Shantanu Deshpande says high pay, mid-life responsibilities, and slow upskilling are putting 40-something professionals at the highest risk during layoffs.
April 14, 2025: New Delhi – Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, has highlighted a disturbing global trend impacting mid-career professionals in their 40s. In a candid Instagram post, Deshpande revealed that this demographic is increasingly facing layoffs due to a combination of high salaries, financial obligations, and limited adaptability to new skills, particularly in an evolving digital economy.
“These are people with kids entering college, EMIs, ageing parents to care for — and not much in savings. Losing a job at this age is a financial and emotional disaster,” Deshpande stated.
The grooming industry leader called this a “massive destabiliser” for families and careers, emphasizing that many in this age group haven’t even reached their “golden salary phase.”
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Why the 40s Are the Most Vulnerable
Deshpande pointed to tight corporate budgets and the reluctance of companies to retain high-salary employees as key reasons for layoffs. The issue is particularly severe for those who transition from large corporations to startups chasing higher pay packages, only to face organizational downsizing later.
One user commented on LinkedIn, “The most vulnerable are the ones between 40 to 45. They’re often the first to receive the axe.”
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Others on Instagram noted how upskilling at this stage is difficult, as many have worked on the same platform or business model for 15+ years, with limited flexibility to re-invest time and money in learning.
Deshpande’s 3 Tips to Survive the Mid-Career Crisis:
- Upskill with AI and digital tools
- Save aggressively
- Develop an entrepreneurial mindset
According to the 2025 WHO Report, 40% of impacted professionals suffer from severe stress and anxiety, with middle-aged men — often primary earners — most affected in countries like India.
As job markets continue to shift towards automation and AI, the message is clear: mid-career professionals must adapt or risk becoming obsolete.
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