Not for low performance or misconduct but for the simple reason that the company is restructuring…

Let me give you a little story: Two days before I was let go, just after closing hours, I heard that my boss was on his way to the office. While my colleagues were packing up for the day to leave, I told them that I was going to stay back just to receive my boss. “ I don’t want him to come to the office and not meet anyone” I said. My colleagues, quite indifferent about my choice to stay back, said their goodbyes for the day and left. I stayed back. 

A few minutes later, I hear a sudden twist on the office door knob and once the door was pushed open, I saw him. Immediately our eyes met, there was a surprising awkwardness and stillness in the room. I felt a cold. I had worked there for 10 months plus and have received him a number of times, not once have i been overwhelmed by confusing feeling but this day was different. 

Apparently, he was shocked to see me. I guess because it is already past closing hour, he was not expecting to see me. “Welcome sir” I greeted. “Thank you” he responded. 

For some reason, i was waiting for a question. I didn’t get any. After what seem like a moment of silence, “How was your journey sir” I asked. “ It was very fine, he responded and that was the entirety of our conversation. 

After a moment, I figured he might need some moment in the office alone, I closed my laptop and left for home. On my way home, the awkward feeling did not leave me. It got worsen. Almost like i heard a terrible news that ruined my day.

 I had booked an appointment with the nail tech that day.

So I dropped by to get my nails done. While she was fixing my nails, she kept asking what was wrong. I did not know it had gotten that obvious until she pointed out that I was unusually quiet and absent minded. She asked if i was okay and throughout our session, she kept asking and wondering what happened to me. “You are not usually like this. What happened today?” I wish I could tell her what happened but even i couldn’nt place my hands on it. 

I got my nails done and went home. Two days later, on a sunday, I got a letter that the company was restructuring and  i was being let go. Now I understand why i felt what I felt that day. 

A few weeks before this, I wanted to resign but after speaking with a few friends and family, I was advised to stay till I get better offers. Well, as you can tell, I didn’t get better offers. 

When I found out, I felt a bit of shock but I was also so relieved for not carrying the weight of resigning and spending the coming days wondering whether I made the right choice or not…

I have had time to focus solely on the vic-norah brand and this journey has been a mixed of feelings for me. 

And Oh, I got a new 2 bedroom apartment in Lagos. I had been house hunting but i paused that to save enough money once i got a clue of how much it actually cost to rent your own house here…

Eventually, I got the apartment.

Another thing checked off the list.

Another reminder that even when life doesn’t go according to plan, life is still happening.

So, here I am.

Starting again.

Building Vic-Norah.

Figuring things out.

Making mistakes.

Learning.

Trying to become financially independent.

And sharing the journey with you as honestly as I can.

I don’t know exactly what the next few months will look like.

But I know I’m going to give this next chapter everything I’ve got.

Welcome to the first issue.

— Nora Victoria