Why Are Companies Quietly Retiring Staff In Their 40s? Business Coach Explains
A business coach has warned that companies increasingly view older employees not as valuable team members, but as a burden.
If you're in your early 40s and working a corporate job, it's time to pay close attention. Many big companies in India are quietly redefining retirement, not at 60, but as early as 42 to 45. Business coach Rajiv Talreja warns that organisations increasingly view older employees not as assets, but as 'payroll cholesterol." With the rise of AI and evolving business models, jobs across all levels are being rapidly replaced.
Talreja warns that if you don't have other sources of income, such as investments or rental properties, the early exit could put your family's financial future at risk. Getting a sudden job cut in your 40s can lead to an unexpected and unpaid retirement.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the entrepreneur wrote, 'The retirement age in large corporates is not 60, it is between 42 to 45. Companies are laying off people in this age bracket because they are what the Finance team calls Payroll cholesterol. So if you are in a Corporate job and you don't have a portfolio of investments or a commercial property giving you a decent rental income or the idea and skills to start your own business, your family is at a massive risk, my friend."
The retirement age in large corporates is not 60… it is between 42 to 45… Companies are laying off people in this age bracket because they are what the Finance team calls Payroll cholesterol… so if you are in a Corporate job and you don't have a portfolio of investments or a…— Rajiv Talreja (@rajivtalreja) June 19, 2025
Reacting to the post, a user wrote, 'At 45, when people come to realise this, they have lost time, stamina to learn other ways to make money. They end up starting a business as they don't have employment and fail. Hard truth in life."
'I strongly believe that one needs to start a side hustle very early in their career and move to it full time as soon as possible. That is the only way to avoid this looming risk," a comment read.
An individual stated, 'The scenario has turned worse post-COVID. Organisations can find people in mid 30s who can do the same stuff for half of the salary and can work more. Indian corporate is doomed with politics and slave forming juggernaut."
One more added, 'In Europe and the US, people can work as long as they want, because of their experience, expertise and ability to lead in business situations. Companies there are reluctant to let go of people with experience."
Rajiv Talreja isn't alone in sounding the alarm. Saurabh Mukherjea, founder of Marcellus Investment Managers, has echoed similar concerns. He pointed out that across many industries, companies are increasingly relying on machines and software to cut costs. As a result, he believes that a full-time job may no longer be the most viable path for smart, hardworking professionals in the evolving job landscape.
First Published:
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
26 minutes ago
- Time of India
Matcha in Demand: How South India is Embracing the Trend
Strawberry Matcha at Dou, Nungambakkam Nirmal Raj, founder of Buddies Café and Dandjo Teas in Ooty, has been selling matcha since 2015. But of late, says the tea merchant, the quantities he has had to procure have more than quadrupled. 'Till a couple of years ago, I used to buy only 500g a month. It's now 8kg a month and rising,' says Nirmal. He's not sure what's driving the surge, but he's planning to ride the wave with a matcha dessert menu soon. It's game, set, matcha everywhere. Namratha Marlecha, founder of Sante Spa Cuisine in Chennai, is also seeing an increase in demand for their matcha dishes. 'We've been around for more than seven years now, and hardly a handful of people used to try our smoothie matcha bowl or matcha pina colada, for the health benefits. Today, almost every table has someone ordering matcha dishes. The demand has pushed us to rework our menu and add more matcha drinks,' says Namratha. A finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves, matcha involves consuming the entire powdered young leaf, offering a more concentrated dose of nutrients and antioxidants, unlike regular green tea, where you steep the leaves. Once a niche Japanese import, matcha is now riding the social media wave into cafés, kitchens, and even personal tea collections across Chennai. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai | Gold Rates Today in Chennai | Silver Rates Today in Chennai Latshyamitra R says every time she opens her Instagram account, her feed is filled with matcha tea recipes. So much so that the UX designer got curious, bought 30g of ceremonial-grade matcha online, a premium quality powder traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony, for Rs 800. 'I made matcha drinks with caramel, strawberry and vanilla,' says Latsyamitra. 'I'm planning to bake next,' she says. Saravanan B V, a brand designer from Ooty, initially tried it for its high antioxidant properties and health benefits. But soon he fell in love with the taste and now collects matcha varieties. Not all matcha tastes the same, says Saravanan. Indian matcha has an astringent taste (a dry, puckering sensation in the mouth) that comes from the altitude difference and the way it is ground, compared to Japanese matcha. The Japanese matcha, says Alexander R K, chef at Dou, Nungambakkam, has a unique flavour profile; a delicate balance of earthiness, umami and subtle bitterness making it a versatile ingredient that blends well with sweet and savoury dishes. 