Wednesday 9 May 2012

MOVING ON.....................

WARNING: LONG POST ALERT :-D....

I can't believe I haven't blogged in a whole month. Nnaaa, na wa ooo. I was supposed to have updated last week, but I've just been so lazy :-). So how are you all doing? I'm cool, living and loving life. Work has been ermmmmm, interesting.

I remember when the first tsunami (laying off of staff) hit the banking sector in 2009. It was unexpected and deadly. We all got to the office on the 31st of Dec, 2009 and logged on to our various systems. As many people as couldn't log on (an error message saying this user has been disabled would pop on the monitor) had been laid off, just like that. At first, we thought it was a system error because we were not pre-informed. We communicated with colleagues from other branches who were experiencing the same problem and eventually heard from some of them in HR that the bank had laid off some staff.

That was a rude awakening both to those that had been laid off and to those that were still in the system. No one knew the criteria for the laying off. Some said it was based on performance especially in terms of deposit mobilization. I think people were just randomly picked because really how many people meet their targets. As an operation staff, I have my target too, but I don't even bother myself about it. I have enough to do rendering quality service to the customers when they come to do their transactions. A good friend of mine (also an operation staff) that we had attended her wedding on the 5th of Dec 2009 was laid off. What a way to usher in the new year. Those of us still left in the system were forced to think of plans B, C, and as many as possible in case of any eventualities. But you know how this things can be, after a while, you tend to just relax jare especially when you have a good monthly income coming in.

Following the reformation in the banking sector, some banks were merged and some were acquired. My former bank (drumroll) :-) : Finbank was acquired by Fcmb. The process had been going on for a while and we all just minded our business and continued our normal work. The final lap of the acquisition is to be in July, that is when all Finbank branches will be renamed Fcmb and all that. Some weeks back, a rumor started circulating that there was going to be another tsunami in April as part of the acquisition plan. It was somehow expected because there was no way Fcmb would absorb all the staff of Finbank. But we thought the tsunami would be sometime in June, how wrong we were.

The rumor became stronger that staff were going to be laid off on the 27th of April. There was no way to verify this, so we just prepared our minds for anything. On the said day, we got to the office and with bated breath, we all tried to login to our systems. We all heaved a sigh of relief in my branch when we gained access to do our jobs. Reports started coming in from colleagues in other branches saying that management had changed their tactics. Instead of outright disabling of staff user ID, they sent letters through Dhl and some branches had already received theirs.

At about 10am, a Dhl delivery guy brought a parcel for my branch. My BM received it and refused to open it. My guess was that he didn't want to destabilize the staff affected. He preferred us to go about our normal duties first. Oh boy, there was so much tension in the air. Chats and calls were made from different branches intimating us of friends that had been laid off. Most of us didn't even have the zeal to work that day, we just wanted to be told our fate.

Around noon, the BM called my Hop (Lekan) and spoke with him. Not long after he returned from the meeting, I suspected that I had been affected by the tsunami. As the FT officer, I work on salary schedules of customers. I had a list of Phcn staff schedule and was waiting for the NEFT transfer from First Bank before I could go ahead and credit their accounts. Earlier on, Lekan had told me to go ahead and part-credit these accounts. The idea been that as soon as we received the NEFT transfer, he would conclude the transaction. This would save me from undue stress from the Phcn staff ( I will gist you guys about those people later. Their wahala too much walahi). I had been busy with other transactions and so hadn't gotten round to the salary schedule. So when Lekan asked if I had worked on the schedule and I said no, he told me not to bother doing it again.

I smiled to myself cos I just knew that it was almost time for me to wrap up and waka. He also had this sorry look on his face :-), but didn't say anything to me. But he went ahead and told my colleagues. Later in the day, the C.S.O came to my desk and asked me to transfer my ringtone to her phone. I told her I would do so when I was less busy. She kept insisting that she wanted it and I shouldn't forget. I put two and two together and concluded that for her to be insisting on getting the ringtone that day, it meant I wasn't going to come to work on Monday.

