#IamEssential — Logged out of work email without notice
Hundreds of people are losing their jobs to COVID19 every day. Through #IamEssential, we are sharing experiences of people who recently lost their job and how they’re navigating the situation.
Jemima was logged out of her work email without notice. We had a chat with her to understand what led to this and how she has been managing the situation.
Hi Jemima, tell us about yourself
I am a digital communications specialist with 5 years of experience in digital brand communication strategy, planning, execution and management across indigenous and multinational brands. I live in Surulere, Lagos Nigeria and I worked as a communications lead where I handled both internal and external communications at a Nigerian fintech startup.
What was financial planning like for you, before coronavirus?
I always followed the 50/30/20. But not really the conventional way — 50% of my income was allocated toward living essentials, like rent, utilities, groceries, and transport. I saved and invested 30% and 20% was allocated to lifestyle expenses like dining out, clothes etc.
That’s impressive. So, how did unemployment happen?
I was logged out of my work email and other applications without prior contact and received an email (to my personal email) after a general meeting that I had been laid off due to the recent economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic that necessitated a reduction of the workforce at the company.
That’s cold and unexpected. Do you have employment benefits though?
Nope.
So sorry to hear that. Your takeaway?
No job is secure, no matter how much we might believe or hope that it is, and employers will always put themselves first.
Hmm. How are you managing your finances now?
I am really just coasting now, seeing as there is no income, there is nothing to manage 😆
What has been the biggest challenge since you lost your job?
The pressure of having to find a befitting job because of the current pandemic.
If you had the opportunity to buy employment insurance, would you?
Yes, I will jump at it without a single doubt.
No one ever wants to think they can lose their job, but the truth is, it can happen, and while you can’t do anything about it, knowing that you have income protection if it happens will give some sort of relief. I would know, I am currently out of a job and I sincerely wish I had this cover.
Moving forward, what are you looking forward to the most?
I’m really looking forward to seeing how everyone is going to adjust to the new normal because no matter how we look at it, life and the world as we know it has changed as a result of this pandemic.
#IamEssential is led by Casava — an insurance company created to help every Nigerian protect their income from unemployment. We ensure that in the event of job loss or in the case that you can’t work because of a serious injury, you earn your salary for up to 6 months.
