Shantanu Deshpande, founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, recently highlighted the growing vulnerability of professionals in their 40s amid ongoing layoffs in India’s corporate sector. In a LinkedIn post, Deshpande described the trend as a “global phenomenon,” noting that this age group is often the most impacted due to their seniority and salary levels.
“It’s a global phenomenon,” he wrote. “They have children going to college, money to send to parents, EMIs to cover — and not a lot of savings. It’s very, very worrying.” Pointing out that professionals in their 40s are often the “highest paid” in their organisations, Deshpande said that this makes them more susceptible to cost-cutting measures during economic uncertainty or restructuring.
Shantanu Deshpande shares tip for professionals in 40s
Deshpande’s post also touched on the financial and emotional strain of mid-career unemployment. “They have children going to college, money to send to parents, EMIs to cover — and not a lot of savings,” he said.
Deshpande concluded his post with advice for those seeking to stay relevant in a changing job market. “Start upskilling in AI, save more, and build an entrepreneurial mindset,” he wrote.
What is 40-40 problem
“The most vulnerable are the ones between 40 to 45, and they are the first ones to receive the axe,” a LinkedIn user commented on Deshpande’s post. The comment referred to cases where experienced professionals move from legacy companies to startups for higher salaries.
Recruiters refer to the challenge as the “40-40 problem,” where jobseekers over the age of 40 or those with salary expectations above ₹40 lakh per annum face difficulty finding new roles. Many are considered overqualified for junior positions, too expensive for mid-level roles, and lacking in newer, in-demand skills such as AI, automation, and cloud technologies.
A World Health Organization survey from 2025 found that 40% of laid-off professionals experience severe stress, with the impact being especially significant for middle-aged men who often bear primary financial responsibility in Indian households.
As job markets evolve, the layoffs affecting mid-career professionals raise broader questions about workplace age dynamics, financial preparedness, and the need for more robust support systems.
