A few years ago, the word uncertainty was mostly reserved for those nearing midlife, people who had seen enough career ups and downs to know that stability is often an illusion.
But today, even the young professionals, freshly out of college or just a few years into their jobs, are talking about job anxiety, layoffs, and future insecurity.
Uncertainty has quietly become everyone’s companion.
The world of work has changed faster than most of us ever imagined.
Layoffs, which once sounded like rare corporate news, have become almost routine.
AI is replacing or reshaping job roles. Startups are struggling to survive. And mid-managerial layers, once seen as stable, are being trimmed in the name of efficiency.
Interestingly, it’s not poor performance causing anxiety anymore; it’s the unpredictability of systems and industries.
Even people who are excellent at what they do are now questioning how long their roles will exist.
I’ve noticed this shift, especially among young professionals in IT and global roles. Many who felt secure just a few years ago are now openly expressing fear about their career paths. And this change in emotion naturally spills over into their money behaviour.
A few days ago, I was invited by LiveMint for a discussion on “Coping with Uncertainty”, and it turned out to be one of the most relevant conversations I’ve had in a while.
What stood out was how uncertainty — once seen as an exception — has now become the norm. And it’s not just market or economic uncertainty; it’s the kind that affects confidence, purpose, and everyday financial decisions.
When job anxiety starts early
The interviewer asked an interesting question:
“Are your clients talking about career uncertainty consciously, and what are they saying?”My answer was simple — Yes, and far more openly than before.
People in their 20s and 30s — especially those in IT and global roles — are now acknowledging that career uncertainty is a real and constant factor. Many who felt deeply secure just a few years ago are feeling the tremors of global economic shifts, geopolitical events, and the silent but powerful disruption of AI.
We’ve seen individuals in high-paying, stable jobs lose them almost overnight. This has made “uncertainty” not just a buzzword but a lived experience.
Watch the Full LiveMint Discussion
If you’d like to watch the complete session, you can view it here:
🎥 Coping with Uncertainty – LiveMint Q&A with Manikaran Singal
How advice varies with age and responsibility
One of the questions we discussed was:
“Is advice on keeping aside money for emergencies different for those in their late 20s to mid-30s?”Absolutely.
Our advice often changes by age, profession, and life stage.
For those under 35, we usually recommend an emergency fund worth 3 months of expenses. They tend to have fewer responsibilities, greater flexibility, and the resilience to adapt quickly.
For those between 35 and 45, the cushion should ideally be 6 months, and for those above 45, at least 12 months.
Of course, situations matter. During COVID, we advised an additional three months of reserves. In the subprime crisis, we told finance professionals to hold larger buffers. Today, with uncertainty in the tech sector, we’re again asking clients to strengthen their safety nets.
Behind the confidence — real concerns
Interestingly, the younger crowd often appears the most confident, and least likely to seek financial advice. But when they do, we uncover subtle worries.
Beneath their optimism lie EMI pressures, rising rental costs, and ESOP-related anxieties.
They might say, “I’m fine,” but somewhere, they’re wondering if their savings will ever be enough, or if a job disruption could shake their stability overnight.
And while many lean on parental support for comfort, that support won’t always solve the deeper financial planning gaps.
Why a plan matters — especially in uncertain times
One thing I’ve realized through years of planning for different kinds of people is that a plan doesn’t remove uncertainty; it helps you manage it better.
A well-structured plan gives direction when everything else feels fluid. It helps decide what’s worth worrying about and what’s within control.
Whether it’s setting up emergency liquidity, rethinking ESOP concentration, or aligning short-term goals with long-term security — a good plan acts like a shock absorber when life throws surprises.
From anxiety to awareness
In the later part of the LiveMint session, viewers also asked insightful questions:
- “I’m worried that my savings will fall short in retirement due to my current lifestyle. How do I overcome this?”
- “Should I look for additional income sources to cope with uncertainty?”
- “How do I balance enjoying the present without compromising future security?”
These questions reflect a healthy shift — people are not just scared anymore; they’re aware. And awareness is the first step toward control.
Final thoughts
Uncertainty isn’t going anywhere — not in careers, not in markets, not even in life.
But being uncertain doesn’t mean being unprepared.
If you can build financial buffers, stay flexible, and seek professional guidance when needed, you can move from anxiety to adaptability.
It’s not about predicting the next change.
It’s about preparing to live confidently, no matter what that change looks like.
