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Bosses Are Firing Middle-Income Earners Left and Right (And Honestly, We See Why)

Middle-income employees who seem steady and reliable may be more vulnerable to layoffs than they realize.

By Kristin Hitchcock

Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Dec. 31, 2025

Middle-income workers are often some of the least worried about layoffs, and that might be part of the problem. They're not new, they're not underperforming, and they're not causing trouble. But in today's cost-cutting, productivity-obsessed workplace, "fine" is increasingly viewed as expendable.

Here's the uncomfortable reality: if you've been at a company for years, earn a solid but not executive-level salary, and haven't moved up much, your job security may be weaker than you think, and it might be time to increase your savings even more. Below are the traits that could make middle-income employees more vulnerable to termination, and why managers often make these cuts first.

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They've stayed in the same role too long

Longevity used to signal loyalty. Today, it can signal stagnation.

Employees who've spent five, eight, or even 10 years in the same role without expanding responsibilities may be seen as capped contributors. Even if performance reviews are consistently "meets expectations," leadership may question long-term value.

In downsizing situations, managers often prioritize workers who are still growing or those whose role can clearly scale with the company. Middle-income employees who haven't evolved with their role may be seen as easier to replace.

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Their pay has outpaced their perceived impact

Middle-income earners often sit in an awkward spot: they're no longer "cheap," but they're not decision-makers either. Over time, raises and cost-of-living adjustments can push salaries higher without a corresponding increase in responsibility.

When budgets tighten, leadership may scrutinize cost-to-output ratios more aggressively. This doesn't mean higher-paid workers are bad performers, but when companies look to cut costs, mid-level salaries attached to non-critical roles can stand out.

They're reliable, but not distinctive

Being dependable is valuable. Being indistinguishable is risky.

Many middle-income workers do exactly what's asked of them, no more and no less. They hit deadlines and don't rock the boat. Unfortunately, that can make them invisible. When layoffs happen, managers often protect employees with specialized skills and institutional knowledge that can't be replicated.

"Solid" alone might not be enough.

Their role is easy to automate or outsource

Technology doesn't just threaten entry-level jobs. It's quietly reshaping mid-level work, too.

Roles heavy in reporting or routine analysis are increasingly being automated or outsourced. If a manager believes that AI tools or offshore teams could absorb part of a role, it may be flagged during restructuring.

Middle-income employees who haven't adapted to new tools or expanded into more strategic work may be especially vulnerable.

They're not seen as future leaders

Companies don't always cut for performance. They may also cut for trajectory. Employees who haven't expressed interest in leadership or cross-functional projects may be viewed as having a limited runway.

Of course, that might not mean that everyone needs to want management, but silence is easy to misinterpret. When forced to choose, leadership often protects workers they believe will grow with the company over those they see as maintaining the status quo.

They've become too comfortable with "how it's always been"

Change fatigue is real, especially for long-tenured employees. But resistance (even subtle resistance) to new processes and software can raise red flags. Managers often see reluctance as an inability to adapt, especially in fast-changing industries.

Middle-income workers who rely heavily on legacy systems or established routines may be seen as less flexible during times of transformation.

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They haven't built visibility outside their team

Many middle-income employees do excellent work, but only their direct manager may know it. In flatter organizations or during executive-led layoffs, decisions are often made on incomplete information. Employees wth little visibility outside of their department may struggle to justify their role.

Those who haven't built internal networks, documented wins, or tied their work to broader business outcomes may unintentionally make themselves easier to cut.

They don't advocate for themselves

Many middle-income workers believe that their quit competence will eventually be noticed. Sometimes it is, but often it is not.

Employees who don't regularly communicate their wins and impact can fade into the background, especially in hybrid or remote environments. During layoffs, decision-makers may rely on who feels "top of mind," not who is quietly holding themselves together. When no one is actively championing you, it becomes easier for leadership to underestimate your value.

They've lost a sense of urgency

After years in the same role, it's common to slip into a steady routine. After all, you already know all the systems, expectations, and people. But what can feel like quiet confidence can be read as complacency to leadership.

Managers may notice slower turnaround times or less curiosity about what's next. Even if the work is still solid, a lack of urgency can raise concerns about long-term fit in fast-moving companies.

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Bottom line

Middle-income workers often feel insulated from layoffs because they're experienced and reliable. But in many companies, those same qualities can make employees vulnerable if their role hasn't evolved or their impact isn't clearly visible to leadership. The big risk isn't underperforming; it's blending in.

Workers who stay proactive and adapt to changing expectations are more likely to stay on the right track to build wealth, even when companies are trimming costs.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers ages 35 to 54 experience some of the longest average unemployment spells after a job loss. This fact makes protecting your income and planning ahead particularly important if you're in a middle-income role.

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