I got retrenched 2 months into a new job due to Covid-19

Retrenchments are never a reflection of your job performance. While no one likes being made redundant, in times of financial crisis, a company has to evaluate cost-cutting measures in order to remain profitable.

Unlike being fired, retrenchment occurs due to factors that are outside your control such as new management, bad economic climates and job roles changing or being outsourced.

Never ever think you were chosen because you were a terrible employee.

(Unless you truly were, then we can’t help you there.)

Remember the seven stages of grief? I would cycle through all the different steps on a daily basis, unsure on how to process my emotions.

In my first week, I cried — a lot. I couldn’t even think about the retrenchment without tearing up at the potential loss of a career I had worked so hard for.

And then I would suck it up by trying to look at this as an opportunity to try something new, only to come back crashing a week later. I had suddenly broken up with the longest relationship I’ve had in my life, and I was feeling all the effects of it at once.

If you’re not ready, and have the privilege of not bearing huge amounts of debt and financial commitments, take the time to grieve. Even if it’s necessary for you to get a job immediately, taking a few days to process the shock is OK.

Looking for a new job while you haven’t processed the loss of your old one is akin to dating before you’re over your last breakup. It. Will. Not. Go. Well. I did that and now I cringe at all the companies who received my poorly drafted up resume I sent out in tears.

So, please, take all the time that you need and don’t compare yourself to others in a similar plight. Remember, everyone grieves differently and at a different pace.

I’m going to preface this by saying that I don’t do well with the unknown. I am adaptable and a realist who looks at everything with cautious optimism.

But not having a plan? That scares the f*ck out of me. Look, I once even scheduled time to do nothing when I was on a week-long spa retreat for a press trip.

Yes, I basically scheduled doing nothing on a trip where I was essentially paid to relax. So yeah, I don’t do well without a schedule. So sue me, I’m a Virgo, OK?

But before you call me anal-retentive, I do recognise that I’ve also been given an opportunity to slow down and reassess what I want in life.

I’ve been planning my career since I was a pre-pubescent teenager, reading Seventeen magazine and pasting tear sheets on my wall. A lifelong workaholic, this is all I’ve ever known.

Prior to this I would never willingly take a career break apart from my yearly holiday so a small part of me has appreciated living a life with less… pressure.

You might not feel it now, but when you eventually get a job again (and you will), you’ll think back to this moment, wishing you relished it just a little bit more.

Now that you’ve got your emotions and mental health in check, make sure to check your termination letter thoroughly.

According to MOM law, employees need to have served two years of service in order to be eligible for retrenchment benefits, though some companies might still offer them to you out of goodwill even if you have not qualified.

If you’re confused as to what you rightfully deserve, clarify with HR over how much salary and monies you get as well as your notice period.

Things like leave days could be offset as well if you do not qualify for severance, so check in to see if you can either encash them, or leave the company earlier. And also, ensure you receive what was owed to you in full before your last day.

Remember to save any retrenchment documents and payslips you were given because if you need to lodge a complaint, this will all be used as proof. It will also come in handy while applying for ongoing Covid-19 relief schemes.

If you’re unsure, head to the Tripartite Alliance and speak to a caseworker if necessary to see if your company is retrenching you ethically.

You can report violations to the Ministry Of Manpower and check out the Tripartite Alliance guidelines to see if your company responsibly followed procedure.

This is crucial, especially during this time as the government has been trying to do all they can to ensure Singaporeans are taken care of.

Even if your anger is justified, never ever do anything to jeopardise yourself. You don’t have to over-extend yourself (after all, the company will understand that you’ve just been let go and morale is low), but it is still in your best interest to be professional and do your best — right up till the last day of work.

You never know if you might cross paths again and this will reflect well on your character. Besides, you don’t want a prospective employer to call for a reference check, only to be told how dismal and unpleasant you were during your notice.

If you’re keen to start on the job hunt, start getting your CV and LinkedIn profile in order. If you’re still serving your notice, take this time to gather any reports, articles, research, case studies and statistics that could help beef up your resume.

Quantitative outcomes on your resume help show your future employees the impact you made at your last job. If possible, try to get a reference letter before you leave.

In the meanwhile, to ensure that you don’t lose the will to live while waiting for a job offer, upskill yourself with many of the subsidised courses available to you. In fact, the government will pay up to $1,200 per month to learn a new skill.

Thanks to the SEP (Self-Employed Persons) scheme, anyone looking to attend a course under the SkillsFuture series will be eligible for a training allowance of up to $10.50/hour.

For more information check the NTUC website.

It’s easy to slip into a dark place when something unfortunate happens, but know that retrenchment exercises are just an unnecessary evil of life.

Honestly, you have to prepare yourself that this might not be the only time you’ll get retrenched in your life. I knew someone who had been retrenched THREE TIMES in a year in the last financial crisis.

Lean into your friends and family if you need someone to talk to. And if you are afraid of making them worried, there are also mental health initiatives that you can join if you need an extra ear to listen.

So take the time to enhance yourself, reach out to people, and most importantly, tell yourself, you’ve got this!