He was earning Rs 38 LPA, yet was more anxious than co-worker who got less than half of his salary. Expert decodes: ‘He was one layoff away from…’

High income levels do not always guarantee financial safety; in fact, they can sometimes increase exposure to economic shocks and job losses. Product management coach Sachin Sharma shared an observation on LinkedIn that highlighted this paradox through a real-life comparison.

He described noticing a product manager earning a significantly higher annual package (Rs 38 LPA) who appeared far more stressed than another professional earning nearly half as much (Rs 19 LPA) . This contrast initially puzzled him, but the underlying reason eventually became clear. The higher-paid individual had structured his entire way of living around his substantial income. Regular financial obligations such as housing loan installments, car payments, school expenses, and even leisure trips funded through credit had created a heavy dependency on his salary. In such a situation, losing a job would not just mean a temporary setback—it could trigger a complete financial breakdown.

On the other hand, the lower-earning professional had taken a very different approach. She maintained a modest lifestyle, ensuring her spending remained well within her means. She had accumulated enough savings to comfortably cover several months without income. Additionally, she had developed alternative income streams through consulting work and built a visible professional presence with thousands of followers who were familiar with her expertise. For her, a job loss would not necessarily be a disaster but rather an opportunity to pause, reassess, or even explore new directions.


The comparison led to a powerful insight: a paycheck alone does not equate to true security. What truly matters is flexibility—the ability to adapt, pivot, and sustain oneself independently of a single employer. The most secure professional is not necessarily the one earning the highest salary, but the one who possesses the freedom to walk away from a role and still remain stable.

The discussion also sparked agreement among many online users, who emphasized that professionals often prioritize compensation while overlooking resilience. They pointed out that genuine stability comes from a combination of diverse skills, strong professional relationships, multiple income sources, and disciplined financial habits. While earnings can disappear unexpectedly, reputation, savings, and adaptability tend to grow stronger over time. Building this foundation early, they suggested, can make a significant difference in navigating future uncertainties.

Certain workplace changes can hint at a possible layoff. If your responsibilities suddenly shrink or meaningful projects are taken away, it may signal reduced reliance on your role. Being left out of meetings, emails, or decision-making discussions is another warning sign. Communication from management may become unclear or distant, and feedback might turn unusually critical or nonexistent. Company-wide indicators like cost-cutting measures, hiring freezes, or restructuring plans can also point to trouble. If your team size is reduced or leadership changes occur, it may affect job stability. Noticing these patterns early can help you prepare and consider backup career options.