To cut the long and boring story short jare :-), we closed to customers by 4pm as usual and my boss called me and informed me that I and a marketer in the branch were laid off. I told him I figured it out already. He handed over the parcel to me which contained my letter of resignation and another letter with the breakdown of my terminal benefits. I wrote my own letter of resignation, handed over my ID card, official cufflinks and lapel pin to my boss. I was more than glad to hand over my pending work (including the list of Phcn salary schedule) to the Grumbler. She was just crying ( I'm sure it was more because she would now have double work to do, than because she was going to miss me) :-D...

We all talked for a while and I eventually left. It was nice working in that branch, even though it was for a few months. I appreciate the people and the experience I got from my 4 years sojourn in Finbank. I thank God for the impact I believe I made in the lives of some of the people I came in contact with. I made some good friends that I intend to keep in touch with. However, it's time for me to move on to greater things.

So right now, I'm doing some serious soul searching cos aside from getting another job, I need to think of and explore some things I really love to do. Now more than ever, I need to set those other plans B,C, etc in motion.

So y'all, if you hear of any vacancies or have any connections in Shell, Chevron, Nnpc, Total, Mobil etc, just holla @ your girl. :-D

P.S: I'm off to Abuja tomorrow. I decided to go and visit my sister and her family. I saw them last in October when she put to bed. I need to do all my waka and grooving now, cos as soon as the job comes, there will be no vacation in a while.

P.S.S: I'm considering altering my blog name. Oh well, let's see how that goes. Hope to update soonest. *fingers crossed*

Lots of love and hugs *muahhhhh*


90 comments:

  1. Been there, done that, nothing does you babe you go also survive am. Looking forward to your new choice of name. :-)

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    1. Yeah Trae, I will most def survive it. Thanks man.

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  2. Dearie, it is well oh!! Your next job shall be better than this one!!

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  3. Trust God for direction and He will provide something bigger and better for you. He always takes care of His own. So, in the meantime, go have you some fun ;)

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    1. Thanks dear. I'm trusting God and you can bet that I plan on having maximum fun. :-)

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  4. I wish I knew the appropriate things to say without sounding cliche. ((hugs))

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  5. ((Hugs))
    The Lord will do a new thing for you. Please send me ur email address the.pet.projects@gmail.com

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  6. i got nervous as i read the story, like i know its going to end like this..........dont even know what to say. its their loss anyway, just enjoy yourself for now

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    1. *Grinning widely*, Yep, it's their loss alright. They've just helped in pushing me on to greater heights. Thanks sweets.

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  7. Sorry to hear that. I pray the Lord will do a new and better thing for you...

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  8. When one door closes, God opens so many others. You might never know what's down the road for you till you negotiate a bend.
    May the wait for another job not be long and I pray that the next will be better than former.

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  9. God is with you and will see you through it all. it is well with your soul and things can only get better. Best wishes dearie.

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  10. I was just thinking yesterday how i haven't heard from you in a while...

    My dear, a better one will come, trust me. I've been there before. And I can say that all you need to do now is have faith in the one you call God, and expect the best as you send out your CV.

    Best wishes love.
    xoxo

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    1. Yeah, you were there once upon a time, I remember you mentioned it in one of your posts. Thanks dear and yep, in God I trust and I know He won't let me down.

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  11. Yes You are on to Greater things,sad you got laid off but hey i loved the way u went about things TO GREATER THINGS IT IS DEAR..

    Ps. I gave You an Award On My BloG :)

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    1. Amen & thanks a lot dear. Will check your blog for the award details. ((hugs))

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  12. I was just thinking about you recently jare, been there too, my first job was a bank job too, after i was asked to resigned, i did my soul searching and decided banking wasn't for me,because it took over my life, i decided to change industry, and after much dilly dallying, i believe God was guiding me, i got an airline job that paid less, but guess what? even though i was being paid less money, my life changed for the better,i loved my new industry and was a star employee within months, it was then i even see road to notice the guy i eventually married, i am in that industry till this day, being paid well and the hours are good ..so my point is all things work together for good, this a break you can use to chart the course of your life, seize it, someone once said, 'don't ever let a crisis go to waste, use it' ...glad you are going to Abuja jare enjoy yourself...and hang in there it shall be well...

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    1. Thanks a lot dear for these words of encouragement.

