A social media post by social entrepreneur Kiran Verma has drawn attention to the challenges experienced professionals can face after losing their jobs, highlighting how layoffs and age-related barriers may lead some workers to join the gig economy.
In a post shared on LinkedIn, Verma recounted meeting a 56-year-old delivery partner named Manoj during a delivery booking in Noida. According to the post, Manoj had worked in corporate administration for 14 years at Tata AIA Life Insurance before losing his job during a round of layoffs in 2023.
Verma wrote that despite years of professional experience, Manoj has struggled to secure another corporate position, citing age and health concerns as obstacles. To earn a livelihood, he now works as a delivery partner, taking assignments that provide payment on a per-delivery basis.
Describing Manoj as courteous and professional, Verma said the conversation highlighted the personal impact of job loss. He shared that Manoj compared his experience to curry leaves used in cooking—valued during preparation but often discarded afterward—to express how he felt after being laid off.
The post has sparked discussion about the long-term effects of workforce reductions, particularly for older employees who may find it difficult to re-enter the formal job market. While gig work can provide a source of income, it may not offer the same level of employment stability, benefits, or long-term security as traditional full-time roles.
The story also highlights broader conversations around responsible workforce transitions. Career support, reskilling opportunities, fair separation processes, and continued employability assistance are increasingly being viewed as important considerations for organisations managing layoffs, especially for long-serving employees.
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