₦airaland Forum

I worked as a photographer for a studio in Lagos. I started the job in January, and the studio was newly launched, so we weren't getting much traction. However, during the interview stage, the CEO didn't mention that there were no clients. He spoke as though there were already clients, and it was just a matter of me coming to work. It wasn't until I resumed that I found out this wasn't the case, but he assured us that we shouldn't worry, our salaries wouldn't be affected, and he was hiring a marketer. The marketer joined us in February, but nothing changed. Although we were working, most of the jobs were promotional, and only a few were paid.

Fast-forward to June, after the end of May, we were all expecting our salaries. However, the first week passed, and then the second week, so I wrote an email asking why our salaries were delayed. I also informed management that I was running out of money to cover my transportation and daily expenses, which might later stop me from working. I asked if there was a good reason for the delay, it would be kind of management to inform us. I sent the email on Monday last week.

On Friday, I informed the secretary that I didn't have any money, and I might not be able to come to work if I wasn't paid. She didn't respond. The following day, Saturday, I stayed home and didn't go to work, unaware that some staff members had also decided to stay home. That evening, I received an email stating that I had been terminated with immediate effect and that I was to return all company properties by Tuesday, which was just my ID card. I replied that I wouldn't return anything until my salary was paid. Note that I had worked for two weeks in June.

On Monday, I received my pay, but it was only for May. I went to the studio on Tuesday to return my ID card. The secretary informed me that I might be paid for June's salary by the end of the month. And that's how my unemployment journey started.

Also, ₦20,000 was deducted from my salary. However, good people of Nairaland, I'm in need of a job. I'm a graduate of Philosophy and I have experience as a virtual assistant and can perform efficiently any task you need assistance with. I'm also experienced as a customer care representative. I'm also a trained photographer. Thank you.

It's very difficult for everyone in Nigeria right now, the company is facing big problems of lack of clients cos of Thier marketing miscalculation and you on the other hand won't find it easy to work considering Lagos transport issues and high cost of living. This is the effect of inflation and bad government policies. God will give you another job soon

So sorry for your experience. I have a few suggestions that might help. First, humbly demand your unpaid June salary and the illegal ₦20,000 deduction in writing—if they refuse, consider taking legal action (Note: this is usually expensive & the case could linger in Court for many years). If they refuse, let it go. Think long term . . .

By all means, avoid public "fights" online so it doesn’t affect your future job chances.

For now, focus on finding a new job—update your CV and LinkedIn profile, check job sites like Jobberman and NgCareers, and try freelancing on Upwork or Fiverr. Look for remote jobs or seek to work in photography with schools, churches or influencers.

It's important to network with people in photography and stay positive. Maintain an active profile on social media and showcase your talents consistently. Someone might notice you 😉

God willing, a better job / better opportunities will come soon!
I'm rooting for you 👍

Akinfemmy:
I worked as a photographer for a studio in Lagos. I started the job in January, and the studio was newly launched, so we weren't getting much traction. However, during the interview stage, the CEO didn't mention that there were no clients. He spoke as though there were already clients, and it was just a matter of me coming to work. It wasn't until I resumed that I found out this wasn't the case, but he assured us that we shouldn't worry, our salaries wouldn't be affected, and he was hiring a marketer. The marketer joined us in February, but nothing changed. Although we were working, most of the jobs were promotional, and only a few were paid.

Fast-forward to June, after the end of May, we were all expecting our salaries. However, the first week passed, and then the second week, so I wrote an email asking why our salaries were delayed. I also informed management that I was running out of money to cover my transportation and daily expenses, which might later stop me from working. I asked if there was a good reason for the delay, it would be kind of management to inform us. I sent the email on Monday last week.

On Friday, I informed the secretary that I didn't have any money, and I might not be able to come to work if I wasn't paid. She didn't respond. The following day, Saturday, I stayed home and didn't go to work, unaware that some staff members had also decided to stay home. That evening, I received an email stating that I had been terminated with immediate effect and that I was to return all company properties by Tuesday, which was just my ID card. I replied that I wouldn't return anything until my salary was paid. Note that I had worked for two weeks in June.

