The trap of being a salaried employee that many people may not yet realize.

In recent weeks, I had the opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues and heard some concerns that made me think about the pitfalls of being a salaried employee, even in a stable, leading company.

The idea of a "trap" or "pitfall" might sound confusing when considering life in a big company with a high and stable income. How could this be a trap?

The situation is such that certain events have led some of my friends to no longer be able to work at their old jobs. Some are facing layoffs, others find themselves no longer fitting in with the new organizational changes. These people now have to start looking for new jobs.

The problem is that such jobs aren't easy to find.

This difficulty arises from several factors. Many people are now over 40 and finding managerial or senior managerial positions at this age is challenging. Many companies prefer to give these roles to younger individuals, considering lower salary bases and fresh perspectives. Some might consider jumping to executive positions like VP or Director, but these positions aren't frequently available and are highly competitive. This leaves many in a difficult situation, unable to move forward or stay in their current organization.

Then there's the suggestion of taking a pay cut for more job opportunities. But many have grown accustomed to a lifestyle supported by their previous salary – covering car payments, food, housing, children's school fees, etc. Reducing their salary significantly impacts their extensive expenses. Those with families and children in international schools, enrolled in expensive programs, find it especially hard. If the husband is the main breadwinner, changing jobs with a pay cut can disrupt the entire family's lifestyle.

These are the traps I'm referring to. Being a salaried employee might seem secure with steady income, not having to worry about sales like business owners. But this stability can sometimes make us complacent to changes, leaving many without a backup plan because they expected to retire at their current company. This is especially true for those over 40 who don't frequently consider job changes.

But when forced to move or unable to continue, they find themselves stuck in the situation I described – unable to leave but suffering if they stay, leading some to feel like they're living without a soul or selling their soul.

I bring up this topic because it's something happening to many people around me (especially as I enter my forties). These are things we might not consider in our thirties, and not many discuss them.

I hope sharing this experience prompts others to reflect on whether they are at risk of falling into this trap and to find ways to prevent it from happening.