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I Was Laid Off Due To COVID-19. Here’s What I Have Learned

People have always said that you need to always expect the unexpected. But what happens when the unexpected hits you to the ground?

My name is Liz. I recently went from having a well-paying and promising job to being unemployed, due to the pandemic.

Here is my story, the lessons I have learned, and my advice to you.

I have always loved interacting with people from all walks of life, and in one way or another, impacting their lives. Throughout my career, I have realized that this has become more pronounced.

I was at the top of my career and looking forward to going even higher this year. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get fired – at least not like this. Even when it became clear that this was a global pandemic, I believed that the worst that could happen would probably be a 20-30% pay cut. Deep down, I think part of my belief was fueled by fear of the future without a job. My job, was everything to me.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication and landed an internship at a local radio station soon after.

The internship opened me up to numerous opportunities. I got to interact with various individuals. This fueled my desire and love for customer relations.

After my internship, I moved to a pay-TV service in Nairobi. While I loved the job, I felt it was not the right place for me. I did not want to be involved in hard sales.

After a while, I landed a job at an automobile company as a Customer Service representative. The position was entry-level, but I knew I could grow within the organization. So neither the pay nor the position bothered me. After all, I was doing what I loved.

After a year in that role, I got my first promotion. Another year later, I got another promotion. This year, I had my eyes set on something even bigger.

For this, I knew I had to add on to my skill set. My degree would not be enough. I had my eyes set on polishing my communication skills with a Public Speaking Class. 

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My plan had always been to be employed for at least 10 years, and then hopefully, work for an international firm while running my own business.

Life had it differently for me, I got fired after 5 years.

Two weeks prior to the day I was fired, the first case of coronavirus in the country was announced. I didn’t think much of it and went on with my normal work routine. A few days later, the president asked employers to let their employees work from home.

We did this, and although it was hard at first, I adjusted to the new normal there was. During this time, many of my friends in different organizations talked about they were experiencing pay cuts, while some of them had to take up unpaid leave. I was grateful that I got to keep my job.

Then I was called in for a meeting at the office the following week. I thought this was odd, especially because we were conducting all our meetings virtually. Nevertheless, I went.

During the meeting, my boss talked of how good I had been at my job, and how I was an asset to the organization. He went on to inform me that due to the pandemic, the company was not making any money, and because of the nature of my role at the moment, they had to let me go. He told me that that day was going to be my last day, then asked if I had any questions.

This was on a Tuesday.

I left the office without a word, packed my things, and left the building premises.

The constant question that kept playing in my mind was, “How was I going to survive?”

I could not bring myself to tell my friends that I had been fired because I did not want to be pitied. With many people working from home, it is difficult to know who has been laid off and who is working from home, because we are all home. So that has been a little comforting for me.

All I knew was, life had to change immediately.

After I got fired, I knew I needed a source of income. I decided to look for latest jobs in Kenya, though I knew they won’t be numerous opportunities because of the pandemic. I applied for a few and I continue to wait for feedback.

I have also enrolled for a free online short course on Digital Marketing, to boost my skillset and get me out of boredom. I am sure these skills will come in handy.

Being fired taught me a lot of life lessons. My biggest one is to always have an exit strategy. Never think you will be employed forever. Plan ahead, invest in education and save as much as you can. Always save for a rainy day. It might just come as unexpectedly as mine did. A year ago if you told me that there would be a virus that would disrupt what we all knew and held dear to us, I would never have believed you.

In Short,

Invest in education, take up short courses and develop new skills, and most importantly, have an exit plan.

44 Comments

  2. HI Liz,
    thanks for sharing this, after this piece, i now have a borne to chew. all things will work for good, lets just have trust on He who watches over us.

  4. Thanx for sharing your story, its the same to me too, i lost my job too lets keep on keeping applying

  6. Liz, I’m sorry for what happened to you but keep your hopes high. God will see you through. Also thank you for sharing, it’s quite informative.

  7. You are not alone Liz, l also got laid off in the very same circumstances. Let’s take heart for it sure shall be well.

