At 24, Cierra Desmaratti, an actuarial analyst with Deloitte in Chicago, found herself devastated when she was laid off. Earning $90,000 annually (approximately Rs 76 lakh), she initially feared for her financial future. A year later, however, Desmaratti reflects on the experience as a blessing in disguise, stating that it was one of the best things that ever happened to her.“I felt anything but normal at Deloitte,” she told Business Insider. “I had to suppress my personality to fit in with the fast-paced, high-pressure environment. The layoff, though painful, made me realize what I truly deserved in a career.”Feeling out of placeDesmaratti, who grew up in a low-income household, joined Deloitte in September 2022. Despite the excitement of being hired alongside 80 to 90 other new recruits, she soon felt out of place. Surrounded by colleagues sporting designer outfits and pressed suits, Desmarattis more modest attire from TJ Maxx, which had felt like a luxury, now seemed inadequate.Burnout and decline in well-beingAs the workload increased, Desmaratti began working 11-hour days, which took a toll on both her mental and physical health. “I experienced burnout quickly. My back ached from long hours at my desk, and I relied on unhealthy snacks to push through stressful projects,” she revealed. The stress led her to gain 9 kg in just a few months, leaving her feeling the unhealthiest she had ever been.Despite the effort she put into her work, Desmaratti received negative feedback during her performance review. She expressed frustration, feeling that earlier feedback could have helped her make improvements. Just as she began focusing on improving her performance, she received the news that she was being laid off.A brighter futureInitially, the layoff left Desmaratti worried about her financial stability. However, after two months of job searching, she landed a remote role as an actuarial analyst with Transamerica, which provided her with the work-life balance she had long desired.“My job at Transamerica is similar to Deloitte in terms of tasks, but the company culture is completely different. My managers encourage me to have a life outside of work, and I finally have time for hobbies and relationships,” Desmaratti shared. “I feel like Ive finally come alive.”
