The banker

I immediatly loved my job. The first of my three stages was on the front in Pfäffikon ZH. I was warmly welcomed by the team and the job was intersting and funny at the same time. During the first six months I finally found the right path in life and my former rebellion ended. In August 2005 it was time to say good bye which was very hard to me as I couldn't imagine that the next stage could possibly be as good as this one.

My next station was Investment Banking. It was very noisy and hectic, instead of one screen there were three now and instead of peace and quiet, interrupted by occasional client visits I found myself now in a huge office full of loud conversations and neverending rining phones. Quite stressful one could think but I loved being part of that madhouse. I loved the daily business and also the team suited me perfectly with its open and honest way.

I was still quite healthy and I had nearly no absences due to sickness. This, and also the fact that I must have done some things correctly, is why the team leader offered me a permanent job for the time when I finished my internship. But first I had to leave and finish my last six months which led me to the Wealth Management department. An experience which I wish I didn't have to make...

The appreciation in the new team at the headquarter was the exact opposite of what I experienced before. I felt lonely and unnecessary and I asked myself a lot whether someone would notice if I didn't come the next day. Lucky enough I was prepared by a former intern and therefore I knew that it was nothing personal but just the way they treat each other there. It's probably just very hard if you play in the top league and so you get cold and impersonal. Probably some people love this - I was not one of those.

This constant pressure and not feeling happy slowly started to affect my health and the daily walk to the office became harder and harder. In the end I started taking the tram for the few meters. And it got worse...