We asked people to share professions that were once highly respected but have since lost their luster.
Their responses reveal surprising shifts in how certain jobs are viewed over time:
1. Retail
“Retail was seen as a respectable job.
Adults worked full-time for the same store for years, knew all about the products they sold, and earned enough money to support their families.” – Lars Eriksson
2. Mail Carriers
“In the US, being a mail carrier used to be a great job. For about 50 years, it was well-paid, respected, and perfect for people who didn’t like the usual office or construction work.
But by 2025, the pay has dropped so low that it’s almost poverty level.
While people still respect mail carriers, that respect is fading because of all the junk mail and some carriers doing a poor job, understandably, since they aren’t paid enough to care.
The Postal Service could have used new technology to make the job easier, but instead, they use it to micromanage workers.” – Jason Smith
3. Taxi Drivers
“Taxi drivers used to know everything about local streets and the best places to visit.
Now, they just follow whatever the app tells them.
To be fair, maybe people never really respected them for knowing all that in the first place.” – Tyler Johnson
4. Bank Teller
“Being a bank teller used to be a stepping stone into the finance industry. Now, it’s basically a job for 20-somethings trying to sell credit cards.
I remember when I was in college, I interviewed for a part-time teller job at a big national bank.
I figured they’d focus on my math skills, like breaking down large bills into smaller ones, or my ability to learn their systems and follow policies.
But instead, the interview was all about upselling customers. They wanted me to push people to upgrade their savings accounts, take out loans, or apply for the bank’s credit cards.
It really proved the stereotype of national banks being more like financial vampires.”
– Ryan Carter
5. Wedding Photographers
“Wedding photographers used to capture real, joyful moments for the bride and groom to remember forever.
Now, it’s all about creating fake “authentic” moments for social media and influencer brides.
Last fall, I helped at a wedding where the bride and groom had to redo their first kiss three times just so the content creators could get the perfect shot.
Seriously… ugh.”
– Jake Thompson
6. Astrologers
“Astrologers used to guide royals, helping them understand what was “written in the stars” for their future.
Back then, it was even considered a real science.
Now? It’s mostly memes and vague horoscopes shared on social media.”
– Alex Carter
7. Teacher
“Teachers used to be respected pillars of the community, shaping the next generation.
Now, they face a shocking lack of respect from the government, parents, and even the kids they teach.“
– Sarah Miller
8. Journalism
“Journalism used to be about delivering accurate, timely news to the public.
Now, it’s all about chasing clicks and being the first to report—sometimes at the expense of the truth.”
– Michael Reed
9. Technical Maintenance
“Technical and industrial maintenance workers used to be respected for their expertise and role in keeping production running smoothly.
Now, thanks to corporate greed, they’re seen as a burden on the budget.
“You don’t need all those parts!” they say, until a machine breaks down and there’s no backup because inventory was slashed by 75%.”
– Kevin Harris
10. Groom of the Stool
“Believe it or not, the Groom of the Stool (a person responsible for assisting royals with their most private hygiene) was once a highly respected and sought-after position.
Yes, it’s exactly what you’re imagining. They didn’t just wipe, they were trusted advisors, with unparalleled access to the monarch.
Hard to believe now, but back then, this role carried real prestige.”
– Daniel Carter
11. Truck Driving
“Truck drivers were once known as the “knights of the road,” admired for their professionalism and the vital role they played.
Now? The profession has lost much of its respect, and many drivers today don’t live up to the old standards.
As a retired trucker, I can say it was a great job when I started, but things have really changed.”
– Jerry Collins
12. Human Resources
“I used to think HR had a real purpose, though I wasn’t sure exactly what it was.
Now, I’ve realized their main job is to protect the company, not the employees.
HR is like the police, they can and will lie to your face.
They don’t have your best interests in mind, and the whole department is often filled with people lacking any real, tangible skills.”
– Megan Turner
While the world continues to evolve, these examples remind us that respect for a profession can fade as priorities, technology, and societal values change.