Desmaratti joined Deloitte in September 2022, coming from a low-income background. She immediately felt out of place among her colleagues, who wore designer clothes, while she wore what she considered a “splurge” from T.J. Maxx. “I felt anything but normal at Deloitte,” she shared. The fast-paced work culture made her feel like she had to “dim” her personality to fit in and she struggled to find her footing in the demanding environment.
The job soon became overwhelming. During busy months, Desmaratti worked 11-hour shifts, which severely impacted her health. She developed back pain from sitting for long hours and gained 9 kg in just a few months, relying on snacks to get through the stressful days. Her physical and mental health began to deteriorate rapidly.
When her performance review came, she was blindsided by negative feedback, especially since no concerns had been raised earlier. “I felt frustrated knowing I could’ve made changes sooner if given that feedback,” she said. However, before she had the chance to improve, she received a call from HR informing her of her layoff.
Initially, Desmaratti was devastated. She worried about how she would survive without her $90,000 salary. With just two weeks of severance and limited savings, she frantically searched for new job opportunities. After two months of unemployment, she secured a remote actuarial analyst position at Transamerica.
Reflecting on her new role, Desmaratti says it provided her with the work-life balance she had longed for. “My actuarial work at Transamerica is similar to that at Deloitte but the company culture couldn’t be more different. My superiors encourage me to leave work at work, and I finally have time to nourish my hobbies and relationships,” she shared. Now, she feels like she’s “finally come alive” and is much happier with her career and life.
Desmaratti’s experience serves as a reminder that sometimes a difficult situation can lead to unexpected personal growth and fulfillment.