"I was a top-performing remote worker. My fintech cut me while my father was in hospital"
I spent multiple years working for a major fintech in New York. I was a top performer... but I was also working remotely.
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The firm knew better than to try and cite performance as the reason for the layoff, as they had zero evidence to support that claim. I had only positive performance reviews, and I saved every one of them. My performance metrics were not even affected when I had a personal tragedy; my father almost died and spent two months in the hospital. I asked for some time off and additional support while he was there, but my performance wasn't affected.
Shortly after he transitioned to outpatient care, I was laid off.
The firm decided to cite a return to the office as the reason. It's a slightly more plausible explanation than performance, and yet there were plenty of people working remotely who weren't affected. Some senior people were even allowed to stay remote. They couldn't truly call everyone back to office; it wouldn't be able to fit us all.
I've found a new job much more aligned with my priorities. The fintech was intense, with people expected to work 60-hour weeks. It also paid me less than I'm earning now.
Still, it's hard not to take it personally. Has anyone else experienced a layoff like that?
Mason Ellis is a pseudonym
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