Why Salaried Jobs Are Dying Fast in India: The Harsh Reality
A Wake-Up Call for India’s Middle Class
It’s time for a reality check. The stable, salaried job—once the holy grail for India’s middle class—is quietly slipping into history. And if you’re still preparing your kids for corporate cubicles and retirement plans, you might be setting them up for a future that doesn’t exist anymore.
Saurabh Mukherjea, the sharp mind behind Marcellus Investment Managers, recently dropped a truth bomb on a podcast that’s shaking up how we think about work: “The age of the salaryman is over.” Bold? Yes. But backed by solid trends.
In this article, we’ll break down what Mukherjea said, why it matters to you, and what steps you can take to thrive in this new era. Spoiler alert: the answer lies in entrepreneurship, digital tools, and a mindset reboot.
1. AI and Automation Are Coming for White-Collar Jobs
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just replacing factory workers anymore. It’s writing code, generating reports, handling customer service, and even supervising teams. Google already claims that one-third of its coding is done by AI. Imagine what that means for Indian IT, media, and finance jobs.
Salaried employment, especially in mid-level roles, is under threat. The very structure that propped up the Indian middle class is being hollowed out.
2. Middle Management Is Collapsing
In the traditional corporate ladder, middle management was the sweet spot—secure, well-paid, and respected. But now, tech tools and leaner structures are making middle managers redundant. Companies want agility, not hierarchy.
Mukherjea puts it bluntly: “The old model where our parents worked 30 years for one organization is dying.” It’s not just evolution—it’s extinction.
3. The Illusion of Stability Is Breaking
India has long idolized the monthly paycheck. A stable job at a big company has been the ultimate sign of “making it.” But in today’s world, that stability is fragile. Layoffs, global downturns, and AI can pull the rug out anytime.
What’s worse? Our education system still trains students for these disappearing jobs. From Kota to JP Morgan dreams—we’re preparing for a world that’s vanishing.
4. Enter the JAM Trinity: India’s Hidden Power Tool
There’s hope—and it lies in JAM: Jandhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile.
These three pillars have quietly revolutionized access to banking, identity, and information for millions. They’ve made it easier than ever to start a small business, manage money digitally, and reach customers across India.
Mukherjea believes JAM is the foundation for a new wave of micro-entrepreneurs who can disrupt everything from retail to education.
5. Time for a Cultural Reset
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: India’s middle class is still clinging to old definitions of success. We measure worth by monthly income, designations, and degrees. That’s outdated.
“We’re a money-obsessed society,” says Mukherjea. “We define success by paychecks. That has to change.” Instead, let’s solve for happiness, purpose, and impact.
What if your child wants to start a YouTube channel, build an app, or open a bakery? That’s not failure—it’s future-proofing.
6. Entrepreneurship Is the New Middle-Class Dream
India doesn’t lack talent. We’ve got grit, smarts, and hustle. What we need is permission to fail and support to try. The old “job-seeker” mindset must be replaced with a “value-creator” one.
With tools like UPI, social media marketing, and affordable tech, you don’t need millions to build a business. What you need is courage—and a supportive ecosystem that doesn’t shame risk.
7. Preparing Kids for a Future Without Jobs
This one’s personal. If you’re a parent, teacher, or mentor, you have a big responsibility. Stop asking kids what job they want. Start asking them what problem they want to solve.
Jobs, as we know them, won’t be there. The future belongs to creators, not conformists. Let’s raise kids who aren’t afraid to dream differently—even if it means breaking family traditions.
Final Thoughts : The Salaryman Era Is Over. What’s Next?
This isn’t a crisis—it’s a crossroads. The end of salaried jobs could be the best thing that ever happened to India’s middle class—if we pivot fast.
We have the digital infrastructure, the entrepreneurial DNA, and now, the wake-up call. Whether you’re a young professional or a worried parent, it’s time to rethink everything.
Most read: https://tnheadlines24.com/buy-or-rent-7-crucial-factors/
Because the question isn’t, “Where can I find a job?”
It’s, “What can I build?”
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are based on public commentary and expert insights and are meant for informational purposes only. TN HEADLINES24 is not responsible for any decisions made based on this content. Readers are advised to do their own research and consult professionals where appropriate.
