It was not just another year that went by. It was a beginning of a new phase in my life. In 2008, my decision to move to SCB was reasoned on the following aspects:
1. Responsibility and Learning - Increased account responsibility with greater interaction with customer and greater involvement in operations, which I had never been exposed to at Axis Bank. So responsbility was increasing three fold with also scope for greater learning. However, since the risk apetite of the Bank was lower, the number of relationships to be managed would reduce to almost one third. That way I would not be expecting a very large change in responsibility.
2. Reward & Remuneration - a very attractive offer with a handsome increment over my existing pay. It would be adequate for getting enough home loan for my new flat. Monthly cash flow also would improve.
3. Brand Value - surely an international bank would mean bigger and better brand.
All this was true, except the responsibility part. The work load was immense due to higher responsibility. The new year started with increased involvement in operations and greater learning. This resulted in a Work-Life imbalance. During the same phase we had planned for our first child. There surely was work pressure at office in addition, there was also increased responsibility to take care of my wife while she was carrying. My wife understood my situation very well. She ensured that my life at home did not change much. She took care of most of the things.
The new year 2009 started with these two major events one on the professional and one on the personal. Given this beginning, the life during 2009 improved beyond doubt. I was able to ensure that my loan got disbursed and made the final payment to my builder. Got ownership of my flat and moved to our home, a small two bedroom flat near the heart of the city. We were blessed with a daughter. We named her Charita. I started driving to my office and my confidence levels in driving increased. My performance at office was appreciated. I made good friends at work place. I was involved in some new and good deals and transactions, which offered wonderful learning experience. During 2009, both on the personal and professional front, there was a sense of satisfaction and achievement.
With this positive energy and confidence from the last year, I am entering into a new year and decade. I am confident that year 2010 and 202nd decade (AD) would be a more satisfying and more successful a year than 2009.