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  13. I'm sending a million hugs to you right now :)
    I like your tone. Even though it's hard, you seem to be taking it really well. i smiled @your Grumbler comment too.

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    1. Hugging you right back sweets. Thanks.

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  14. I remember commenting on one of your posts last year about what you would call yourself after leaving the banking industry. I know what your going through I have personally given out over 20 Service No Longer Required Letters.

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    1. You just chill for the name change. Hmmmm, don't envy that part of your job, but someone has to do it right.

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  15. The time for new things is here! Enjoy your trip to abj. *hugss*

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  16. God has gone ahead of you and done all things well...

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  17. Hmmm, what can I say? Whatever you need to make it in your future, God will bring all those resources to your doorstep in Jesus name.
    Another way has been opened unto you. I am glad that you are taking it in good stride

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  18. IT IS WELL! Enjoy yourself dear,groove well!

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  19. Its well.... Your attitude to the news is what it shud be.. Moving on to other greater things. Its time for your great new Beginning.....

    Cant wait for the name change... You might need to file an affidavit though and take out a public notice....

    I, Che formerly known as Naija Bank Girl wishes to be known as ..........
    All former blog posts remain valid.

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    1. LOL @ the affidavit thingy. Thanks a lot.

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  20. I think this is the best moment to find yourself, it might just be a blessing in disguise. Safe trip to Abuja!

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    1. I agree with you that this is a great opportunity to discover myself. Thanks hun and Amen.

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  21. Darn, that must suck, but you definitely seem to have taken in stride pretty well. Hope that something way better opens up for you. Keep ya head up.

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  22. It's the not knowing that sucks. Now you know, and you can move on. I like the spirit in which you took it jare. There's a yoruba saying that goes kuro nise mi o ni ki n kuro l'aye: Leave my work does not mean leave the world. As long as you're alive, there's still hope and these things often push people to greatness. I'm going through a similar thing but I don't even know my fate as of yet so I'm in a limbo. I've dusted it off and I'm now getting some much needed legal experience pending the time they decide my fate; either stay or leave. It is well. Enjoy your grooving. You need it. Bank work is not beans.

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    1. P:S I tagged you in my Elevens. Please visit my blog for the details

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    2. Thanks love. Not knowing your fate sure does suck. You just get as much experience as you can and whether you stay or leave, it will come in useful later. Thanks also for the tag, will get to it soonest.

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  23. I hope everything works out for you.. All the best.

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  24. so sorry to hear, all the best. I pray God helps you figure out what step to take next.

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  25. Hey Che,i tagged you in a post,visit my blog to know all about it.

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    1. Thanks for the tag dear, will check it out soon.

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  26. your father in heaven is way too faithful to fail or forsake you. Can't wait to see/read your testimonies :)!

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    1. Yep, Baba God is very faithful. Will def share the testimonies with you all. Thanks love.

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  27. i tagged you in '11 question tag'. Please visit my blog, http://madamchiso.blogspot.com/ for more details.

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  28. Kai, you have been tagged twice. leme carry my tag go front

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    1. LOL, carry am go meet someone else ooo. I berra do and get to them tags.

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  29. Being laid-off can be a challenge. Especially when you are good at what you do.
    Wishing you the best during this period plus lots of growth.

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    1. Like a friend of mine said, it's their loss :-)..Thanks a lot.

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  30. Quite sure it was way tougher than you sound. All the best as you move forward in life. *hugs*

    DrLily

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    1. Ohhh yeah, it was, but had to be strong about it. Thanks dear. **hugging you right back**

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  31. Ndi igbo n'ekwu si "achu gi de onye uwa, a chuba ya n'uwa oma" (I hope i dont have to translate that *wink*)

    I dont even feel sad about your leaving the banking industry cos i know that greatness awaits you where God is leading you.

    Cheta kwa m na uwa oma gi ooo. Lots of hugs sis

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    1. Aghota mu ofuma. Inwero nsogbu nwannem, nma echetagi *wink*..Amen & thanks love.

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  32. Che, you will sooo alright you'll look back and thank God for the day your bank laid you off! Because youu will find something way better....way way better. Go have fun boo. God's got your back. He's not done with u!!!