  8. Hi Liz. May God come through for you and all those who lost their jobs. One door closes for another bigger one to open. I have been through that before and I know how it feels.

  10. worry not. It shall be well. Thanks for sharing. The same happened to me. I just stay indoors. God will intervene

  11. Hi Liz,
    Just know that you are not a lone in this. It’s actually a life lesson to many. We have to be prepared for anything but life has to go on even though our life styles change.

  12. Hi Liz, thanks for sharing. Be encouraged that you are not alone in this. Be comforted to know that God knows what you may be going through and He will see you through. Let’s trust in Him.

  13. This also happened to me, i lost a well paying job in the banking industry April 2020. The best thing now is to remain positive and be open minded to new opportunities and also learn New skills. Currently i decided to add my skills on IT.

  14. Hi Liz
    It’s unfortunate this has to happen.But on the positive side,the pandemic has made us open our eyes to new ideas,and the what ifs of life.Personally it was hard for me at first but with time i have learnt new skills on online writing,some leadership course and more of spiritual growth.Take heart,just learn to take one day at a time dear.

  15. Hi Liz, thank you so much for sharing your experience and advice provided. I too got laid off but this was last year in October. I had not seen it coming because at the moment i was trying to prove my worth in the company as the project i was part of was taking a different stroll and since i am a 2 degree holder whose job changed from managing a project to “get me some water”/ “Print this for me” i felt is right to seek advice and guidance from my supervisor who agreed is true i am being underutilized and since i have a battleground in Environmental Science and working in an IT/Agribusiness field they were not clear on where to place me of which i was open to being trained in a new role and also bring my expertise in environment in some of their agricultural projects. After all this a month later i was served with a letter of termination. To be honest i was crushed and the way i was really looking forward to grow my career in operations since basically that was my role in the company. It is true as you have said it is wise to have an exit plan even when you still working for someone.

  16. Thanks so much LIz,this is an eye opener especially the issues of exit strategy.

  17. We are all wallowing in the same quagmire.I lost my job as a consequence of the corona virus pandemic.However optimism has been my fuel, being inclined to the concept that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
    Adversity is the university that indoctrinates any success wired candidate.
    Currently am honing my writing and poetic skills through the virtual space.

  18. Hi Liz,
    I was fired barely 2 Months after getting my first born in 2018.
    The bottom line is getting fired isn’t the end of the world, especially if you use it as an occasion for reflection, self-improvement, and renewed investment in your career.
    But remember to;
    1.Take stock of your savings. …
    2.Feel your feels. …
    3.Be positive and adjust your life quickly.
    4.Don’t forget about your strengths. …
    5.Remember that your new insights will help you move forward.
    6.Take Some Time to Adapt to the Change. After you get fired, you need to take it easy for a while.
    7. You’re Not Doomed, You’re Blessed! Perspectives.
    8.Work Out.
    9.Plan Your Next Move.
    Thank you sister.

  20. Hi Liz,

    This is quite informative. All will be well.
    Thank you so much for sharing.

  21. The same applies to me . I was working as a driver in hospitality industry for 10 years now and due to the pandemic experienced everywhere , we were laid off at the beginning of April .
    All hotels being closed down , all local and International flights being cancelled we were left with no alternative only to wait until it comes to normal again.
    It was a great lesson for us all .
    We keep on praying hard and our Almighty God will come aid.
    Thanks have a blessed day.

  22. I just got fired from a senior role. But that will not stop me from reaching my goal in life.

  23. Thanks guys for sharing. It’s challenging but we have to learn the hard way. God will provide.
    Regards,
    Ben

  24. You have opened my eyes as a graduate with communication diploma i think this online digital marketing learning will help me. Thanks for sharing

  25. Hi Liz, thank you for sharing . I also lost my job from 1st of April 2020 and trying to keep positive . It shall be well.

