Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Woman documents being retrenched just a day before birthday

Source Website: https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/whole-process-took-less-10-minutes-woman-documents-being-retrenched-just-day-birthday
By Melissa Teo, melissateo@asiaone.com, Asiaone, 02 November 2023 at 12:55 pm



Wong Siqi had been looking forward to celebrating her birthday.
PHOTO: Wong Siqi had been looking forward to celebrating her birthday. But just a day before, life gave her a nasty gift — she got retrenched from her stable job as a content producer.
Photo from TikTok/Siqi.Wong
Picture posted by Melissa Teo, melissateo@asiaone.com, Asiaone on 02 November 2023 at 12:55 pm

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https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/whole-process-took-less-10-minutes-woman-documents-being-retrenched-just-day-birthday



She had been looking forward to celebrating her birthday.

But just a day before, life gave
Wong Siqi a nasty gift — she got retrenched from her stable job as a content producer.

Her job scope involved conceptualising, producing, scripting and directing videos, and she got to work closely with influencers like Andrea Chong, Mongchin Yeoh and Aiken Chia.

In a TikTok video uploaded on Oct 8, Siqi shared how she was invited to a last minute one-on-one meeting with her big boss in late September.

She initially didn't find anything fishy about this until she realised her entire department had a similar invite.

"
That's when I realised the meeting may not be what I thought it was," she shared.

And she was right — she had gotten retrenched.


Wong Siqi
PHOTO: Wong Siqi - Livestream Content Marketing Lead | Strategic Campaigns, Content Creation and Optimization, Analytics, Influencer Collaboration, Boosting Brand Awareness and ROI (Return on Investment)
Picture posted by Siqi Wong, linkedin.com
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/siqiwong/



"
The whole process took less than 10 minutes," she recounted.

Siqi also shared snippets of a series of chat messages she had exchanged with an unnamed person on the day she got retrenched.

"
Okay confirm layoff. And I got laid off [sic]," read the messages.

On the very same day, Siqi had to pack all her belongings in the office and bring them home.

Refusing to let the layoff dampen her mood, Siqi carried on with her birthday plans the next day and went to the immersive Lee Kuan Yew memorial exhibition.

And she managed to take comfort in the exhibit.

"
Revisiting the history of our nation encouraged and inspired me," she said.


Refusing to let the layoff dampen her mood, Siqi carried on with her birthday plans the next day and went to the immersive Lee Kuan Yew memorial exhibition.
PHOTO: Refusing to let the layoff dampen her mood, Siqi carried on with her birthday plans the next day and went to the immersive Lee Kuan Yew memorial exhibition. And she managed to take comfort in the exhibit.
"
Revisiting the history of our nation encouraged and inspired me," she said.
Picture posted by Angelman Cheng on Tuesday, 29 August 2023 at 03:33 pm

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Exploring other avenues
So, what has Siqi been doing with all the extra time on hand?

Speaking to AsiaOne, she shared that she's been using this period to try things that she has always wanted to do, such as being a content creator.

"
Even before this change, I had a few ideas and passion projects that I wanted to explore. However, I often held back, citing my full-time job as a reason. In reality, I was afraid of failure," she said.

"
Receiving my retrenchment notice, ironically, became the nudge I needed. I thought perhaps this was an opportunity to do things that I've wanted to do but never had the courage to do."

Additionally, though she used to work as a content producer and had the chance to collaborate closely with many influencers, the sudden retrenchment was a "
wake-up call" for Siqi.

"
It made me realise that if one place couldn't recognise my value, I would carve a space for myself where I would," she explained.


Exploring other avenues
PHOTO: Exploring other avenues
"
Receiving my retrenchment notice, ironically, became the nudge I needed. I thought perhaps this was an opportunity to do things that I've wanted to do but never had the courage to do."
Additionally, though she used to work as a content producer and had the chance to collaborate closely with many influencers, the sudden retrenchment was a "wake-up call" for Siqi.
"
It made me realise that if one place couldn't recognise my value, I would carve a space for myself where I would," she explained.
Picture posted by
王安兒 (Wáng' ān' er) on Friday, 11 August 2023 at 08:49 am

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"
With these two reasons combined, I decided that the next logical step is to create content for myself on TikTok, a space where I feel I could apply my skillset and industry knowledge."

