Professionals in their 40s are top layoff targets, reveals CEO — How to survive

Your 40s are often seen as the golden years of your career. It’s when experience meets peak performance, salaries are at their highest, and dreams of having leadership roles become a reality for many. But considering today’s unpredictable job market, employees in their 40s are facing an unexpected challenge — of surviving in the corporate world and fulfilling their financial burdens.
Commenting on this, Shantanu Deshpande-- Founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company-- says that professional in their 40s are some of the most vulnerable to layoffs and job cuts.
But, why so? Well, that's because employees in their 40s are carrying some of the heaviest financial burdens — from children's education and aging parents to home loans and EMIs. Yet, they’re often the first to go when companies are cutting costs or restructuring. Many are still waiting to hit their peak earning potential in senior roles in their late 40s or early 50s. Losing a job now isn't just a financial setback — it take a major toll on one's emotional and mental well-being.

How to survive a volatile job market
Deshpande calls job loss in your 40s a “massive destabiliser,” and he offers three key survival tips:
1. Upskill — especially in AI and tech
Be open to learning new skills, especially those relevant to your field of work. Adapting to changes and upskilling will help you stay ahead of others in the corporate world.
2. Save aggressively and smartly
Have a good hold of your finances. Save and invest wisely.
3. Adopt an entrepreneurial mindset
This will help you grow professionally.
How netizens react
Many people found Deshpande's advice relatable and shared their own experiences. People shared their own stories of layoffs and career breaks-- the emotional toll, especially with mounting responsibilities, is real. Many pointed to the need for a financial cushion — savings, passive income, or side hustles — to help weather tough times. However, some questioned whether passive income alone can match the reliability of a stable paycheck.
The message was clear — be proactive. Keep learning. Stay adaptable. And don’t underestimate the power of networking.