In September 2015, Isaac Mugo faced a life-altering decision that would plunge him into a tumultuous journey filled with regret and hardship. At the time, he sat at his office desk, mentally preparing to submit his resignation letter to his boss, a step that would eventually leave him jobless for over seven years.
The catalyst for this drastic action was the unending marital discord that had seeped into his workplace, visibly impacting his work performance.
Mugo, according to his narrative in the Nation newspaper, had been experiencing ongoing conflict with his wife, which reached a boiling point in 2014.
That year, his wife unexpectedly appeared at his workplace, demanding to speak with his boss about a personal matter, marking the beginning of a chain of events that would reshape his life.
As Mugo returned to the office after a lunch break, a security guard intercepted him.
The guard informed Mugo that two women at the reception insisted on meeting with the HR department, with one claiming to be his wife. This revelation left Mugo both surprised and bewildered.
Before this incident, Mugo had been grappling with his wife over several issues, and the persistent disagreements had begun to take a toll on his work performance.
These strains led him to make the monumental decision to quit his high-paying job, a choice driven by a desire to regain peace within his family.
Regrettably, when he decided to resign and handed in his letter, it was not the drop in his work performance that his boss inquired about but the dramatic confrontation at the office.
Things had gone awry when Mugo’s wife and her sister showed up unannounced.
In a surreal twist, Mugo’s life unraveled further when the HR director contacted him and informed him that his wife had requested that his monthly pay be redirected to her account.
The accusations hurled at him by his wife included neglecting the family, engaging in extramarital affairs at the office, failing to procure a medical insurance card for one of their children, and feigning long working hours.
The aftermath of these events led to a toxic work environment where Mugo felt alienated, with his colleagues, including the security guards, gossiping about him.
The stress and pressure continued to mount, and he feared possible office suspension or demotion. Consequently, Mugo made the difficult decision to quit his job, thinking it would bring peace and tranquility back into his home.
However, this decision set off a chain of unintended consequences. His financial situation steadily worsened, and his inability to secure alternative employment forced him to downgrade his family’s lifestyle.
Within three months, the financial strain became unbearable, leading to a change in residence and his children’s transfer to more affordable schools. Ultimately, Mugo could no longer afford rent, and he found himself returning to his village.
The most devastating blow was the loss of his family. Alone and unemployed, Mugo found himself yearning for his past life, as his attempt to restore family harmony had only left him with deep regrets.
Reflecting on his journey, Mugo lamented not seeking the counsel of a professional after the dramatic office incident. With guidance, he might have made a more informed decision rather than giving up his sole source of income.
