5 Jobs That Didn’t Exist 10 Years Ago

With every passing day, our world is beginning to revolve around technology more and more. Today’s tots are being educated for careers that don’t even exist yet, as new jobs spring up left, right and centre. Ready to feel old? Here are 5 jobs that didn’t exist a decade ago.

1. Social Media Manager
   Back in 2007, social media was really nothing more than a shiny, more-connected version of email. The idea of using social media for business, advertising or marketing was nothing more than a sparkle in Mark Zuckerberg’s eye and therefore the concept of a social media manager simply didn’t exist. Ten technologically-advanced years on, we are practically slaves to our social media profiles, with a massive 2.46 billion people estimated to be active on social media as of 2017. Popular platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have gradually become some of the most valuable marketing tools at our disposal, by extending our online reach to a practically endless audience. And so, the social media manager was born.
2. Uber Driver
   Popular ride-sharing app Uber has become the bread and butter of paid transportation, providing an easier, cheaper, app-based alternative to the classic taxi ride. Founded in 2009, Uber has quickly grown to become one of the world’s most successful start-ups, currently valued at an eye-watering $62 billion. The concept of driving people around in your own car, in your own hours, on your own terms, simply wasn’t heard of back in 2007. Now, ten years on, there are estimated to be more than 500,000 Uber drivers worldwide.
3. Cloud Computing Specialist
   If someone had told you ten years ago that they worked in ‘the cloud’, you would probably have laughed uncomfortably, backed away slowly and subtly dialed 000 for assistance. The elusive concept was born back in 2006, when Eric Schmidt described Google’s approach to software as ‘cloud computing’ at a conference. While still somewhat of a technological enigma to most, having your ‘head in the cloud’ is now considered a legitimate profession, with over half of US businesses now using cloud computing.
4. YouTubers/Lifestyle Bloggers
   Remember when the internet was only used for chain emails, cat videos and… uhhh… adult content? Well thanks to the rise of technology, YouTube-ing, streaming, blogging and vlogging have now become perfectly valid career choices – and quite well-paying ones at that. Some of the most successful YouTube gurus and Instagram models earn millions of dollars through posting content online, predominately through advertising, product placement and sponsorship deals.
5. App developer
   In this day and age, it seems practically impossible to imagine a life without smart phones, it’s almost like trying to imagine a new colour. With the iPhone having only arrived in 2007, and the Android shortly thereafter, the concept of apps still wasn’t invented. A decade on, nearly half of the world’s adults have a smartphone, and there is an app for almost everything now, whether it be banking, eating or even dating. App development has fast become one of the youngest and most important professions in our tech-savvy society.