How corporate exits push workers into gig jobs

A routine delivery in Noida turned into a powerful lesson on layoffs and ageing for social entrepreneur, Kiran Verma. He shared on LinkedIn how a small Porter booking introduced him to Manoj, a 56 year old rider who had once worked in corporate administration but was now part of India’s gig workforce.

Manoj had spent 14 years at Tata AIA Life Insurance in the administration department. In 2023, he lost his job during a round of layoffs. Since then, he has struggled to find another corporate role, with age and health becoming barriers. To survive, he turned to gig work, taking up delivery assignments that pay per trip.

Verma described Manoj as neatly dressed, polite, and professional. What struck him most was Manoj’s resilience despite waiting long hours for small delivery requests. Manoj explained his layoff through a metaphor: valued at the start, but discarded later, much like curry leaves in a dish.

This story is a reminder that layoffs are not just numbers on a spreadsheet. They affect real people who may find themselves excluded from the formal workforce due to age or health, even after years of loyal service. Many end up in gig roles that offer income but little security.

Layoffs may be unavoidable, but how organisations handle them defines their culture. Support for reskilling, fair exit practices, and empathy can make a difference. Manoj’s journey highlights the need to think beyond separation letters and consider employability, dignity and second chances for long-serving employees.