1. computer operators this field declined by 31% from 2004 to 2009 and lost 42,000 workers, and the bls expects continued deterioration. with most professionals using personal computers with ever more sophisticated data processing, jobs based solely on entering commands and monitoring computer terminals are outdated or increasingly specialized. 2.stage performers the five-year decline for this career path, which includes magicians, jugglers, clowns and dancers, was a startling 61% -- one of the steepest on this list. according to jobs researcher laurence shatkin, ph.d., live performances have fallen out of fashion and have been almost entirely replaced with movies and home entertainment technologies. 3.postal service mail sorters after losing almost 57,000 jobs between 2004 and 2009, the bls expects a further 30% decline in this occupation by 2018. with more automated processes for mail sorting and increasing correspondence via e-mail and fax, this job is quickly becoming unnecessary. 4. holistic healers alternative medicine specialists like acupuncturists, homeopathic doctors and hypnotherapists may be an endangered species. the field declined 44% between 2004 and 2009, losing about 26,000 jobs. because health insurance companies typically do not cover these specialties, alternative medicine may be becoming a more niche, luxury service. 5.office and administrative support workers about 300,000 administrative jobs disappeared between 2004 and 2009, and the bls projects continued contraction throughout the next decade. secretaries and file clerks are no longer in demand as companies cut costs. moreover, technologies like voicemail and easy-to-use word processors have enabled professionals to do their own clerical work.