There is a lot of attention today on how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping work. But major shifts in the labor landscape are not new. For more than 250 years, work in the United States has continually evolved, often driven by new technologies that initially disrupted existing jobs but ultimately created new industries and opportunities.
In the late 1700s and early 1800s, nearly 90% of American workers were employed in agriculture. As the Industrial Revolution and mechanization progressed (such as tractors and rail), the share of Americans working in farming fell to about 40% by 1900 and to around 10% by 1950. Today, fewer than 2% of workers are employed in agriculture, yet the country produces far more food than it did centuries ago, illustrating how innovation can increase productivity even as employment shifts.
Manufacturing followed a similar path. U.S. manufacturing employment peaked in 1979 at nearly 19.5 million workers. The spread of electricity, the assembly line, and later computers and robotics changed how goods were made. Some jobs disappeared, but entirely new sectors, such as automotive, telecommunications, aviation, software, and digital services, grew in their place.
Workers have moved from farms to factories to offices and now to even hybrid remote roles through advanced technological communications. Employers have adopted new tools, organizational models, and value-chains. The emergence of AI isn’t a first-time transformation; it’s the latest chapter in a long story of work evolving alongside technological innovation.
AI is here and will continue to encroach on and infiltrate industries and jobs. What may be different this time, however, is the speed and scope of change. But for professionals and organizations, the old playbook still works: realize a shift is taking place, reskill constantly, and view disruption not solely as risk but as an opportunity. The past 250 years remind us that work changes, but human ingenuity is a deep well, and our ability to adapt defines how well we will thrive. But we have done it before, and we’ll do it again. WSJ – See How the Average U.S. Worker Has Changed Over 250 Years
Positive Mid-Week Economic Reports: Investors expected the ADP Private Payroll report for October to show an increase of 22,000 jobs, but the report came in above that at 42,000 jobs. September’s report had shown a loss of 32,000 jobs, which was revised up slightly to a loss of 29,000 jobs. Since August’s report also showed job losses, it’s good to see positive numbers again. The October ISM Services PMI report came in at 52.4%, above the expected 50.5%. A number over 50% shows an expanding services sector, which represents almost 80% of U.S. GDP. Yahoo Finance PR Newswire
Financial Planning/Investment Strategy Corner:
Social Security Changes for 2026: The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will be 2.8%. This means that the average retiree will see an increase of about $56 in their monthly payout. The COLA is calculated based on a subset of the consumer price index. Consequently, those still paying into Social Security will have a higher threshold for paying on taxable income. In 2025, income up to $176,100 was taxed at the 6.2% rate to fund Social Security (employers also paid 6.2% on behalf of employees). For 2026, the maximum taxable earnings to pay Social Security rises to $184,500, or $8,400 higher. Only 6% of workers earn more than the taxable maximum, according to the SSA. CNBC – COLA Increase CNBC - Social Security payroll tax cap rises to $184,500 in 2026
Quick Hits:
- Speaking of AI, maybe it is not the end-all be-all – mistake-filled legal briefs show the limits of relying on AI tools at work: AP News
- What’s better, one long walk or many short walks for health (hint: longer walks): NYT
- If you’re looking for walking ideas, “Japanese Walking” may be for you: CNN
- COVID-19 vaccines may help some cancer patients fight tumors: AP News
- The projected population growth in states over the next 25 years: Visual Capitalist
- A study showed that feeding babies peanut products led to fewer life-threatening allergies, but more research has to be done (always consult a doctor first!): AP News
Can Obesity Drugs Also Help With Addiction? The popular use of GLP-1 drugs over the last couple of years has been dramatic in helping individuals reduce the incidence of obesity and diabetes. Maybe I’ve been living under a rock and most people know this, but I am now coming across articles where the drugs may also curb appetites for drinking, gambling, smoking, and, possibly, opioids or other maladies. The drug's active ingredient, semaglutide, may affect the brain's reward system and reduce dopamine, responsible for the pleasure sensation, and reduce cravings. A lot more research must be done, but if proven to help with addictions, it may help a whole lot of people. Boston University Today
It’s Almost Turkey Time! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means it’s time to appreciate one of the holiday’s most iconic animals: the turkey! We see wild turkeys in our yards and around town all the time now, but did you know that for about 100 years, there were no wild turkeys in New Hampshire at all (and probably the rest of New England)? Although turkeys are native to the state, they disappeared due to overhunting and habitat loss. That changed in 1975, when wildlife biologists reintroduced turkeys to western New Hampshire. As the population grew, some of the birds were relocated to new regions. Today, there are an estimated 45,000–50,000 wild turkeys thriving across the state. This successful comeback didn’t only happen here; wild turkeys have been restored in many parts of the U.S. So, the next time you see a rafter (the proper term!) of turkeys wandering through your yard, take a moment to enjoy the sight, and be thankful they made their way back. New Hampshire Public Radio: It’s been 50 years since wild turkeys were reintroduced to NH. How are they doing now?
Quote: “Food is better in November than any other time of the year.” Author Cynthia Rylant
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