The Growing Vulnerability of Mid-Career Professionals Amidst Layoffs: What Shantanu Deshpande Has to Say

In recent months, layoffs have become a major concern for professionals across industries, but there’s a particularly concerning trend emerging in India’s corporate sector. Shantanu Deshpande, the founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, shed light on the growing vulnerability of professionals in their 40s. This group is increasingly finding itself at the heart of mass layoffs, and Deshpande’s insights reveal that this issue goes beyond the borders of India. The global nature of this phenomenon is striking, especially as mid-career professionals navigate the precarious landscape of corporate restructuring, evolving job markets, and rising financial pressures.

Deshpande’s analysis highlights the intersection of age, experience, and economic challenges, with the middle-aged demographic facing some of the most difficult decisions of their careers. For many, the journey to maintaining relevance in an evolving job market seems ever more daunting. But despite the worrying trends, Deshpande offers advice for those caught in the crossfire of corporate cutbacks: upskilling, saving more, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.

Rising Vulnerabilities Among Professionals in Their 40s

Shantanu Deshpande recently took to LinkedIn to draw attention to the escalating vulnerability of professionals in their 40s, particularly as layoffs hit India’s corporate sector. He highlighted that this age group is increasingly feeling the pressure due to their seniority and salary levels.

Deshpande pointed out that professionals in their 40s often face significant financial burdens, including sending children to college, managing EMIs, and supporting aging parents. However, many of these individuals have not built up sufficient savings to weather the storm of job loss. This financial strain, combined with their age, puts them at an elevated risk of being the first to be let go during economic slowdowns or corporate restructuring.

“Professionals in their 40s are typically the highest paid in their organizations, making them more vulnerable to cost-cutting measures,” Deshpande wrote. The challenges faced by this age group are compounded by the fact that they have established careers, yet they may not possess the newer, in-demand skills that are increasingly becoming necessary in the modern job market, such as AI, cloud technologies, or automation.

Shantanu Deshpande’s Advice for Mid-Career Professionals

In his post, Deshpande offered practical advice to help professionals in their 40s stay relevant in a rapidly changing job market. His key recommendations were:

Upskill in AI and Emerging Technologies: Deshpande emphasized the importance of learning new skills, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence, which is transforming industries globally.
Save More: Being financially prepared is crucial in navigating times of economic uncertainty. Deshpande urged mid-career professionals to build up their savings and financial resilience.
Build an Entrepreneurial Mindset: Deshpande encouraged professionals to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. This could mean exploring side projects, freelancing, or even considering a startup, which may provide more job security in uncertain times.

Understanding the “40-40 Problem”

A significant part of the issue lies in what recruiters have dubbed the “40-40 problem.” This term describes the challenge that professionals over the age of 40 or those with salary expectations above ₹40 lakh annually face when searching for new roles. Many jobseekers in this category find themselves in a difficult spot because:

They are often seen as overqualified for junior roles.
Their salary expectations make them too expensive for mid-level positions.
They may not possess the latest in-demand skills, such as AI or cloud computing.

As a result, these professionals can find themselves without suitable job options despite years of valuable experience. They are caught in a middle ground where they are neither young enough to be considered for entry-level positions nor old enough to demand senior leadership roles.

The Impact of Layoffs on Middle-Aged Professionals

A World Health Organization survey from 2025 showed that 40% of laid-off professionals experience severe stress, with middle-aged men being particularly affected. In many Indian households, these professionals often bear the primary financial responsibility, and their job loss can have far-reaching emotional and financial consequences. The added pressure of supporting families, paying off debts, and planning for retirement only exacerbates the situation.

As Deshpande noted, the stress of being laid off is not just financial but also emotional. The psychological toll of being suddenly thrust into unemployment can be significant, especially when it comes at a time in one’s life when the expectations are high, and there are fewer years to make up for the lost income.

What Undercode Says:

From a broader perspective, this trend signifies a larger shift in the job market, where traditional career paths are being disrupted by technological advancements and economic forces. The rise of automation, AI, and cloud technologies means that older professionals must adapt to these changes or risk falling behind.

The global economy is shifting rapidly, and job markets are no longer as predictable or stable as they once were. The rise of remote work, gig economies, and startup cultures has created new opportunities but also new challenges. Mid-career professionals, especially those who have spent years in established industries, may feel ill-equipped to compete in this new landscape. The pressures Deshpande outlines are not unique to India—they are a global concern.

Furthermore, the rise of the gig economy and the increasing number of remote job opportunities might offer a silver lining. Professionals in their 40s, though facing challenges, could find more flexible work options that align with their skills and lifestyles. However, these opportunities often require a shift in mindset, and this is where Deshpande’s advice on developing an entrepreneurial mindset and upskilling in AI could make a difference.

Ultimately, Deshpande’s post serves as a wake-up call for professionals to begin adapting before it’s too late. The corporate world is evolving, and those who cannot pivot or reinvent themselves may find themselves on the losing side of this transformation.

Fact Checker Results:

The phenomenon of layoffs affecting mid-career professionals, especially those in their 40s, is indeed a growing trend worldwide.
The term “40-40 problem” accurately reflects the difficulties faced by professionals over 40 with high salary expectations.
The psychological impact of layoffs on middle-aged professionals, particularly men, is supported by multiple studies on stress and financial pressure.