12 years and counting..

It was exactly 12 years ago on this day, that I joined the Bank.. I can vividly recall that exact moment when I along with 24 other batchmates of mine were sitting in the classroom of our Staff Training College, when a very senior colleague addressed us and began giving us instructions about how to fill our joining forms.. I was very impressed by the way this colleague introduced herself and conducted the whole 'induction' in a very methodical and smooth way.. At that moment I was filled with a sense of awe and wonder looking at her addressing us..  Her personality, her poise, charm and just the way she carried herself left such a lasting impression on me, so much so that on that same day I silently hoped that one day I would be in her place conducting such an induction programme for newly joined employees of the Bank.. 

Fast forward 12 years later where I recently had the opportunity to conduct pre joining and joining formalities for a batch of newly recruited set of colleagues.. I'm not sure if I left a lasting impression on any of these new joinees or if any of them felt that they would one day want to be in my place.. But for me it was a very humbling experience.. I can't explain the feeling but at that moment I felt life come to a full circle.. And at that moment I felt proud representing my organisation before my newly joined colleagues.. The whole experience was just out of the world and left me feeling very contented and happy..

I wasn't always this proud of being a part of this organisation.. I remember in my initial days, specifically during my probation period, I wanted to quit.. I dreamt of being like my other classmates/seniors who were all working in the private sector.. Somehow at that point of time, being a part of a PSU didn't hold the glamour that a job at a private company had.. But all that glitters is not gold.. so while I envied my classmates/seniors/juniors who kept hopping from one job to another, I persevered and stuck to the same organisation for more than a decade.. 

It hasn't been an easy experience though.. There were days and months where there were very challenging experiences.. some of those experiences pushed me too much that I hit rock bottom.. I also faced a phase where I lost all confidence in my abilities.. But despite these testing times, I must say that overall the experience has been amazing.. This job has given me the opportunity to learn so much, it has given me a sense of identity besides giving me the financial freedom that so many women across the country can only dream of.. 

As I walk into my 13th year of service, I feel gratitude towards the Almighty for blessing me with this job, for my parents and brother who have been extremely supportive of me, for my husband who has been my biggest source of strength, for my in laws and extended family without whom I couldn't have made it so far and I'm most grateful for my daughter who never fails to make me feel like I'm the best mom in this world!

So to sum it up.. That's 10 transfers, 3 promotions, lots of acquaintances, a few great friends and endless opportunities for great learning.. Today as I complete 12 years of work life, I'm feeling proud, happy, grateful and extremely contented.. Thank you to all who made this journey worthwhile!