The Odds Are Against Me - Episode 23

 

At work, everybody was busy with their respective jobs after we had all arrived and greeted each of others. We moved to tasks we were meant to carry out.

At the mid of our works, we were summoned to the conference room by the Managing Director, Ms. Green. She told us that our salary would be reduced as the company was running bankrupt. We discussed other matters arising, and she concluded with everybody that's not okay with the salary slash, should resign. She stormed out of us, and there was murmurings and all. 

Two weeks passed, most of the workers had resigned while new ones were employed; I conducted the interviews and I wish I could tell them that the company doesn't have future progress for them. 

Funmi had resumed her job as the Managing Director in her company and her pay had been doubled. If she performs well after a year, half of her initial pay would be added to the double part.

"That means, I will be paid thrice of my initial salary", she said and hugged me. "All these wouldn't have been possible if I didn't marry a great husband like you".

I was being paid really low. I earned three hundred thousand naira only a month, before, but I was now paid one hundred and fifty thousand Naira. I was the second highest earner and our manager still always insisted that it might reduce. The company profit had drastically reduced, she always drum. Last time I chatted with Ms. Awoyemi, she told me that she was happy how she was relieved of her job as the managing Director, as she now owns one of the largest boutique in Lekki coupled with her online store. Her business is so big and encompassing that she delivers to other African countries.

*******************************************
While sitting in the bed with my legs stretched forward, worried, Funmi who had bathed, joined me in the bed.

"Hello, sweetheart, you look worried. What could be the problem?", she let out the question

"It's about my job, as it seems now, I'd be earning about hundred thousand naira only or I resigned", I said.

"What about you resigned? You have tried enough for them. You can't be stuck with a job, you exude so much energy mentally and physically than the peanut they pay you as a salary", I said. 

"But, you know our kids school fees are quite expensive. We need to earn much, pay their school fees and give them that great life they deserve. The only insurance I have is that I saved and built this house", I said.

"Thank God, you know that. I earn four hundred thousand naira now and would soon be earning half a million. And since you are technology savvy, you can make substantial amount of money at the comfort of our home", she said.

"You are smart, I never thought about this", I said. I hugged her, we cuddled before we both slept off.

I waited till the month end, after I'd gotten my salary before I resigned. I got it earlier than the usual with a letter on my desk wrapped in an envelope. I opened the envelop and brought out the letter. The content was about the decrease in my salary and position. My salary didn't reduce to hundred thousand naira, it reduced to seventy thousand naira. Most of my colleagues had resigned and gotten another jobs, except few that didn't resign. I learnt from a newly employed female colleague who was interested in me, but I rebuffed her and advised her as my younger one. She said that Ms. Green told them that I mismanaged the company's money with Ms. Awoyemi hence why I was demoted. It was more like Ms. Awoyemi mismanaged the money and I was her favourite, and benefitted from it. I laughed at her assumptions and follies. We were not privy of what Managing Directors earn, and she earns more than what Ms. Awoyemi earned. Even with the half of the profits she makes compared to Ms. Awoyemi.

After I was done, I wrapped the letter back into the envelope, I arranged my files inside my leather bag, and walked to her office. When I got there, I knocked before I entered.

"Good day, Mr. Afamefuna, how are you doing and how can I be of help?", she said and adjusted her glasses. I smirked.

"Can I have a seat?", I asked.

"You can, but I don't think I have the time to treat your case", she said.

"I don't have a case, but I have a say. No need for formalities. I have resigned", I said, dropped her envelope on the table and left immediately. I could feel the shock on her face when I looked back while trying to lock the door for her. I entered my office, packed my stuff, and drove home.