The Stress of Banking: Why I Left after One Year

Banks are often viewed as bastions of job security and stability, but the reality can be far from ideal. In this article, I share my experience of working as a PO (Personnel Officer) at a bank for just over one year and why I chose to leave despite the challenges. This piece aims to highlight the struggles and pressures faced by employees in the banking sector.

Job Pressures and Burnout

Working for 4 years in the banking sector, I encountered a myriad of challenges that made my time as a branch manager and a Point of Contact (PO) much more strenuous than expected. Performing multiple roles, such as dealing with loan restructuring, recoveries, and handling police and court cases, left me struggling to maintain a work-life balance.

Role and Responsibilities

During the first 3.5 years, I was in the secondary line of management, and the last six months, I held the position of Branch Manager (BM). My role required me to multitask, juggle credit, operation, and forex responsibilities simultaneously. Additionally, I sometimes had to conduct loan recoveries alone, which was both physically and emotionally taxing.

Customer and Management Interactions

The treatment from both customers and management was often underwhelming. Being an MBA, my professional qualifications were sometimes overlooked. Customers made derogatory comments, and the management put immense pressure on us, demanding results even when they themselves had minimal involvement in the processes.

The stress of the job led to significant health issues. The constant pressure, lack of breaks, and the responsibility to handle sensitive cases like loan recoveries and court proceedings took a toll on my mental and physical health. The situation became so dire that I began to suffer from depression, making the prospect of continuing until retirement age unsavoury.

Female in a Male Dominated Environment

As a woman, I faced additional challenges. My branch consisted entirely of female staff, and I was the only female BM. I had to navigate a predominantly male-dominated environment where assertiveness and authority were often questioned. Another incident involved an intoxicated customer who threatened to shoot me if I returned to his office to recover a loan. This event underscored the level of risk I faced as a female in the role.

No Support from Management

Despite the numerous challenges, the management did not provide adequate support. We were expected to handle a range of responsibilities without the necessary resources or backing. For example, we had to deal with customer complaints and issues with ATM transactions, all while being yelled at and criticized for our pace of work.

Work-Life Balance

Managing work-life balance was next to impossible. Long working hours were the norm, with an ongoing struggle to complete tasks by 6 PM so that we could proceed with recoveries later in the evening. The high-pressure environment also made it difficult to explain to family and friends why I was leaving a "sarkari" job (government job) that many people considered prestigious.

Leaving the Banking Sector

After evaluating the situation, I decided to leave the banking sector and return to my previous role at a multinational corporation (MNC). However, this decision was not without its challenges. Convincing my family and friends, who viewed the banking sector as a stable and prestigious career, was an uphill battle. I had to fight for the right to make my own career choices, a fight that often evokes the opposing perspective that 'sarkari' jobs are hard-earned and coveted.

Lessons Learned

What I've learned from this experience is that the banking sector's image of job security and stability is not always accurate. Many professionals, like me, find it difficult to cope with the stress and pressures faced daily. It's crucial for individuals considering a career in banking to evaluate their personal needs and career aspirations, as the field can be incredibly demanding and challenging. For those already working in the sector, finding a work-life balance and seeking support from management are essential steps to prevent burnout and maintain mental and physical well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision to leave the banking sector after one year was not an easy one. However, recognizing the signs of burnout and taking action to protect one's health and well-being is crucial in any profession, especially in the high-pressure environment of banking. It's essential to prioritize personal health and pursue a career path that fits one's individual needs and goals.