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    1. My fellow banker, I know ooo. E don tay wey i tire for the job, but couldn't bring myself to leave it cos i was too relaxed in the pay and all. Thanks a whole lot love and yep, God's got my back alright.

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  33. He is a faithful God and surely He will lead you in the right direction. Just believe in Him and He will see you through.

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  34. Chi gal, It's well with you. Recall that I lost my job with Afribank in 2009. And God has being faithful to me. Girl you will make it by His Grace. Just look up to him. Love ya! Aunty C

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    1. Aunty Ceeeeeeeee, yes oooo, I remember. Thank God for His faithfulness in your life. Amen to your prayers. Thanks ma'am.

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  35. Oh darlyn, the Lord is your strength. He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you and i pray He give you the grace to hold on to Him till He shows Himself strong, because He will! God bless you

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  36. Oh dear just seeing this... you ok?

    You just be strong you'll pull through **hugs**

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  37. @Chez, how are u? I miss you. How is the job hunt going? It will be over soon. Take care of you and enjoy this moment. Xoxoxox

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    1. Miss you too dear. Hmmmmm, the job hunt is not so easy, but I'm holding on. Thanks love and Amenn.

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  38. Cheeeeee, missed u so much. How is 9ja and everybody? Well I've tagged you in the game of 11. check my blog

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    1. Missed you too dear. Naija jus dey jor. We are all good. Thanks love. Will work on the tag ASAP.

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  39. I left you 2 comments but my browser or something is MESSING UP!!! How are you doing? I'm so sorry to hear this but I am confident you'll land on your feet. Kudos for keeping your sense of humour intact!

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    1. Your browser shouldn't let me vex with it oo. :-)..I'm doing great. Thanks hun.

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  40. Checking up on you. Hope u are good? Take care dear.

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    1. Awww, thanks a lot sweets. I'm cool. Will update soonest.

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  41. Che sorry this is coming late as I have been out of circulation. Hope u are doing fine. All will work out fine.

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  42. It takes a lot of guts to post this and even though you sound like you're not affected i'm sure it hurts. I feel so proud of you.

    It is well dear. Bigger and better opportunity awaits you.You'll constantly be in my prayers.

    Just came across tour blog today....

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    1. Thanks for stopping by dear. I would be visiting your blog soon. It did hurt, but hey, life goes on. :-)... Amen to your prayers.

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  43. wao girl, its been a while i checked urf blog cos i havent put up a post too, i didnt know u were affected. oh goodness. i hope ure ok now and know that better things will come sooner than u think.

    BTW, i m beginning to get real scared we have so many things in common, bank, love for the media, FT in bank and some oda sturvs i ve seen on ur blog o! ok o, we definitely have to meet up one day. aite cheers dear

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    1. Hi dear, I'm doing great. Thanks. We sure do have loads in common. You sure you are not my sister :-). Would be nice to meet you. My email address is checiano@hotmail.com. You can holla @ me.

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  44. yippee! my former-bank colleague [finbank]. am actually still smiling. finbank was like a home for 4 yrs and oh yes! wuz a great place both before the consolidation [first atlantic] and after.

    babe, move on joo! it wuznt just you peeps in house that held ur breaths while waiting for the bomb, those of us on the outside still did until it dropped. funny how i wuz trying to figure out who you are and your branch. you made me remember one other time when pple's accts were credited with their terminal benefits and they didnt know until the calls started going round bankwide asking friends/colleagues, "wuz ur acct credited too"? a simple slack on HR's part cos they couldnt hand out the letters before pple noticed the inflow in their accounts. jst all funny now and adds up to experince but hey! the finbank days were fun.

    can we link up? need to talk to you on a prospect. how do i reach u? or alternately, if u tell me ur last branch, then i could link u.

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    1. Hi Zinar, cool to meet a fellow ex-finbank staff. I enjoyed my stay there and met a lot of wonderful people some of which are my very good friends now. Sure we can link up. My email address is checiano@hotmail.com.

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  45. Hi. This comment is so late, but this is my first time on your blog.

    I believe you are doing very okay now and you remember that all things work together for good...

    I'm shocked at your strength. I couldn't do this if it was me; I'm sure it was harder than you let on.

    Whatever you do, God's always gonna be with you. That's for sure.

    Cheers and God bless you.

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