  27. Thank you Liz, for sharing your story it’s like I was reading my own predicaments. Your advice is well appreciated. I would like to ask you to share the link to the free online courses. I have tried two and they asked for too much and and later nothing was offered. So if it’s not too much to ask, kindly share the link where you have registered so I can try as well.

  28. Thanks for sharing your experience Liz, most of us are really struggling nonetheless hope is key to thriving during this trying times as we learn and plan for rainy days

  29. people say a problem shared, is a problem half solved. I on the other end was working as a bar tender in a joint in Nai West. i got fired a month before Rona came by. I decided to renew my registration for the CPA course to boost my degree- to secure a more professional job. its what i wake up to every single day online. besides that since am home i do farming for green vegetables as my part time.

  30. Take heart LIZ, this happened to me. I was to start a new contract on 19th March but the unexpected happened on 17th March when i was called and informed the contract could not go as planned.
    As we continue to navigate this stormy season let’s keep on applying, networking, taking short term courses and keep praying.
    All shall be well

  31. Good stuff. I believe all will be well. Certainly, investment in education pays but in an increasingly changing world, it just isn’t enough to invest in education for educations’ sake but rather invest in skills and capabilities oriented or geared towards entrepreneurship–ideas, concepts that lead to self employment especially in the country side with growing opportunities. I am highly educated and trained as an Accountant, Certified Secretary and Certified Credit Professional besides holding an masters degree (MBA) in strategic management and an honors first (undergraduate) degree in Accounting but do not see pandering on being employed as a sure way or means to self confidence in life. Am currently a doctoral (Phd) student looking at the future as entrepreneurship, business and self employment …. some subsistence farming-things that you are sure of earning and growing to high-level commerce/business-These are sure basic ideas that make one independent and can be done with any level education….I know of Professors who want to venture into hen and goat farming among other things. So lets think basic and harness dynamic capabilities in our midst …not all us will fit it offices or white collar jobs. Our families, our economies will grow if we change how we think and act…..need for paradigm shift about employment

  32. Hi, Liz
    Thank you for sharing your story.
    This happened to me though before Corona via company’s downsizing.
    It’s extremely unfortunate experience. I feel you.
    Luckily for my case I had started an exit strategy(Business) .
    My advice to all those in employment kindly always try to look for plan B have a side hustle (eg business) or another source of income.

    Pauline – 254759445865

  33. Just trust in God. It’s normal in human life. Such ups and downs are eye opener and a bridge from dry land to a wetland. Don’t allow stress to manage you, but manage it. Same happened to me and stayed in the cold for 15yrs. I hazled and managed. So, be focused and put God first and He will never have peace till He settled you.

  34. Good lesson,
    Invest in education, take up short courses and develop new skills, and most importantly, have an exit plan.
    All the best in your job search.

  35. Keep up the spirit Liz, who knew Sameer Plc will close the giant tyre business..Thank God I saw it coming opened up a centre and orders are coming although not much. We should not make employment a comfort zone at all.

  36. Thank you so much Liz for sharing your story with us.From your story I have learned a lot and I have also gained wisdom of saving whenever I get a better job that pays me well.

  37. There`s a God in heaven who will see us thro` my brothers & sisters
    lets not forget to pray as we do the rest.

  39. Sorry for what happened but God has better plans for you
    This pandemic has got so many of us in your situation
    I was expecting due in June and when President announced we work from home my boss practically did a letter for me having worked for that company for 5 years too with all the calculations of pending leave days were equated to offs taken ?
    So I had nothing to take home and the letter stated that there are new contracts to be signed after pandemic so currently I’m not their employee
    The remain

  43. Hi Liz
    All will be well…thanks for sharing your story. I think we are on the same bout… let’s keep applying for jobs and things will soon change

  44. This same case like mine, i was a Food Quality,Safety and Hygiene manager in a cheese company,i lost my job end of Feb.2020, i have been without a job since, but as i wait things to normalize i have my CV updated, currently enrolled in certificate in Project Management course as i sharpen my management skill. Hope things will work for me and many people who found themselves in this unfortunate predicament.

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