The article makes sense from a professionals perspective I guess, but where it falls flat is in 'non professional'. Whatever that means.
I'm a senior engine mechanic for a chain of diesel repair shops in the Midwest. I work with my hands, so I guess its not 'professional' but its still fulfilling. I get my 5 o'clock beer every day at quitting time and I get plenty of time with friends and family
What killed a lot of mining jobs was shifting to automation and cleaner energy. What killed US manufacturing was profiteering. Whenever someone says they can't compete at a global scale with us labor, all I hear is they can't afford to pay a living wage and buy this years nicest mega yacht. Plenty of companies still exist in the us that not only compete but dominate the competition in quality, and pay a living wage. Bobs red mill comes to mind. So does Tesla.