And as of now, she doesn't plan on looking for a new job anytime soon so she can focus on her own content creation journey.

"
While many may see sending out a flurry of job applications as the logical next step, I want to take this opportunity to give my best shot at content creation. I might fail, and embarking on this journey will indeed make me vulnerable, exposing me to potential public critique. But to me, this is a now-or-never, make-it-or-break-it kind of situation.

"It's poignant (sad) that it took an experience some deem a 'failure' for me to find the courage. But now that I've started this content creation journey, I’m determined to give it my all to ensure no regrets."


It's poignant (sad) that it took an experience some deem a 'failure' for me to find the courage.
PHOTO: "It's poignant (sad) that it took an experience some deem a 'failure' for me to find the courage. But now that I've started this content creation journey, I’m determined to give it my all to ensure no regrets."
Picture posted by 楚喬 (Chǔ qiáo) on Tuesday, 11 April 2023 at 04:00 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nRHqKYBtrgSggINzLpreFaC0iW10mTqVJdj3Fu_YAbEovSHdKjH64fdQuBekmf_wN-Qm7Y9_uY5OuYHp4k6CanxFt50NvV1_Yj2y_aO5b2l7_74RTQBcGIgCkFI8kINsCX0sGKvICPjiiCSW32kPRmr6ERsGe0njRcC6kMXmbqcO5SJSw6db1JimatI/s960/340923935_1299140924141796_2775407576745081330_n.jpg
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How does she stay so positive?
Those who see Siqi's TikTok videos may wonder how she stays so positive during such a trying period.

She told us that it's different for everyone.

"
Firstly, it's important to recognise that everyone's journey and responses are different. Personally, I gravitate towards a positive outlook, and knowing that I have the unwavering support of my loved ones has been my anchor," she said.

She also learned that a company should not decide her self-worth.

"
I know my own worth and the unique value I bring to the table. Naturally, there are days when doubt and anxiety make their presence felt. During such moments, I take a step back and immerse myself in activities that I enjoy. Then, I get back up and try again the next day."


I know my own worth and the unique value I bring to the table.
PHOTO: "I know my own worth and the unique value I bring to the table. Naturally, there are days when doubt and anxiety make their presence felt. During such moments, I take a step back and immerse myself in activities that I enjoy. Then, I get back up and try again the next day."
Picture posted by 豊嶋淳 (Toyoshima Jun) on Tuesday, 14 February 2023 at 02:31 pm
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https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=515191094033782&set=g.3209178136068815



Going through something similar as Siqi? She has three tips and words of encouragement for you.

First, is to acknowledge your emotions.

"
As we confront and process our emotions, it's essential to keep in mind that we're multi-dimensional beings. Each of us has a myriad of facets that make us unique and beautiful," she said, adding that a company's recognition, or lack thereof, doesn't define the entirety of who you are or your value.

Second, is to remember that everyone's journey isn't linear.

"
There are always going to be good days and bad ones. While we celebrate the peaks, it's equally important to acknowledge the valleys.


Three tips and words of encouragement
PHOTO: Three tips and words of encouragement
First, is to acknowledge your emotions.
Second, is to remember that everyone's journey isn't linear.
And finally, you should try to reframe your perspective.
Picture posted by
陸永剛 (Lù yǒng gāng) on Wednesday, 08 February 2023 at 03:04 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-6ATY6_hrMUZmyk8DMN-vDb9SFxAKpuHkRZNOC95mB4r8prAiazpqzkNAZa31s9D4-c9ij-65vmdpygSRRVmKVdb-ZXSO87SoRpDeZSsjaju9TuRtjejqiOrT29RpEy7WfGmyU7niWdwYHGVmycGjs0uJU1MA9q0iGLXWl3GDFXtmBibaIpEkslQFKM/s921/329320090_899022061146649_2103912476367566921_n_1.png
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"
Embrace the highs, and during the lows, never hesitate to seek support. You'd be surprised how many people truly care and are willing to help. Everyone needs a helping hand at times, and there's strength in reaching out."

And finally, you should try to reframe your perspective.

"
Being retrenched can be a turning point. It can guide you towards unexpected opportunities, spark personal growth, or inspire a reevaluation of what truly matters in life," she said.

