Carlsbad, Calif. — Aug. 22
From data-entry clerks and word processors to sign spinners and shoe repairers, opportunities still exist for less than fulfilling employment, according to a new CareerCast.com report on useless jobs.
While there are certain professions that may not fill any meaningful purpose — reality TV star, for example — there is enough consumer demand to keep people who hold some of the most menial, obsolete and downright useless jobs busy.
Many useless jobs still exist because the work needs to get done and hasn't been automated, according to the report. A challenge for those who hold dwindling jobs is parlaying their experience into other opportunities.
Technology is the most consistent factor in rendering a job useless. Planning a trip today is a do-it-yourself endeavor: you can book accommodations, transportation and navigate your route online. Therefore, the traditional travel agent is no longer necessary. However, specialized travel agents still exist to tackle unusual or exotic requests, usually from wealthy clients.
Most useless jobs have one attribute in common: they are low wage, according to the report. And while sign spinning is popular now, it could face a similar fate of shrinking market that other careers see.
CareerCast.com's Most Useless Jobs:
• Atmosphere coordinator
• Compositor
• Data-entry and/or word processor
• Medium/professional clairvoyant
• Shoe repairer
• Sign spinner
• Telephone operator
• Travel agent
Source: CareerCast.com