Let’s talk reality here. You’ve been at the same company for 15, 20, maybe 25 years. That’s awesome, right? You’ve worked your way up—climbed each rung of the ladder through decades of promotions, salary bumps, cost-of-living increases, and a ton of sweat equity.
But here’s the cold, hard truth: you’re not bulletproof. You might be a walking target. The bigger your compensation package grows, the bigger the target on your back becomes.
Management teams are always looking at the bottom line—always. Sometimes, they won’t say it to your face, but they’re thinking: “Wait a minute, I’m paying them an absolute fortune, and I could hire two young, hungry go-getters for that same price. Let’s do the math…”
I’m not saying this to scare you—I’m saying it to wake you up. Let’s break down the key reasons older executives need to stay alert in today’s corporate landscape, which is increasingly valuing agility, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness.
1. Decades of Service + A High Salary = A Big Expense on the Balance Sheet
You’ve been loyal to your company for most of your adult life. You know the ins and outs of every department, you remember the days when the company was just a scrappy startup, and you’ve got the wisdom that only time can grant. But the flip side to all those years of experience is a hefty price tag. Over the years, you’ve moved up, earned those raises and promotions, and you deserve every penny.
However, once you’ve got a change in upper management—especially folks who weren’t around to see your early successes or the value you truly bring—they might know the cost of keeping you in that seat. With budgets stretched to the limit and ROI (Return On Investment) being the holy grail, the conversation might not be about your brilliant track record. It could just be about the numbers.
2. Comfort Can Become Complacency
We all need to hit cruise control once in a while. That’s part of what keeps us sane. But management will notice if you’ve been pushing papers the same way for the last five years or you’ve settled into a routine that doesn’t push your boundaries. This is what we mean by comfort turning into complacency. Or, more importantly, they’ll notice what you aren’t doing—the extra projects you’re not taking on, the new training you’re not jumping into, the fresh ideas you’re not pitching.
Remember, your company is evolving rapidly. If you’re still operating like it’s 2010, that’s a problem. But it's also an opportunity. You can’t afford to stay stagnant, but you also have the potential to adapt and grow. The minute you embrace change and start innovating is the minute you outpace the competition.
3. New Management, New Directions
I’ve seen it time and time again: a new CEO, new CFO, or a fresh board of directors steps in, and suddenly, everything you thought you knew about the company gets upended. If you’re still doing your job “the way it’s always been done,” you’re begging them to take a second look at your performance. Even if you’re producing results, new leadership might look for “fresh talent” to align with their new vision.
They want folks who think outside the box, embrace new technology and are ready to pivot on a dime. If you’re not in that camp—if you look like you’re just coasting on your past success—they might start looking for a replacement.
4. They Can Hire Two (or More) People for Your Salary
This might sound harsh, but it’s a classic ROI decision. If your salary is $250,000 a year, someone in finance is going tocalculate whether two younger hires—say at $125,000 each—could deliver equal (or greater) results. Maybe they won’t have your decades of experience. Still, if the new blood can cover 80% of what you do—and do it with energy and new ideas—some executives see that as a better bang for their buck.
It’s important to remember that the corporate world isn't always fair, and decisions aren't always made with the long-term in mind. But it’s a reality we can’t ignore. Understanding this reality is the first step to taking control of your future.
Action Steps: What Should You Do Right Now?
All right, so you’re an older executive. You’re seeing the writing on the wall and thinking, “Gary, what the heck am I supposed to do about this?” I’ve got you. Here are a few practical steps you need to take immediately to safeguard your future.
1. Do a Skills & Value Audit
Write down everything you do—everything. From leading teams, strategizing new product lines, building client relationships, and managing budgets. And don’t just list tasks; focus on the specific results you generate. Then ask yourself: “Are these skills and results still relevant, or do I need to modernize what I bring to the table?” If you spot a gap, go fill it. Take a course, attend a conference, and stay on top of trends in your industry. Make yourself indispensable by keeping your skill set razor-sharp. This is what we call a 'Skills & Value Audit '.
2. Build (or Rebuild) Your Personal Brand
You might be a rock star in your corner of the company, but does the rest of the world know it? Establishing thought leadership has never been easier, especially with LinkedIn, industry blogs, podcasts, and other platforms. Start sharing insights, get your name out there, and expand your network. That personal brand is your shield and your calling card if—and when—you need to explore new opportunities.
3. Stay Hungry and Visible
Don’t retreat to your office and shut the door. Get out there. Chat with your team, volunteer for cross-departmental committees, and attend those networking events. Management (and future employers) need to see that you’re still in the game, looking to grow, and ready to innovate. Visibility is currency in the corporate world. If nobody sees you, nobody is going to fight for you when push comes to shove.
4. Have a Plan B (and C…)
There’s no shame in building an exit strategy. Update your resume, reach out discreetly to recruiters, and keep your savings in shape. You might never need to jump ship, but you’ll be glad you prepped in advance if you do. Surprises can be turned into opportunities when you’ve got options lined up.
Final Thoughts
Nobody likes to think about being blindsided by a layoff - especially after decades of loyalty and hard work. But remember: companies make decisions based on the bottom line. That means no one is safe if the numbers say otherwise. The best defense is to stay agile, keep your skill set relevant, nurture your network, and be prepared to pivot if necessary.
Don’t wait for the rug to be pulled out from under you. Don’t let your legacy be a cautionary tale. Stay alert, stay hungry, and keep delivering undeniable value. If you do, you’ll be in control, whether you stay with your current company or take your expertise somewhere new.