The last jobs standing

As artificial intelligence marches across the employment landscape like a caffeinated HR manager with a spreadsheet full of redundancies, one question looms large: what jobs will survive the Great Algorithmic Purge? We already know that AI can write sonnets, diagnose diseases, and beat humans at chess, as well as draft passive-aggressive email. But what are the non-endangered species of employment—the jobs that still remain gloriously human?

- SHASHI THAROOR

Take the ayurvedic masseur. No matter how many sensors you strap onto a robot, it cannot replicate the intuitive pressure of a thumb trained by decades of kneading Kerala's knottiest backs. AI may know your dosha, but it doesn't know your pain-points. The masseur's art is part science, part sorcery, wholly resistant to digitisation. You can't outsource intuition to a motherboard. Or consider the air-hostess. AI can calculate turbulence, optimise seating, and even deliver safety instructions in 37 languages. But can it calm a screaming toddler, defuse a midair marital spat, and serve reheated palak-paneer with grace while dodging elbows in economy class? The cabin crew is part therapist, part gymnast, part hostage negotiator. Until robots learn empathy and the art of pouring Diet Coke at 35,000 feet without spilling, this job is safe.