Sure it’s a shit job, but let’s face it…AI and automation wouldn’t be able to replace it…probably ever. I don’t see too many people talking about “vibe plumbing”. We will never reach a point in society where people will not pay handsomely to remove backed up shit from their homes and have clean water piped in.
And frankly, I know a few plumbers—most of the ones my age are already semi retired, play golf daily, just work when they want to, and all have a shitton more money than I do.