The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
Terryanne Chebet has opened up on losing her job as she sought to advise former colleagues affected by the massive layoffs. In a social media post, the mother of two who recently resigned from Metropol TV revealed that when she was fired from Citizen TV in 2016, she felt worried, angry and betrayed.
"It was a difficult time and I cried every night, wallowing in self-pity and anxiety. I realised that even though I was emotionally broken I needed to face the truth and needed to quickly deal with the feelings of betrayal, rejection, denial, and anger that I felt. I had no choice but to focus on what the future held for me and my family," she wrote.
The founder and CEO of Keyara Organics, a natural skin and hair care products company further disclosed that she was the sole breadwinner for her family and therefore, had to shift her mindset and make various changes in her life.
READ ALSO: I locked myself up and cried- Terryane Chebet speaks on getting fired
Advising her media colleagues who were recently laid off, Terryanne, who curved her niche as a business journalist said that taking control of one’s budget is the first step. According to her, a budget is important in taking control of one's finances and understanding their financial situation.
She advised journalists to cut down on unnecessary expenditures such as drinks at the bar and eating outand instead prioritize more important needs.
"We had a traditional family lunch out on Sundays and I cut it out, after of course explaining to my family why it was necessary to manage our costs until we are back on track," she added.
To those who have loans, the former Citizen TV news anchor encouraged them to engage the relevant financial institutions to seek temporary reprieve as they find their footing.
READ ALSO: Welcomed baby on date I was retrenched, Terryanne Chebet reveals God’s sense of humour
"Ensure you are in touch with everyone you owe and let them know your financial situation. Do not switch off your phone and do not stop picking up their calls. Communication changes everything," she said.
For the lucky ones who will turn around their situations and have a source of income, Terryanne advised them to build financial discipline by committing to saving a specific amount either weekly or monthly.
"Once you get some sort of income coming in, begin to slowly put some money aside for savings or pension. Mobile payments now allow us so much more flexibility. Make a choice to save any amount of money per week or month," she advised.
READ ALSO: Terryanne Chebet named brand ambassador for Moflix diapers
Referencing her experience when she was fired at Royal Media Services, Terryanne admitted that she did not know how to introduce herself as she had always referred to herself as a news anchor. However, she noted that it was important to come to terms with the situation after losing a job to be able to tell the story comfortably.
"Your future employers will almost always ask as well, so ensure that you have thought through your job loss story and you can tell it well and comfortably," she added.
