The decade of the 40s has traditionally been regarded as the prime of a professional’s career — a period where accumulated experience intersects with peak productivity, and financial responsibilities reach their zenith. It is a phase characterised by higher salaries, increasing access to leadership roles, and a general expectation that individuals are operating at the top of their game.
However, in today’s corporate environment, marked by relentless cycles of hiring and firing, professionals in their 40s are emerging as one of the most vulnerable groups — increasingly blindsided by layoffs and often left without adequate support.
Shantanu Deshpande, founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, voiced strong concerns over this growing trend. In a recent post, Deshpande highlighted that professionals in their 40s are typically saddled with the greatest financial burdens — supporting children’s education, caring for ageing parents, and repaying EMIs on homes purchased during more optimistic times. Despite these heavy responsibilities, he noted, they are frequently the first to be let go when organisations undergo restructuring or downscaling exercises.
“Many professionals in their 40s are juggling college expenses for their children, financial support for ageing parents, EMIs, and often with limited savings,” Deshpande stated. He stressed that the situation was “deeply concerning.”
Deshpande further observed that for several individuals in this age group, the anticipated "golden salary phase" — usually expected to arrive in the late 40s or 50s when one ascends to senior management positions — still lies ahead. As a result, being laid off during this stage proves not only disruptive but also untimely, derailing long-held career plans and financial trajectories.
He described the loss of employment in one’s 40s as a “massive destabiliser”, both financially and emotionally. To mitigate the impact, Deshpande offered three critical survival strategies: “Upskilling on AI, saving more, building an entrepreneurial mindset.”
His comments triggered a wave of responses from professionals online, many of whom echoed his sentiments and shared personal perspectives on navigating mid-career instability.
One user proposed a potential solution for financial independence: building a value-driven product, service, or offering that could attract one lakh customers at a price point of Rs 2,000 each — a formula that could potentially yield Rs 20 crore in revenue. While broad in concept, they emphasised the necessity of crafting a detailed and actionable roadmap to turn such a vision into reality.
Another user reflected on the emotional strain of job loss, particularly for those already encumbered with substantial financial responsibilities. Drawing from personal experience with layoffs and career breaks, they underscored the importance of creating a financial safety net. Although passive income streams were highlighted as a possible buffer against sudden loss of employment, the user remained sceptical about whether such streams could truly rival the earning power and security of a steady corporate salary.
A separate voice in the discussion advocated for everyone to develop a side hustle — whether through coaching, consulting, or launching a product-based venture — as a means of supplementing their primary income. This, they suggested, could provide not only additional financial support but also a sense of personal empowerment and resilience in an unpredictable job market.
Another contributor described the topic as “timely” and stressed the importance of staying proactive in the face of change. They identified continuous learning, adaptability, and the cultivation of professional networks as vital components for sustained career growth and long-term success.
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