excellent way to generate a side income for one's self. If you browse eBay and similar online marketplaces for used smartphones and scoop them up at low prices, for instance, you can turn around and re-sell them to others for a tremendous profit. This side hustle demands a certain degree of familiarity with online marketplaces, but those who are capable of quickly and capably navigating them will find that they present a goldmine of financial opportunities waiting to be exploited. 

Whether it's laptops, smartphones, or other digital devices, the purchasing and re-selling of electronics is an excellent side gig to consider.  

7. Freelance writing

For those writers who have been yearning to earn a little extra cash on the side, there's always the option of writing for a living. Ebooks are in popular demand, and the past few years have seen record-breaking numbers of self-published ebook sales. This is because it's easier and more accessible than ever before for aspiring writers to publish their workers in order to earn a side income for themselves. 

Those who have been sitting on an ebook transcript for too long should review some self-publishing platforms that can help them turn writing into a side gig as 2020 unfolds.  

8. Virtual assistant

Secretarial work and office duties constantly need good workers if they're to be completed on time, but many people struggle to find the in-person assistance they need. That's why many professionals are turning to virtual assistants, or people who handle office tasks virtually, to alleviate their workloads.  

If you're tech-savvy and capable of working well with others, becoming a virtual assistant is a great way to generate a tidy side income in 2020. Just ensure that you find a good boss to work for, as the success of a virtual assistant often depends on their chemistry with their employer. 

9. YouTuber

Many people have interesting creative ideas that are never fully materialized, which is a terrible shame. Luckily, the powers of the internet have given you access to an audience, so you can finally show the world your stuff if you have the dedication to see it through. Becoming a YouTuber to show off your various talents or delve into a niche hobby is an excellent way to monetize your interest. If you gain enough subscribers and accrue a large enough following, it will become a side or even permanent gig that's great for earning some extra cash.  

There's no reason to endure 2020 without some cash in your pocket. By chasing any one of these side gigs, you'll be bolstering your income and honing your skills for a future full-time position.
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