In fact, she revealed that numerous people have even commented on her videos and shared how their own retrenchments became transformative moments for them.


Being retrenched can be a turning point.
PHOTO: "Being retrenched can be a turning point. It can guide you towards unexpected opportunities, spark personal growth, or inspire a reevaluation of what truly matters in life," she said.
Picture posted by
陸永剛 (Lù yǒng gāng) on Sunday, 08 January 2023 at 08:58 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3D5dYrj6M6hsSKjbDoblJH4mIW8Xcu2K3aGmlKFRr_jJiISNLMODIsD8sLISCZ1u0VLCCkBw6Zb7Ay0-D94cLQkMFLixi2Hfmqz7ECoeryl-sCpAcldzbsSybEZ4SFIOGBtS_afIO-wexQa7DIleNgfC18gIHNYw4aqza26YhSXejqSKBWrivNWyPLM/s897/323703787_489038603355791_612126881562140990_n.jpg
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"
We frequently undervalue our own strength, particularly in challenging times. Remember, we're the authors of our own narrative, and we have the power to determine the story ending."

Wise words indeed.

In the comments of the TikTok video, many netizens dropped her encouraging comments.

One said: "
It's not rejection, it's just redirection."

Others who had been retrenched like her also shared their own experiences.
Others like her
Over the past year, several companies have laid off their employees.

In October 2022, another woman, Joey, took to TikTok to share that she had been laid off close to a year after starting her job at a tech start-up.

Coincidentally, she was laid off just one week before her birthday.

The resulting blow to her self-confidence made her unable to break the news to her family for more than a month.


Over the past year, several companies have laid off their employees.
PHOTO: Over the past year, several companies have laid off their employees.
In October 2022, another woman, Joey, took to TikTok to share that she had been laid off close to a year after starting her job at a tech start-up.
Coincidentally, she was laid off just one week before her birthday.
The resulting blow to her self-confidence made her unable to break the news to her family for more than a month.
Picture posted by Kwong Hai Siau on Wednesday, 08 November 2023 at 07:34 am

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiftq6CFjMJuXAR7yyZF1JWZTEU2Ga4m6LUQQcQeZes1TcmU3-EUVnWoc4z0DWCZVAgWRYU7Z6191O6ucOnxnRslUmh87uECMYKr87eajY548G0BLgTd7AWT4V0tqHGiBM1pHWslhGpNgY-_toFQjf4DbK1mhXf4z17OdawAnKaPKqlNYtTgfYOagOOyI/s1728/400121859_1389917601938768_1292416765243170665_n.jpg
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In a video, Joey shared that on the day when she received the bad news, she was remotely working from the US and her manager had requested to have a one-on-one meeting, but she "
didn't think much about it".

"
We know the tech industry has been facing layoffs in recent months, but I just never expected it to happen to us," she said.

In a reply to comments and to AsiaOne's queries, Joey stated that she was let go from the Web 3.0 start-up due to internal restructuring.


In a video, Joey shared that on the day when she received the bad news, she was remotely working from the US and her manager had requested to have a one-on-one meeting
PHOTO: In a video, Joey shared that on the day when she received the bad news, she was remotely working from the US and her manager had requested to have a one-on-one meeting, but she "didn't think much about it".
"
We know the tech industry has been facing layoffs in recent months, but I just never expected it to happen to us," she said.
In a reply to comments and to AsiaOne's queries, Joey stated that she was let go from the Web 3.0 start-up due to internal restructuring.
Picture posted by 𝖲𝖳𝖮𝖭𝖪 𝖵𝖨𝖲𝖨𝖮𝖭™@StonkVision - DON'T DIE WITH YOUR DEAD

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By Melissa Teo, melissateo@asiaone.com, Asiaone, 02 November 2023 at 12:55 pm
No part of this story or photos can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
For more original AsiaOne articles, visit here.


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Reference
[1] Melissa Teo, melissateo@asiaone.com, Asiaone, 'Whole process took less than 10 minutes': Woman documents being retrenched just a day before birthday, posted on 02 November 2023 at 12:55 pm, https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/whole-process-took-less-10-minutes-woman-documents-being-retrenched-just-day-birthday


 











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