Until a few years ago, your 40s were supposed to be golden years in your career—peak experience, fat paychecks, leadership gigs. Instead, you’re “payroll cholesterol” for companies now! Bengaluru influencer Rajiv Talreja went viral some time back, warning corporate employees about it on social media. Higher salaries and benefits make such employees a liability for many companies, and that’s why they are often targeted for instant cost cuts. The recent layoff bloodbaths in many corporate giants, be it Meta’s AI cuts or Amazon’s firing, prove it. Your family’s at risk—here’s why and how to fight back.
What is “Payroll Cholesterol”?
Think artery-clogging plaque, that’s how mid-level managers are often perceived in companies– they are blocking cash flow. Indian corporates crave agility; your 15+ years of experience (read: high CTC) screams “cost center. ” Explaining it, Talreja shared in a now viral tweet that resonated with many, “Just as cholesterol clogs arteries, experienced professionals are increasingly viewed not as assets but as financial burdens, obstructing organisational flow and growth. Retirement age in large corporations isn’t a hopeful 60 anymore – it’s quietly shifting to 42–45. That’s because seasoned employees, once valued for their expertise, are now being classified as “payroll cholesterol. ” Their higher compensation, benefits, and experience- factors that once justified loyalty are now seen as costly impediments, rather than strategic advantages.
“This trend reveals a chilling corporate reality: accumulated experience is being trimmed, and mid-career professionals are silently ushered toward early exits.
What do you think—could your mid-career experience soon be viewed as “payroll cholesterol”?,” he added.
Users agreed, as one commented, “At 45, you’ve lost time/stamina to pivot.” Post-COVID, firms hire mid-30s “slaves” at half pay who grind 996 (9am to 9pm, 6 days a week). What about experienced employees? They are trimmed like fat.
3 brutal reasons you’re vulnerable
Senior salaries = jackpot savings. Ditch three 40-somethings, hire five hungry 28-year-olds,– that’s how most companies/ managers think now.
No payroll cholesterol = leaner organisation.
Tech acceleration swallows mid-roles. AI handles reports, analytics, operations. A Resume.org survey shows that 41% companies want “quick learners” (code for young).
No one says “too old,” but job ads scream “dynamic, high-energy, younger leadership.” Recruiters hint: Rigid? Slow? Pass. Previous generations hoarded real estate; now millennials undercut them with cheap labour.
Free market cuts both ways.
How to dodge the axe (Start TODAY)
Talreja explains it well in his post—don’t bank on loyalty as an employee. And diversify your income source NOW:
Have rental properties (even 1-2 flats)
Index funds, Nifty options (one trader: “Part-time → financial freedom”)
Dividend stocks over salary dependence
Trading, consulting, freelancing.
AI tools, GenAI, cloud. Become the “quick learner” companies crave.
Max insurances (health, term, critical illness)
Emergency fund: 24-36 months expenses
Cut lifestyle inflation—save 50%+ income
LinkedIn rants won’t save you. Build business contacts, mentors outside of your office. Entrepreneurship beats employment.
The harsh truth is that corporations want young employees that are cheaper resources.
Your experience is leverage—so monetise it via consulting/coaching.
Talreja’s warning isn’t fearmongering—it’s math. Payroll cholesterol flows one way: Out. Mid-career? You’re not doomed—you’re delayed if sleeping.
Your move: Audit your finances today and start that side gig.
Are you in your 40s and worried about your job security? What’s your escape plan? Drop your views below.
