A junior lawyer in Melbourne has been dismissed from her first job after posting a viral TikTok video criticising the workplace culture, which she described as 'soul-sucking'. Natali Curukovski, a recent law school graduate, was only three weeks into her role when she shared her frustrations online, leading to her termination after she refused to remove the footage.
Video sparks debate on junior lawyer conditions
In the video, which has since amassed over 500,000 views, Curukovski detailed the pressures she faced as a junior lawyer, including constant deadlines, working after hours, and mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) events. She expressed disappointment that after seven years of study, she felt her work was not about helping people but about generating profits for the business.
Curukovski claimed she was barely able to take a lunch break and felt the industry was not supportive of a healthy lifestyle. She said she initially pursued law to make a difference, but found the reality to be focused on 'making businesses richer and restricting your own time and freedom for a paycheck.'
Public reaction and expert insight
The video drew a mixed response, with many comments criticising her for not accepting the demands of work. One commenter said, 'Welcome to becoming an adult,' while another wrote, 'IT'S CALLED HARD WORK! YOU CAN'T GET INSTANT GRATIFICATION OVER EVERYTHING THESE DAYS!' However, others supported her, with one person saying, 'Your wellbeing should not be compromised for a paycheck — that's not real success, it's performance success.'
Education psychologist Dr Adam McCartney told Metro that young people today have grown up through major economic shocks, including the global financial crisis, Brexit uncertainty, the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis. He said they have invested heavily in education, often taking on debt, without the same returns as previous generations. 'Secure employment, affordable housing and steady financial progression no longer feel guaranteed,' he said, adding that prioritising wellbeing is a 'rational response to the world they have inherited.'
Termination and employer response
A week after posting the video, Curukovski revealed she had been fired. In a follow-up TikTok, she said her employer asked her to take down the original video during an 'awkward' and 'confronting' conversation. She refused, stating she 'stood her ground,' and received a termination letter effective immediately. Curukovski noted she did not name her employer or share client details, only discussing the general experience of junior lawyers.
Her former employer later contested her account. While declining to comment on her specific case, the firm told News.com.au they are 'very proud' of their workplace culture and mentoring program for all lawyers, especially junior ones. The statement said all staff work from 9 to 5 with a fully paid one-hour lunch break, and that working beyond 5pm is 'actively discouraged' as it is not considered healthy or necessary.
Curukovski's dismissal highlights ongoing tensions between younger workers' expectations and traditional workplace norms, with her story resonating widely on social media.
