Automation is killing jobs

I'm going to date myself with this post. I remember a time before answering machines, mobile phones, personal computers, and self-serve kiosks. Folks had manners (for the most part - there have always been exceptions). Technology has been lauded as a wonderful part of civilization. Yes, science has given us medical marvels and taken us to the Moon and back but have all the modern wonders been to our true benefits?

Let us take a look.


When I was a child stopping to fill the family car wasn't just a quick moment in the daily grind. Gasoline companies aggressively competed for our business with campaigns meant to draw us in. Pulling in was an experience. An attendant would pump your gas, wash the car windows, check the oil, washer fluid, and check the tires. Most stations gave away something a 'gift' with a certain amount of gas. Usually it was a theme  - similar to what McDonalds does now - sometimes geared towards the adults and other times (generally around Christmas) leaning towards the kids. The advent of the 'self-service' station was meant to be a quicker stop. One less employee taking a paycheck home.

Utilities went automated next. When there was a time where one could call and instantly speak to a real person suddenly that was not the case. The 'press one, press two, etc.' became the normal. Soon, the help desk personnel were barely English-speaking as the companies were moving the help desk centers to India or Pakistan. How could they help if he or she couldn't communicate? Credit card companies quickly followed their lead. How many employees lost their jobs?

Next came the grocery stores. A self-service aisle was added. We were told the lanes were meant for those with a few items who didn't want to wait in lines. Yeah, right. Now, you are lucky to find a store that keeps more than two regular lines open. The stores rely on the self-checks. I was in one store not to long ago that had a line marked 'about 15 items' because people are no longer able to count and the clerks are not allowed to tell folks to get in the appropriate line any longer. Even stores like Home Depot  have self-checks now. In other countries, fast food companies have toyed with self-ordering kiosks. How many jobs lost?

Self driving cars and trucks? Shall we tick off more folks out of work for convenience sake?

This brings me to the most recent experience: the airlines. It started with self-check for passengers without bags. Now some airlines (domestic for now) have passengers self print boarding passes AND baggage tags. You then take both to the attendant, who checks each. Does this prevent problems? No, luggage still gets lost. In our recent experience, an attendant REMOVED the destination tag which led to our bag being lost for three days. Lesson learned when flying: take photo of the destination tag (in case they 'forget' to give you your receipt); if possible get said person's name (take photo while in line of the staff); take photo of your suitcase(s); and, obtain and insert inside the case a gps tag that is connected to an app on your phone. That will help locate your luggage.

There it is. My reasons for why automation is killing jobs and why I refuse to use the self-checks when a choice of a live person is available. It may mean waiting in line but I'm saving a job and sending a message at the same time.

until next time, stay safe out there