How a layoff from a Rs 75 LPA job became the 'best thing' for a finance professional
«I was devastated when I first heard the news,» Desmaratti told Business Insider. «The financial security was crucial for me, but looking back, it was a blessing in disguise.» Desmaratti, who hails from a low-income background, felt a profound sense of alienation at the company, where her peers often flaunted high-end attire and prestigious educational backgrounds.
Desmaratti's initial excitement about joining the company quickly gave way to feelings of inadequacy. «I remember walking into the office and feeling out of place immediately,» she recounted. «While my colleagues were dressed in designer clothes, my T.J. Maxx outfits felt inadequate.» Her background, which included a degree from North Central College and a job offer through the International Association of Black Actuaries, contrasted sharply with the elite culture she encountered.
The pressures of the company's fast-paced environment began to take a toll on Desmaratti's well-being. «I was working long hours and started to experience physical and mental exhaustion,» she said. Desmaratti gained weight and suffered from persistent back pain due to long hours at her desk. Her struggles were compounded by a performance review that caught her off guard. Despite no prior feedback indicating issues, her performance was deemed unsatisfactory.
Desmaratti described her reaction to the layoff call as one of immediate financial anxiety. «I was overwhelmed, knowing I had only two weeks' severance and limited savings,» she said. The initial shock was profound, as
