But these old photographs, selected from the Evening News archive, give a flavour of the many different types of work people were doing five decades ago.
From herbalist to taxidermist and from saddler to steeplejack, the pictures highlight occupations which were keeping people busy in the Capital 50 years ago.
Scroll through the pictures and turn back the clock to get a taste of life in Edinburgh in the 1970s.
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13. On top of their job
Steeplejacks John Pendrich and Robert Hay on scaffolding at the top of the Scott Monument in Princes Street Edinburgh, December 1974. | TSPL Photo: Hamish Campbell
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15. Working by candlelight
Business as usual at the Royal Mile Curios shop Edinburgh during the power cuts of January 1974 with the help of candles and an oil lamp. | TSPL Photo: Dick Ewart
16. At the gas works
An old engine at Granton gasworks in Edinburgh in August 1973. | TSPL Photo: Stan Warburton