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.