On Monday, I received my pay, but it was only for May. I went to the studio on Tuesday to return my ID card. The secretary informed me that I might be paid for June's salary by the end of the month. And that's how my unemployment journey started.

Search on linkedin for va works
Try looking for solid jobs outside Lagos too

Nigerian employers will start a business without clients and won't think about planning salaries for employees for 1 year until clients start coming.

It is good that you left or you would have been worse off.

I remember one employer bragging about how he didn't pay employees for 6 months and they stayed... don't be like those guys.

You are a photographer, now get a camera and start attending events, take pictures and sell it to them back.

Na wao. I've not read the article but I need to book a space

I think you made a small mistake. You held the company under siege for a moment, next time don’t stay home when you haven’t reached an agreement. It’s not professional.

And just so you know people would judge you too. And would remind you of the past.

Next time simply resign

You can’t be all in and then show signs of being outside at same time.

Prior to the email, did you ever send email to sow concern about low parsonage and offer any advice on what they can do better. Not justifying your sack but ...you may want to approach things differently next time

Akinfemmy:
And that's how my unemployment journey started.

Now your journey to greatness begins.

Kneel down and pray to become self employed and never to be an employee again. it is a fvcking TRAP

pneumaticos:
Search on linkedin for va works
Try looking for solid jobs outside Lagos too

VA jobs within Nigeria? What qualifications or experience is necessary?

Akinfemmy:
Also, ₦20,000 was deducted from my salary. However, good people of Nairaland, I'm in need of a job. I'm a graduate of Philosophy and I have experience as a virtual assistant and can perform efficiently any task you need assistance with. I'm also experienced as a customer care representative. I'm also a trained photographer. Thank you.

U are a graduate with all the listed skills, yet you are still unable to create job for urself. Most of you employees think that running a business is easy

Fast-forward to June, after the end of May, we were all expecting our salaries. However, the first week passed, and then the second week, so I wrote an email asking why our salaries

Akinfemmy:
Also, ₦20,000 was deducted from my salary. However, good people of Nairaland, I'm in need of a job. I'm a graduate of Philosophy and I have experience as a virtual assistant and can perform efficiently any task you need assistance with. I'm also experienced as a customer care representative. I'm also a trained photographer. Thank you.

be posting your virtual assistant journey on LinkedIn regularly and upgrade yourself in whatever way possible. The sky is your limit

Abee79:
So sorry for your experience. I have a few suggestions that might help. First, humbly demand your unpaid June salary and the illegal ₦20,000 deduction in writing—if they refuse, consider taking legal action (Note: this is usually expensive & the case could linger in Court for many years). If they refuse, let it go. Think long term . . .

By all means, avoid public "fights" online so it doesn’t affect your future job chances.

For now, focus on finding a new job—update your CV and LinkedIn profile, check job sites like Jobberman and NgCareers, and try freelancing on Upwork or Fiverr. Look for remote jobs or seek to work in photography with schools, churches or influencers.

It's important to network with people in photography and stay positive. Maintain an active profile on social media and showcase your talents consistently. Someone might notice you 😉

God willing, a better job / better opportunities will come soon!
I'm rooting for you 👍

Sorry for quoting you but don't encourage him.
To the op, I know it's not easy working without pay but you already understand/know that the company is struggling to get gigs which affected their revenue and you refused to make sacrifices just for 2 months.
And you are now looking for another job, and if they have issues you will bolt also.
The economy is not easy for everyone especially entrepreneurs but employees can also make little sacrifices.
N/B: I am not supporting withholding staff wages but......

AllBlack:
Now your journey to greatness begins.

Kneel down and pray to become self employed and never to be an employee again. it is a fvcking TRAP

And pray like this, My Father, My Father , connect employment, jobs , opportunities from the 4 corners of the earth to me in Jesus Name Amen Hallelujah

hmm.
•

May God help us.
.,...........
........

