JOHOR BARU: Losing his job as a factory machine operator in Senai turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Hassri Abdul Kadir.

       The father of three was retrenched in June last year, after being on paid leave for about three months due to the movement control order.

       “It was a bitter pill to swallow. I panicked when I found out my company had to lay off 20 of its employees including me. I was very worried as two of my children are still studying and I needed to pay for my car,” he said.

       As it turned out, the 54-year-old had some positive-minded friends who motivated him to use his talent in carpentry to make a living.

       “Thanks to their motivation, I was able to start a furniture business from home. I had so much spare time,” he added.

       Hassri said he learned the basics of furniture making from online videos and experimented on his own, starting off by making tables for his home.

       When he posted photos online, he was surprised to see people expressing an interest.

       “I made some sales and also made more furniture for my house.

       “By the time I lost my job in June, I had already sold furniture to some people who saw my Instagram profile. After gathering some material, I decided to make it a full-time business at home,” he added.

       As he took on more orders, Hassri said he rented some land from his neighbour and erected a workshop there.

       “I started out with a little space and no machines, but I was able to build my own workshop beside my house. I also bought a van to deliver the furniture to my customers,” he added.

       To date, he has completed close to 100 wooden items that include cabinets, beds, closets, plant stands and cages for cats and hamsters.

       “The items are priced between RM70 and RM2,500, depending on size and whether delivery is required,” he said.

       Having survived the worst of times, the enterprising dad said people who have lost their jobs should make use of their talents.

       “I earn more than what I used to get working in the factory, and most importantly I wake up every day doing what I love with no stress involved,” he said.