20-06-2025
Why Are Companies Quietly Retiring Staff In Their 40s? Business Coach Explains
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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.
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