'We are trying to use matcha as salt in barbecue meats and tempura,' says Alexander. 'They are still in a trial phase, but show promise among adventurous diners. We're also exploring matcha-infused sauces and glazes that can complement Asian-inspired small plates and grills,' he adds. Matcha Brownie Café owners and tea merchants say they procure their matcha from Japan or Assam (the only place in India where it is grown). Chota Tingrai in Assam's Tinsukia district is the only tea estate in the country that produces it. 'We've been making green tea at Chota Tingrai using Japanese technology since the 1980s, but matcha requires far greater precision and investment,' says tea manufacturer Mrigendra Jalan of Jalan Industries. The estate is experimenting with the Yabukita cultivar and its Assam equivalent, slowly moving toward Japanese standards with both ceremonial and culinary grades. 'The process is slow and costly, as one Japanese grinding machine costs Rs 40 lakh and produces just 10kg a day,' he says. South India has the potential to grow matcha, says Jalan, but the climate and altitude will influence its flavour profile. 'South Indian tea is not as strong as Assam tea, and less bitter. While Assam works on refining production, demand from Chennai, Bengaluru, and Ooty is already surging, pointing to a future where locally grown matcha could complement imports from Japan.' Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
The Hindu
26 minutes ago
- The Hindu
U.S. team may defer August 25 India visit for trade pact talks: Official
A U.S. team, which was scheduled to visit India from August 25, for the next round of negotiations for the bilateral trade agreement is likely to defer the meeting to a later date, an official said. So far, five rounds of talks have been completed for the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) and a U.S. team is scheduled to visit India for the sixth round of talks. The negotiations were scheduled from August 25-29. "This visit is likely to be rescheduled," the official, who did not wish to be named, said. Deferment or rescheduling of the meeting assumes significance as the U.S. has announced a staggering 50% duty on Indian goods. The U.S. is pressing for greater market access in politically sensitive areas such as agri and dairy sectors, which India cannot accept as it affects the livelihood of small and marginal farmers. India has stated that it will not compromise the interests of farmers and cattle rearers. The U.S. and India have announced plans to conclude the first phase of BTA by fall (September-October) of 2025. The two countries are aiming at more than doubling the bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, from the present $191 billion. While the 25% tariff on Indian goods entering the U.S. has come into effect from August 7, an additional 25%, was announced on India as penalty for buying crude oil and military equipment from Russia, will come into effect from August 27. During April-July, the country's exports to the U.S. increased 21.64% to $33.53 billion, while imports rose 12.33% to $17.41 billion, according to Commerce Ministry data. The U.S. was the largest trading partner of India in the April-July period ($12.56 billion bilateral trade) 2025-26. India's exports to America are recording positive growth since April this year.
New Indian Express
32 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
US trade team reschedules visit to India for BTA talks
Amid rising tensions between India and the United States—and just a day after New Delhi's diplomatic engagement with Moscow—the US has called off its planned visit to India for the sixth round of Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations, a senior Commerce Ministry official confirmed on Saturday. The US delegation's trip, originally scheduled for August 25–29, has been postponed, effectively delaying discussions on the proposed trade pact between the two nations. 'The visit is likely to be rescheduled,' said the official, adding that no new dates have yet been confirmed for the talks. The cancellation comes against a complicated backdrop of mounting tariff pressures and growing geopolitical friction. Washington is considering a 50% reciprocal tariff on Indian exports, linked to New Delhi's continued purchase of Russian oil, adding urgency to the negotiations. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal had earlier indicated that clarity on the sixth round of talks would likely emerge only closer to the scheduled date of August 25. However, as of August 16, no official communication had been received from the US side regarding a cancellation or rescheduling. The delegation, led by Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch, was expected in New Delhi for the talks. For India, the sudden pause is a setback to its efforts to build momentum on the BTA, which negotiators had hoped would secure tariff concessions. With the delay, the prospect of any meaningful tariff relief now appears remote. Nonetheless, despite tariff headwinds, Indian exports to the US have continued to show positive growth since April.
