Forever Ago® – Episode: "Jobs That Don’t Exist Anymore"
Release Date: December 4, 2024
Hosts: Joy Dolo and Amira from Memphis, Tennessee
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Forever Ago®, hosted by Joy Dolo and her co-host Amira, the duo delves into the fascinating world of occupations that have vanished over time. Aimed at educating families about the evolution of jobs through history, the episode seamlessly blends storytelling, historical facts, and interactive segments to captivate listeners of all ages.
Exploring Obsolete Jobs
Knocker Uppers:
The episode begins with Joy humorously recounting a personal mishap involving her knocker upper, a job that no longer exists. She says, “But my knocker upper must have overslept” (00:51), highlighting how this role was essential before alarm clocks became commonplace.
Transition to Career Fair:
Joy and Amira transport listeners to a historical career fair where they encounter various obsolete professions. Joy remarks, “This is sort of like that [a school career day], except none of these jobs exist anymore” (03:35), setting the stage for exploring roles that have faded into history.
Barber Surgeons:
At the fair, they meet a booth advertising barbers who also performed surgical procedures. Joy explains, “Whether you needed your mustache trimmed or your tooth pulled, your local barbersurgeon was the one to call” (04:15), illustrating how multifunctional roles were common in the past.
Switchboard Operators:
A pivotal moment occurs when they interact with Mary Malloy, a switchboard operator. Mary shares, “When someone wants to make a call, they pick up their phone and it comes straight to me through this wire” (07:04), emphasizing the critical role operators played before automated systems.
Interactive Segment: First Things First
Labor Rights Ordering Game:
Joy introduces an interactive game segment where listeners are challenged to order three significant labor rights:
- The Right to Strive.
- Guaranteed Minimum Wage.
- Five-Day Work Week.
Amira thoughtfully predicts, “I feel like the right to go on strike comes first because I've heard a lot of things about strikes from, like, the 1800s and 1900s” (11:27), showcasing her understanding of labor history. The game not only engages listeners but also educates them on the chronological development of workers' rights.
Future of Jobs and Listener Participation
Imagining Future Professions:
The hosts invite listeners to envision future jobs, receiving imaginative responses such as:
- Cloud Maker: "They would get requests from people and then they would make clouds and put them into the sky" – Ellis from Pasadena, California (23:06).
- Cyborg Technician: "They help repair cyborgs" – Farah.
- Food Machine Person: "Hi, I'm Elliot and I'm from Andover, Vermont. And I think a job of the future will be mobile homes in space" (23:50).
Joy encourages creativity by saying, “This episode was written by Molly Bloom, Nico Gonzalez Whistler and Jess Miller” (24:06), fostering a sense of community and participation among listeners.
Historical Character Encounter: Charles Hamilton
Garden Hermit Position:
The episode takes an entertaining turn as Joy and Amira meet Charles Hamilton, a wealthy British aristocrat from the 1700s seeking a garden hermit. Charles describes the role with whimsical details: “In the actual 1700s, the fad only lasted about 100 years. Then we moved on to other distractions, like sending people all over the world to find rare orchid plants” (21:35). This encounter provides a humorous yet insightful look into eccentric historical jobs.
Answers and Reflections on Labor Rights
Revealing the Correct Order:
At the episode's conclusion, Joy congratulates Amira on correctly ordering the labor rights:
- First: The Right to Strike (1935) – “The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 was passed” (25:22).
- Second & Third: Five-Day Work Week and Guaranteed Minimum Wage (1938) – “President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Fair Labor Standards Act, which set the standard work week at 44 hours” (25:23).
Modern Implications:
Joy reflects on the progress made, stating, “We've been working 40 hours a week since 1940, and we're in 2024” (27:03). Both hosts discuss the relevance of these rights today, with Amira suggesting, “I feel like some people should definitely work less because that doesn't even count that some people work two jobs” (28:07), highlighting ongoing labor debates.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Joy and Amira summarizing their journey through historical careers, emphasizing the dynamic nature of employment as technology and culture evolve. Joy aptly notes, “As new technology like alarm clocks was introduced, jobs like knocker uppers went away” (22:43), reinforcing the episode's central theme of change and adaptation.
Listeners are encouraged to continue exploring history with future episodes, such as the upcoming one on the history of rap music. The interactive and informative approach of Forever Ago® ensures that audiences not only learn about the past but also consider the future of work and societal roles.
Notable Quotes
- Joy Dolo: “It's a great way to learn about how technology and culture have changed over time and a terrible way to find a job” (03:40).
- Amira: “To go on strike means to stop working so that way you can get better conditions from the manager or the store owner” (11:12).
- Mary Malloy (Switchboard Operator): “Operator, how may I direct your call? One moment, please” (06:49).
- Charles Hamilton: “We rich aristocrats loved our fancy gardens. These gardens were huge. More like a park really” (17:55).
- Joy Dolo: “As new technology like alarm clocks was introduced, jobs like knocker uppers went away” (22:43).
- Amira: “I think some people should definitely work less because that doesn't even count that some people work two jobs” (28:07).
Takeaways
- Evolution of Jobs: The episode underscores how technological advancements and cultural shifts render certain professions obsolete while paving the way for new ones.
- Labor Rights Progress: Through the interactive game, listeners gain insight into the chronological development of labor rights, appreciating the struggles and achievements of past workers.
- Future Careers: Imagining future jobs encourages creative thinking about how society might continue to evolve in response to emerging technologies and needs.
- Historical Context: Engaging with historical characters like Charles Hamilton provides a vivid context for understanding the nuances of bygone professions.
Forever Ago® successfully combines education with entertainment, making history accessible and intriguing for families and young listeners alike.
Note: For a full listening experience and more interactive content, visit Forever Ago® and subscribe to their podcast network.