AI: Displacement or plus ca change?

We are all very aware that in the 20th century the arrival of the car not only profoundly reshaped the world but also the job market. Whilst concerns about AI displacing jobs are understandable history suggests that big advances in tech, while disruptive, often create new unforeseen opportunities. Here I offer a side-by-side of roles affected by the advent of the car.

I believe the list helps underscore the dual nature of innovation: while certain professions may wane, new opportunities often arise in their stead. It is thus essential we approach AI with both caution and optimism, recognising that change, though inevitable, can also herald uncharted opportunities. Drawing parallels from history, adaptability and foresight are key as we navigate the evolving AI landscape.

Directly Impacted by Advent of Motor Car:

• Ostler: Individuals who took care of travellers’ horses

• Stable Hand: Workers responsible for maintaining stables and caring for horses.

• Carriage Maker: Craftsmen who built horse-drawn carriages.

• Harness Maker: Artisans who made harnesses for horses.

• Farrier: Specialists in equine hoof care.

• Horse Shoers: Individuals focused on shoeing horses.

• Saddlers: Craftsmen who made, repaired, or sold saddles.

• Horse Breeders: Professionals breeding horses for transportation purposes.

• Horse Trainers: Professionals who trained horses for specific transport tasks.

• Whip Makers: Craftsmen who made whips used for driving horses.

• Tack Shops: Stores selling horse-related equipment.

• Horse Dealers: Individuals who traded or sold horses.

• Livery Stable Owners: Providers of horses for hire.

• Wheelwrights: Craftsmen who made or repaired wooden wheels for carriages.

• Horse-Drawn Mailmen & Couriers: Deliverers of mail and packages using horse-drawn carts.

• Horse-Drawn Streetcar Operators: Operators of horse-drawn public transportation in cities.

• Night Soil Men or Gong Farmers: Collectors of horse dung in urban areas.

• Equine Veterinarians: Vets specializing in horses used for transportation.

• Bridle Makers: Craftsmen who specialized in making bridles for horses.

• Horse Auctioneers: Professionals organizing auctions for buying and selling horses.

• Horse Ferry Operators: Operators of ferries transporting horses across rivers.

• Mounted Police: Police units patrolling on horseback.

Indirectly Impacted by Advent of Car:

• Hay Merchants: Sellers of hay for horse feed.

• Fodder Merchants: Sellers of grain and other feed for horses.

• Innkeepers and Coaching Inn Operators: Providers of rest for travellers and their horses.

• Toll Booth Operators: Operators of toll booths for horse-drawn vehicles.

• Watering Trough Maintainers: Maintainers of public watering troughs for horses.

Directly Arising from Advent of Motor Car:

• Automobile Manufacturer: Workers involved in the production of motor vehicles.

• Automobile Mechanic: Professionals who repair and maintain motor vehicles.

• Car Salesperson: Individuals selling new or used cars at dealerships.

• Petrol Station Workers: at fuelling stations assisting with refuelling and other services.

• Automobile Designer: Professionals who design the aesthetics and functionality of cars.

• Traffic Policeman: Officers managing road traffic and enforcing traffic laws.

• Driving Instructor: Professionals teaching individuals how to drive.

• Taxi Driver: Drivers of motorized cabs offering transportation services.

• Truck Driver: Individuals driving trucks for the transportation of goods.

• Automobile Racer: Professionals competing in motor racing sports.

• Parking Attendant: Individuals managing and overseeing parking lots or garages.

• Tire Manufacturer: Workers producing tires specifically for motor vehicles.

• Road Construction Worker: Individuals involved in the construction and maintenance of roads suitable for motor vehicles.

• Automobile Insurance Agent: Professionals selling insurance policies specifically for motor vehicles.

• Tow Truck Operator: Individuals providing vehicle towing services.

• Automobile Journalist: Writers and reviewers focusing on motor vehicles and the automotive industry.

• Car Rental Agent: Professionals working at businesses that rent cars to the public.

Indirectly Arising or Expanding Due to Advent of Car:

• Motel/Hotel Operator: With increased road travel, there was a rise in establishments offering lodging to travellers.

• Highway Patrol: Law enforcement officers monitoring and enforcing laws on highways.

• Roadside Diner Staff: Workers at eateries catering to motorists traveling long distances.

• Billboard Advertiser: Professionals involved in the advertising industry targeting motorists.

• Auto Parts Retailer: Sellers of spare parts and accessories for motor vehicles.

• Car Wash Operator: Workers at establishments offering car cleaning services.

• Traffic Engineer: Professionals designing and managing road networks to optimize traffic flow.

• Urban Planner: With the rise of motor vehicles, urban planning had to adapt to accommodate roads, parking, and traffic considerations.

• Environmental Activist: As concerns about pollution and environmental impact grew, some activists focused on issues related to motor vehicles.