Product manager earning Rs 18 LPA gets laid off while co-worker with Rs 9 LPA job stays. Expert reveals why: ‘He was brilliant but….’

Job cuts are commonly linked to underperformance, but a veteran product management mentor recently shared a contrasting perspective on LinkedIn, suggesting that dismissals are not always determined solely by how well someone performs. Sachin Sharma recounted an incident that challenged this widely held belief.

He described observing two product managers within the same team who earned vastly different salaries. One professional, drawing an annual package of 18 lakh, was asked to leave, while another colleague earning 9 lakh retained her position. The situation seemed puzzling at first glance, especially since the higher-paid individual was known for exceptional competence. He was thoughtful in his approach, executed tasks efficiently, and had no record of complaints regarding his work. Despite these strengths, his recognition remained limited to his immediate team, and his presence beyond that circle was almost nonexistent.

In contrast, the other product manager had cultivated a noticeable professional identity outside the organization. She had built a following of around 11,000 people on LinkedIn and consistently shared insights about product-related decisions through regular posts. Over time, she established a reputation that extended far beyond her workplace, earning credibility within the broader industry.


When the company was forced to make difficult decisions, leadership evaluated the impact of each departure. In the case of the higher-paid employee, the loss was seen as that of a capable professional. However, letting go of the other employee would have meant losing not just her contributions but also her external influence, professional network, and the trust she had already built in the market.

Reflecting on this, Sharma admitted that he once believed a higher salary provided greater job security. His outlook has since shifted, recognizing that visibility and external reputation play a far more critical role. According to this perspective, the strongest safeguard against layoffs is not merely expertise but the ability to establish a recognizable presence beyond one’s organization.

The story sparked varied reactions online. Some readers agreed that skills alone are no longer enough and that visibility amplifies professional value, making individuals harder to replace. Others argued that an external reputation may not directly prevent layoffs, though it could prove valuable in finding new opportunities afterward.