10 Dying Industries You Should Avoid Working In
The job market isn’t what it used to be, and the pace of change can feel dizzying. Industries that once seemed solid are now slipping away, and there isn’t just a single cause. Unfortunately, we are facing waves of new technology (Hello AI) that aren’t just changing how we do work, but changing what people want as well. One of the most common jobs in the US used to be a “teamster” or someone who transported goods with a team of horses. While it’s comical of thinking about becoming a horse teamster today, it might be harder to figure out what will be the teamster of tomorrow. If you’re planning your career path or considering a switch later in life it’s worth asking the tough question: is this a field with a future, or am I signing up for a career that could disappear before I retire? Knowing the difference can mean the world when it comes to job security, financial stability, and peace of mind.
And remember—careers are rarely set in stone. If you find yourself in one of these declining fields, it is not too late to pivot. With the right training, networking, and willingness to adapt, you can transition into an industry where your skills are in demand.
~Our Debt Free Family
This article by Our Debt Free Family takes readers on a tour of sectors that are shrinking fast and may no longer offer the opportunities they once did. From tobacco manufacturing and coal mining to traditional retail and even surprising fields like video game development, these industries are seeing job losses thanks to automation, outsourcing, and shifts in how people live and work. Some are fading quietly in the background, while others are collapsing in plain sight. However, the message is the same: careers built in these areas are becoming increasingly unstable. Instead of chasing jobs in fields headed for steep decline, The authors suggests looking toward growth areas such as healthcare, renewable energy, technology, and education which are places where your skills can grow with the industry rather than shrink against it. The big takeaway? Don’t just plan for the job you want today; think about whether that industry will still be thriving ten or twenty years down the road.
7 Fast-Food Coupons That Were Canceled After Abuse
There’s a special kind of schadenfreude in watching big corporations get played at their own game. Who doesn’t love the idea of snagging endless fries, free tacos, or a $5 Footlong just by finding a loophole the marketing team didn’t think through? For a while, it feels like you’re sticking it to the man… and getting dinner out of it. But here’s the catch: those “hacks” that go viral on TikTok or Reddit almost never end well. Once too many people pile on, the free ride ends with a hard stop. Instead of being the clever rebel who outsmarted the system, you’re left out in the cold after the company needs to stop its losses.
Taco Bell’s free Doritos Locos Taco coupon was originally a one-day-only reward after a sports event. However, creative fans found ways to screenshot the mobile offer, generating unlimited redemptions. Some even used automated bots to claim multiple coupons from the Taco Bell app.
~ Travis Campbell, Grocery Coupon Guide
That’s exactly how beloved deals at McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Subway, Chick-fil-A, and more got torched. The free Friday fries? Gone. The $5 Footlong? Buried. Those “free” chicken sandwiches? History. Companies watched customers spin up fake accounts, recycle promo codes, and milk app glitches until the only option left was to kill the deal or slap on draconian one-use-only rules. So now instead of feeling like Robin Hood, deal hunters are more like the guy who steals all the Halloween candy bowl and ruins it for the neighborhood. The lesson? If you actually want those perks to stick around, maybe don’t push your luck because corporations have no problem slamming the door shut once the masses start abusing the loophole.
7 Money Beliefs That Are Quietly Costing You Friends
We all know money isn’t just about paying bills or padding a savings account… it also has a sneaky way of influencing our friendships. Think about it: have you ever felt awkward splitting a check at dinner, or noticed that conversations about salaries or spending habits can get tense? The beliefs we hold about money can ripple into our social lives in many ways. Sometimes, without even realizing it, our attitudes about spending, saving, or sharing can make friends feel judged, pressured, or left out. And over time, it can quietly chip away at the bonds we’ve worked so hard to build.
Being careful with money is wise, but extreme frugality can sometimes send the wrong message. If you always decline invitations because they’re too expensive or constantly point out cheaper alternatives, friends may feel judged or that you’re not interested in spending time with them.
~ Travis Campbell, Clever Dude
That tension between money and friends is exactly what Travis Campbell explores in this article. From the idea that generosity means always picking up the tab, to the belief that financial success equals personal worth, Campbell shows how common money mindsets can backfire. He highlights how extreme frugality, bragging about financial wins, or keeping struggles a secret can all create distance instead of connection. The good news? Each belief comes with a simple fix: balance generosity, stay humble, be open about challenges, and don’t let lending or borrowing define your friendships. Campbell emphasizes that healthy relationships thrive on trust and mutual respect and not on who has the biggest paycheck or the strictest budget. By examining our money beliefs and adjusting where needed, we can protect the friendships that truly enrich our lives.