Navigating Unemployment and Advocating for Just Compensation: A Personal Account

Throughout my professional journey, I have experienced two significant periods of unemployment, each teaching me invaluable lessons about resilience and personal growth. These experiences have also shed light on the often challenging realities of the job market and the importance of continuous professional development and self-care.

Prior Unemployment Periods (2015-2017 and 2019-2020)

My initial period of unemployment spanned from 2015 to 2017, technically lasting for one year, as the year prior was dedicated to preparing for my master's degree entrance exams. Despite this, the experience was far from idle. Instead, it highlighted my challenges in landing a job on my own, primarily due to a lack of preparation and fear of interview situations. This period underscored the importance of proactive job searching and building a robust professional network.

The second period of unemployment occurred from 2019 to 2020, following the completion of my master's degree. Similarly, this experience reinforced my inadequacies in job searching and my reluctance to engage in interviews. I found myself in a vicious cycle, where fear and laziness hindered my ability to move forward professionally. Consequently, when my friend offered me a job at his company, I was initially grateful but quickly realized that it was a poor fit for me.

The job at my friend's company proved to be a disappointing and stressful experience. While I managed to hold on for a short while, the constant challenges and lack of enjoyment led me to contemplate leaving. The third cycle of unemployment, marked by renewed fear, gloom, shame, and disappointment, seemed inevitable.

Unfair Termination and the Battle for Justice (2020)

My story takes a more challenging turn when I was unfairly terminated by a company just before the lockdown. My performance was well above average, and I was a punctual and reliable employee who always reported to work on time. However, management suddenly informed me that I was terminated due to poor performance, forcing me to resign to avoid a more detrimental outcome.

While I was shocked and embarrassed, I felt that resignation was a better option to avoid tarnishing my professional reputation. HR pressured me into resigning unilaterally, which came with significant financial benefits. However, I soon realized that the company was trying to evade their legal responsibilities by tricking me into resignation.

This realization pushed me to take action by approaching the Labour Commissioners office and filing a complaint of illegal termination. Despite the company's claims that the resignation was voluntary, I had the termination letter as evidence to substantiate my position. The Labour Officer informed management that my termination was illegal and demanded either reinstatement or the payment of 45 days' salary.

The case has been pending in the Labour Court for over six months. Thankful for my Instagram page, which has provided a source of income during these challenging times, I have continued to fight for my rights on my own, without the aid of a lawyer. My unwavering faith in the justice system has given me hope that I will receive the justice I deserve, including reinstatement and back wages.

Lessons Learned and Forward Outlook

These experiences have taught me several important lessons:

Proactive Job Searching: Never rely solely on your first job offer. Be prepared to actively seek out opportunities and continuously network to increase your chances of landing a suitable position. Job Stability and Diversification: Always have multiple income sources. A single job can be unpredictable, and having a backup plan can provide peace of mind and financial security. Legal Advocacy: When faced with unfair situations, don't hesitate to seek legal assistance or support. Advocating for yourself can lead to better outcomes and protect your rights. Self-care: Unemployment and job loss can take a toll on your mental health. Prioritizing self-care can help you maintain a positive outlook and resilience.

While navigating these challenging periods has been tough, it has also provided me with a wealth of personal and professional insights. My journey serves as a cautionary tale and a guide for others facing similar challenges.