reader input: un-outsource-able?
May 15, 2008 by Cash
I was reading an article the other day talking about “Life after the IT department”.
It was discussing ways of transferring your ’soft skills’ to industries that couldn’t be impacted by outsourcing. Two ideas cited were construction and becoming a chef.
The thinking was, these ‘hands on’ jobs could not be handled remotely.
You might think things like medicine would fall under the same umbrella, but how long until Dr. Sunit Patel is directing the actions of a robotic surgeon in a Baltimore hospital via high-speed internet connection from Mumbai?
I’d say 5 years or less.
The same goes for pharmacists. I have two friends who are married to pharmacists, and I can remember mentioning what I invision as a ‘prescription vending machine’ which would basically verify your identity (probably via bio-metrics), authenticate your prescription via the internet, and then dispense the correct meds with no human interaction required.
With shock and horror they responded “But people need people at the pharmacy! They’re always asking questions”. Really? I for one have never, ever asked a question of a pharmacist. I get my drug related questions taken care of with my doctor.
The bottom line is the entire world seems headed for strange, remotely worked, off-shored destinations.
My question to you esteemed UM readers: What’s impervious to the outsource?
Comment away. I’m more than a little anxious to hear your thoughts.
Prostitution.
I’d laugh and give you a huge thumbs up, if not for the amazing advances in Japanese robotics..
garbage men and grave diggers and slightly lower on the totem pole of careers, middle managers.
LOL. nice work on the middle manager jab, Bob P..
I ask all my medical question at WedMD. You know it’s always right. Just like Wikipedia.
Exactly Jillian. Also, if you need low-cost, ‘lightly used’ syringes, just give me a holla. I know where we can find at least one.
Ohhh sounds like my kinda of joint. Ha.
In court litigation can’t be outsourced (though the legal research and prep therefore can be, to a point).
HMO Managers. They can’t leave it up to doctors, robotic or otherwise to tell us our insurance won’t cover the procedure, operation, meds, etc. They might have to spend an extra nickel of the money we pay them.
I heart Caroline. You is funny lady. Keep up the good work