November 4, 2025
Welcome Back,
Hi {{rh_partner_name | there}}
Good morning! In today’s issue, we’ll dig into the all of the latest moves and highlight what they mean for you right now. Along the way, you’ll find insights you can put to work immediately
— Ryan Rincon, Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.
If you subscribed by accident or wish to no longer receive our content click here to un-subscribe →
Today’s Post
Automation’s Second Wave: How Robots and AI Are Quietly Rewriting the Labor Market
Automation isn’t new — factories have used robots for decades. But what’s happening now is something entirely different. We’ve entered what economists are calling the “Second Wave of Automation,” where artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital systems are changing not just blue-collar jobs, but white-collar work too.
If the first wave replaced physical labor, this one is coming for the tasks that rely on thinking — analyzing data, writing reports, and even customer service. It’s not a sci-fi prediction; it’s unfolding right now, reshaping global productivity, wages, and employment trends.
⚙️ What’s behind this new wave
AI gets practical — The biggest shift is that AI is no longer experimental. Tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Copilot have become integrated into real workflows across industries. From law firms drafting contracts to logistics companies optimizing routes, AI is now part of daily business life.
Robots beyond factories — Robotics used to mean industrial arms on assembly lines. Today, robots deliver groceries, stock shelves, and even assist in surgeries. The World Economic Forum estimates that automation could handle over 40% of repetitive tasks by 2030 — not in manufacturing, but in services.
Data and digital infrastructure boom — Cheaper cloud computing, faster chips, and better connectivity mean automation tools can scale across borders. That’s fueling adoption from small businesses to governments.
Labor shortages — Many countries — from Japan to Germany to the U.S. — face aging populations and shrinking workforces. Companies are automating not to replace people, but because there simply aren’t enough workers.
📉 Who’s feeling the impact
Automation doesn’t hit everyone equally. Some jobs are being redefined, while others are disappearing altogether.
Repetitive office roles — Bookkeeping, basic data entry, and administrative jobs are seeing steady declines. Goldman Sachs estimates that 300 million jobs globally could be exposed to automation in some form.
Customer service and retail — Chatbots and self-checkout systems are already cutting labor demand in service industries.
Manufacturing and logistics — Still the leaders in automation adoption, especially in China and South Korea, where robot density (robots per 10,000 workers) is among the highest in the world.
Creative and tech roles — Ironically, automation is now reaching creative fields too. Designers, coders, and marketers are using AI to accelerate projects — meaning fewer people can do more.
But it’s not all bad news. Many roles are evolving rather than disappearing. McKinsey predicts that while automation could displace 15% of global workers by 2030, it will also create millions of new ones — in areas like AI maintenance, data analysis, human oversight, and digital operations.
💼 The new skills economy
In this second wave, adaptability beats experience. The jobs growing fastest aren’t necessarily the most technical — they’re the ones combining digital literacy with human judgment.
Top growth areas according to the World Economic Forum 2025 Future of Jobs Report:
Data analysis and machine learning
Sustainability and clean-energy operations
Cybersecurity
Human-AI collaboration and ethics oversight
Care and social services (which can’t be automated easily)
Governments and companies are taking note. The EU’s new Digital Skills Pact aims to train 20 million workers by 2030, and the U.S. has launched new apprenticeship programs focused on AI-related trades. Even emerging economies like India and Indonesia are rolling out AI education programs at the high school level.
🧠 The productivity puzzle
Here’s the economic twist: productivity gains from automation are showing up — but not evenly.
In the U.S., labor productivity grew 2.6% year-over-year in early 2025, the fastest pace in a decade.
In Europe and Japan, productivity is lagging, mostly due to slower technology adoption and regulation hurdles.
For developing nations, automation is a double-edged sword: it boosts efficiency but could limit low-wage job creation that fueled past growth.
Some economists call this the “automation gap” — where countries that adopt AI quickly will pull ahead, while slower adopters risk being left behind.
🪙 What this means for you
Expect hybrid careers: Most jobs will mix human + AI collaboration. Learning to use automation tools is becoming as important as learning to read spreadsheets 20 years ago.
Upskilling is no longer optional: Whether you’re in business, marketing, or logistics, understanding how to work with AI systems can increase earning potential and job security.
The human edge still matters: Empathy, creativity, leadership, and complex problem-solving remain hard to automate — and will only become more valuable.
Investors, take note: Companies that successfully integrate automation (especially in logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare) are seeing stronger profit margins and valuations.
The Bottom Line
Automation’s second wave isn’t a story about robots taking over. It’s about humans and machines learning to work side by side — faster, smarter, and often more productively.
For readers of The Economic Wagon, the takeaway is simple: the labor market is being rewritten, but not erased. The winners of this new era won’t be the ones who avoid automation — they’ll be the ones who understand it, adapt to it, and use it to build the next chapter of the global economy.
The Wealth Wagon’s Other Newsletters:
The Wealth Wagon – Where it all began, from building wealth to making money – Subscribe
The AI Wagon – AI trends, tools, and insights – Subscribe
The Economic Wagon – Global markets and policy shifts – Subscribe
The Financial Wagon – Personal finance made simple – Subscribe
The Investment Wagon – Smart investing strategies – Subscribe
The Marketing Wagon – Growth and brand tactics – Subscribe
The Sales Wagon – Selling made strategic – Subscribe
The Startup Wagon – Build, scale, and grow – Subscribe
The Tech Wagon – Latest in tech and innovation – Subscribe
Side Hustle Weekly - Actionable side-hustle ideas and income tips - Subscribe
That’s All For Today
I hope you enjoyed today’s issue of The Wealth Wagon. If you have any questions regarding today’s issue or future issues feel free to reply to this email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Come back tomorrow for another great post. I hope to see you. 🤙
— Ryan Rincon, CEO and Founder at The Wealth Wagon Inc.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects the opinions of its editors and contributors. The content provided, including but not limited to real estate tips, stock market insights, business marketing strategies, and startup advice, is shared for general guidance and does not constitute financial, investment, real estate, legal, or business advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investment, real estate, and business decisions involve inherent risks, and readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals before taking any action. This newsletter does not establish a fiduciary, advisory, or professional relationship between the publishers and readers.