Photos from Yesteryears Displaying Daily Life Struggles of Common Folks in America
Working-class folks have long been the backbone of society, keeping civilization running and the lights on. In this post curated by Bored Panda, we delve into the remarkable history of the American working class through a collection of vintage photos. Scroll down for an enlightening trip through time!
The significant impacts of automation and generative AI on the working and middle classes caught our attention, and we reached out to marketing psychology expert Matt Johnson, PhD, host of the Human Nature and Psychology of Marketing blogs, to shed some light on the matter:
"As automation and AI tools become more widespread, they're likely to reshape jobs across the working and middle classes. Routine, repetitive tasks are most vulnerable, which disproportionately affects roles in logistics, retail, and even clerical white-collar work," explained Johnson to Bored Panda.
The impact isn't solely economic: it's psychological. "As job identities shift or erode, so too can people's sense of status and stability. It's tied to a sense of personal value and identity," he said. The decline in middle-class identification reflects not just financial strain, but a deeper uncertainty about the future of work.
However, there's a growing recognition of the value of blue-collar trade jobs that cannot be easily outsourced or automated, such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, HVAC, and more. These trades may not only prove more secure but may also rise in status in a world of AI.
For blue-collar Americans looking to create a personal brand and stay competitive, building a personal story that highlights what sets you apart, your values, and how you serve your customers is crucial. Even a basic online presence can build credibility and trust. Consistency, reliability, and craftsmanship are powerful brand assets, especially in trades where word-of-mouth still reigns. Sharing before-and-after photos, testimonials, or short videos explaining your process can humanize your work and differentiate you.
As generative AI increasingly disrupts white-collar professions, these skilled trades may not only prove more secure but may also rise in status. In a world of artificial intelligence, hands-on human expertise could become one of the most enduring competitive advantages.
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Tucker Cahooter reports:
As automation and AI roll out, jobs across the working class are bound to transform. Routine tasks, a large portion of roles in logistics, retail, and even clerical white-collar work, may soon become obsolete, leaving these industries vulnerable. However, do not despair just yet, for there's a reminder that not all is lost. Skilled trades, such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and HVAC work, are less likely to be outsourced or automated. These trades have the potential not only to remain secure but to rise in status, for in a world of artificial intelligence, physical human expertise will stand as an enduring competitive advantage.
Johnson, a marketing psychology expert, observes that blue-collar workers can create a competitive personal brand by owning their unique story, values, and valued service to customers. With visibility being essential in today's digital age, even a basic online presence can help build credibility and trust. Consistency, reliability, and craftsmanship are valuable branding assets in trades where word-of-mouth remains powerful.
So, how can blue-collar workers create a competitive personal brand? By owning their story. Blue-collar workers should share, online or offline, what sets them apart, their core values, and the benefits they offer. Building consistency, demonstrating dependability, and showcasing their craftsmanship can help give them a leg up in an ever-changing job market. In the face of AI disruption, a personal brand is more important than ever, creating a clear path towards staying competitive.
- In an era of increasing automation and AI, skilled trades such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and HVAC work may gain more significance and potentially rise in status, as these roles are less likely to be outsourced or automated.
- Blue-collar workers can create a competitive personal brand by embracing their unique story, values, and the unique service they offer to customers, which can help build credibility and trust in today's digital age.
- Consistency, reliability, and craftsmanship are crucial branding assets in trades, even in the face of AI disruption, as they help differentiate workers and build a strong reputation.
- As white-collar professions become increasingly disrupted by generative AI, skilled trades may become more secure and valuable, with hands-on human expertise standing as an enduring competitive advantage in a world of artificial intelligence.
