The Metaverse is an evolving concept that envisions a shared virtual space where people can interact with each other in a seemingly natural environment. With the rise of virtual and augmented reality technologies, the Metaverse is becoming a more feasible reality than ever before.

As this new world becomes more prevalent, it has the potential to transform our everyday lives, including the job market. While the Metaverse will create new job opportunities, it will also lead to the obsolescence of certain types of jobs. In this blog, we will explore the careers that the Metaverse will replace or transform and what this means for the future of work and collaboration.

Jobs that will be replaced by AI and Automation

AI and automation are increasingly taking over routine tasks, which will continue in the Metaverse. Some jobs that will become obsolete due to AI and automation in the Metaverse include customer service representatives, data entry clerks, and specific administrative jobs. These jobs rely heavily on manual labour and are highly repetitive, making them easy to automate. In fact, according to a report by PwC, up to 20% of current jobs are at high risk of being automated by 2030.

Customer service representatives

Customer service representatives may become obsolete in the Metaverse. With the Metaverse, customers will be able to interact with virtual assistants and chatbots, providing them with quick and efficient customer service. Virtual assistants will replace customer service representatives who can handle inquiries, complaints, and requests through natural language processing. Companies may only need a few customer service representatives as they do now.

Data entry and clerical workers

The Metaverse may also impact the role of data entry and clerical workers. With the Metaverse, companies will be able to automate their data entry and clerical processes, reducing the need for human intervention. Data entry clerks will be replaced by AI-powered tools that can automatically recognize and enter data into databases, reducing the need for manual data entry. This means that data entry and clerical workers may need to adapt their skills to the virtual world or risk becoming obsolete.

Accountants and bookkeepers

The Metaverse may also impact the role of accountants and bookkeepers. With the Metaverse, companies will be able to automate their accounting and bookkeeping processes, reducing the need for human intervention. Administrative jobs, like filing and organizing paperwork, will also become obsolete due to automation. It means that recordkeepers may need to adapt their skills to the virtual world or risk becoming obsolete.

Jobs that will become obsolete

The rise of virtual environments in the Metaverse will lead to the obsolescence of certain types of jobs. Travel agents, event planners, and certain types of retail jobs are examples of jobs that will become obsolete. In the Metaverse, people can experience travel, events, and shopping in a virtual space, reducing the need for physical locations and human interactions.

Travel agents

The Metaverse will also transform the way people travel. With the Metaverse, people will be able to visit different parts of the world virtually, without the need for physical travel. Travel agents will be replaced by AI-powered virtual travel assistants that can plan and book trips for individuals based on their preferences. Travel agents may become obsolete, as people will be able to plan and book their trips virtually. Moreover, virtual event planners will replace event planners who can create and organize events in a virtual space. 

Retail workers

The Metaverse will revolutionize the way people shop. With the Metaverse, people will be able to shop from the comfort of their homes without the need for physical stores. Retail workers, such as cashiers, sales associates, and stockers, may become obsolete due to the rise of virtual shopping experiences that allow consumers to purchase products online without the need for human interaction. In fact, a recent report by McKinsey & Company suggests that up to 60% of all retail jobs could be replaced by automation and AI by 2030.

Human resources professionals

The Metaverse may also affect the role of human resources professionals. With the Metaverse, companies will be able to recruit, onboard, and train employees virtually. Human resources professionals may need to adapt their skills to the virtual world or risk becoming obsolete.

Traditional media professionals

The Metaverse may also impact traditional media professionals like television and radio hosts. With the Metaverse, people will be able to consume media virtually without the need for traditional media. Conventional media professionals may need to adapt their skills to the virtual world or risk becoming obsolete.

Real estate agents

The Metaverse may also impact real estate agents. With the Metaverse, people will be able to visit and tour virtual homes and properties without the need for physical tours.

Jobs that will be transformed

While certain types of jobs will become obsolete in the Metaverse, others will be transformed. Architects, engineers, and designers are examples of jobs that will be transformed in the Metaverse. In the Metaverse, these professionals can design and create virtual environments, buildings, and objects.

Architects, for instance, can design virtual buildings that can be used for various purposes, including virtual events, conferences, and meetings. Engineers can design virtual infrastructures, such as transportation systems and utilities, that support the virtual world. Designers can create virtual objects and products, such as clothes and furniture, that can be sold and used in the Metaverse.

Conclusion

The Metaverse is the next frontier for technology and innovation. With the conglomeration of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR), the Metaverse will be a parallel virtual universe that can be accessed through the internet. The rise of the Metaverse will transform the job market, creating new job opportunities while also leading to the obsolescence of certain types of jobs. Jobs that rely on manual labour, routine tasks, and physical locations are at the highest risk of being replaced or transformed by the Metaverse. Individuals must stay ahead of the curve and adapt to changes in the job market brought on by the Metaverse. By learning new skills, keeping up with technological advancements, and embracing new job opportunities, individuals can prepare themselves for the future of work in the Metaverse.

However, it is essential to remember that the Metaverse is still in its early stages, and there are many uncertainties about how it will evolve over time. It is difficult to predict with certainty which jobs will become obsolete and the new jobs that will come up. Nevertheless, by staying informed about technological advancements, individuals can take proactive steps to prepare themselves for the future of work. The key to success in this new landscape will be adaptability, creativity, and a willingness to embrace change.