Bruce Bartlett pointed to a Dallas Fed analysis of the causes and consequences of higher productivity. One of the sections, on the evolution of work, says

The United States will continue to move up the hierarchy of human talents as it becomes more productive. Fewer jobs at relatively lower pay will be available for those who offer employers only muscle power, manual dexterity or formulaic intelligence. Americans who want to prepare for the better jobs of the future will concentrate on developing their creativity, imagination, people skills and emotional intelligence.

The article cites data for 1992-2002 showing that large increase in jobs occurred in nursing, engineering, and design. Declines occurred in secretarial work, sewing machine operators, and farm workers.

For Discussion. If you had an 18-year old child, what career choice would you recommend?