It is important to recognize the signs and start preparing for what may come next. Given the company's current financial situation, we might soon experience changes regarding our positions. I sincerely empathize with your situation, and I hope you find a new job soon.

Jerry2i:
Sorry for quoting you but don't encourage him.
To the op, I know it's not easy working without pay but you already understand/know that the company is struggling to get gigs which affected their revenue and you refused to make sacrifices just for 2 months.
And you are now looking for another job, and if they have issues you will bolt also.
The economy is not easy for everyone especially entrepreneurs but employees can also make little sacrifices.
N/B: I am not supporting withholding staff wages but......

You are clearly supporting the employer but u r not proud of doing it.

If there is any reason to delay staff salary, they should be communicated too.. Not left alone...

The company messed and u don't blame the staff for asking a question....

One man business job is very risky .. if you work for a private business, you are still jobless.. no job security.. you can be fired anytime.. No job like Government job even if the salary is 50k is better than private job of 300k.

samuelson06:
VA jobs within Nigeria? What qualifications or experience is necessary?

Most times ,you just need to be good with social media
Canva
CRM tools
Including how to make ads

Akinfemmy:
I worked as a photographer for a studio in Lagos. I started the job in January, and the studio was newly launched, so we weren't getting much traction. However, during the interview stage, the CEO didn't mention that there were no clients. He spoke as though there were already clients, and it was just a matter of me coming to work. It wasn't until I resumed that I found out this wasn't the case, but he assured us that we shouldn't worry, our salaries wouldn't be affected, and he was hiring a marketer. The marketer joined us in February, but nothing changed. Although we were working, most of the jobs were promotional, and only a few were paid.

Fast-forward to June, after the end of May, we were all expecting our salaries. However, the first week passed, and then the second week, so I wrote an email asking why our salaries were delayed. I also informed management that I was running out of money to cover my transportation and daily expenses, which might later stop me from working. I asked if there was a good reason for the delay, it would be kind of management to inform us. I sent the email on Monday last week.

On Friday, I informed the secretary that I didn't have any money, and I might not be able to come to work if I wasn't paid. She didn't respond. The following day, Saturday, I stayed home and didn't go to work, unaware that some staff members had also decided to stay home. That evening, I received an email stating that I had been terminated with immediate effect and that I was to return all company properties by Tuesday, which was just my ID card. I replied that I wouldn't return anything until my salary was paid. Note that I had worked for two weeks in June.

On Monday, I received my pay, but it was only for May. I went to the studio on Tuesday to return my ID card. The secretary informed me that I might be paid for June's salary by the end of the month. And that's how my unemployment journey started.

When an employer relief you of your duty, he is expected to pay you 3 months salary.

Go and read labour laws.

Akinfemmy:
Also, ₦20,000 was deducted from my salary. However, good people of Nairaland, I'm in need of a job. I'm a graduate of Philosophy and I have experience as a virtual assistant and can perform efficiently any task you need assistance with. I'm also experienced as a customer care representative. I'm also a trained photographer. Thank you.

what stops you including this in your first post?


How una dey reason sef?

Abee79:
So sorry for your experience. I have a few suggestions that might help. First, humbly demand your unpaid June salary and the illegal ₦20,000 deduction in writing—if they refuse, consider taking legal action (Note: this is usually expensive & the case could linger in Court for many years). If they refuse, let it go. Think long term . . .

By all means, avoid public "fights" online so it doesn’t affect your future job chances.

For now, focus on finding a new job—update your CV and LinkedIn profile, check job sites like Jobberman and NgCareers, and try freelancing on Upwork or Fiverr. Look for remote jobs or seek to work in photography with schools, churches or influencers.

It's important to network with people in photography and stay positive. Maintain an active profile on social media and showcase your talents consistently. Someone might notice you 😉

God willing, a better job / better opportunities will come soon!
I'm rooting for you 👍

still not easy, it takes God's Grace to pick back. This money we are talking about isn't easy to get. It takes God's Grace to succeed