I am Neha, 25 year old woman working in an MNC. Aswin is my Manager. I have been working in this MNC after I completed my college.
I went into manager’s cabin. It’s my last day. I lost my job because the company decided to lay off people as it is facing severe financial crisis. I haven’t received my salary in two months. I have received only half of last year bonus.
It was a big shock to me. I was speechless. I didn’t know what to do. I shouted at manager and got out of cabin. Everybody was staring at me. I felt embarrassed. I tried very hard to control my tears. I quickly got out of the building. I reached bus stop. Waited for the bus. Finally, after 20 minutes, I boarded a bus and reached my apartment.
I unlocked the door. Apartment was empty. I went to my room to take some rest. I lay on bed and drifted into thoughts
“I am working so hard but my career has headed nowhere. I have lot of bills to pay. EMIs to pay. I also borrowed money from my friends. Now, how can I pay without a job? It will take at least couple of months time to find another job”
I should have quit this job two years back but I waited for raise, promotion and big bonuses. Today, I am unemployed. I am not sure when will I get my two months salary and my remaining bonus. I am not sure when will I find another job”
I drifted into sleep.
I opened my eyes and its 2PM. My phone is ringing loud.
“Neha! what are you doing?” screamed my friend from the other side.
“Raasi, I lost my job today, I am not feeling very well right now, I will call you later Ok?”
“Oh! I am so sorry yaar. Are you okay? I am very sorry Neha. I feel bad for you. Where are you now?”
“You already know, I am in Hyderabad in my shared apartment”
“You seem not to be in mood, I will call you tomorrow and I will message you before calling. Very sorry yaar. Bye! I have to go. Call me in case you feel like talking”
Tears rolled down my cheek. I started crying. I am too tired. I felt helpless alone. Its 3PM already. I haven’t ate lunch. I went to a nearby restaurant to have my lunch. I returned and decided to search for a job. I have no choice but to find a job.
I started searching for jobs in newspapers, on the internet and made a list of people who can recommend me for a job.
I spent next two days hunting for a job. Despite my sincere effort, I couldn’t find a proper job. If I join a lower position job than what I had, that would damage my career. Even if take those jobs, I can’t make a proper living.
Its been 3 days since I lost my job. Today also, no result. Its 2AM now. I went to sleep.
I woke up to the blaring sound of my phone. I opened my eyes and reached for my phone. Its my manager. I got confused. I wondered why he is calling me.
“Hello?”
“Hello Neha”
“Sir, its you! Why are you calling me now?”
“How are you Neha?”
“Sir….”
“Neha! I know that you are feeling terrible. I feel very sorry for you. You know that your job was not in my hands. Its a decision made by upper management”
“Sir, please stop lying! They lay off people only if you don’t object. You didn’t object their decision when they decided to remove me from job. So stop lying”