Jobs from the past, today

We have read online that our jobs will no longer exist 40 years into the future because of rapid changes in technology and society. Besides scaring us, this thought also leads us to wonder what life would be like if jobs from the past - and jobs currently at the threat of extinction - continue to shape our days.

HUMAN ALARM CLOCK

It's 7:00 am. You're in bed, still not done with the solid 4 hours of sleep you're getting tonight. You deserve more rest.  There's sudden banging and pounding on the main door. "This can't be happening!" you scream, refusing to start the day. "Well it is! Embrace your own reality!". The person outside your door screams back before moving on to the next door knowing you are fully awake. That was your 'Uthao' service helping you get up for class.

PHONE CALL OPERATORS

You open the door. Standing in front of you, out of breath, is the little son of the local shopkeeper. "There's going to be a phone call for you, " he announces, "tomorrow morning 7 am" before he runs away having done his job. You're confused. Out of curiosity you're at the shop next dawn when the phone rings.

"Hello? Who is this?" you ask.

"Hello Nazora? This is Asif - your groupmate from history class"

"Asif? Why are you calling me at 7 am?!"

"Hehe…see the thing is…I mean don't be mad. I sort of came to China with my family. Totally unexpected. Just finish up the groupwork, it shouldn't be tough"

"What?! You abondoned us?? You expect us to do your work for you? The report is due in 3 days!"

"See I tried to do the best I can. You have 3 days plus the additional day you get since you are one day behind in Bangladesh so that shall give you 24 hours extra."

"Asif?! That's not how time or geography works! You know what? I'm glad you and your insightful mind is gone," you yell before slamming the phone down, mentally preparing yourself to do one more person's work all on your own.

TOWN CRIER

"People of west Rupganj, there will be no electricity tomorrow till 2 pm. The weather forecast says it is  likely to rain all day. And for those who are still unaware, Diamond Mia has been eliminated from Bangladeshi Idol last night," he yells out while everyone gathered around him meets his announcements with collective gasps and sighs.

DOOR TO DOOR VENDOR

You're chilling in your balcony when you look at the street and spot him. You dash, running downstairs as fast as you can. You reach the front gate of your house as soon as he is about to wrap his things up. You see the glimmering box full of laces, accessories, phone covers, make up, and everything else you need to stand out at tonight's dawat. Worse, you see Fariha from across the street already cuddling the best looking things in her arms giving you a sly smile. Can't believe Fariha still thinks it's a competition.

Life may have been fun with these jobs around but you should probably continue focusing on your digital marketing courses to really ensure you have a highly desirable set of skills for the future.

Mrittika Anan Rahman is a daydreamer trying hard not to run into things while walking. Find her at anan_rahman7@yahoo.com