A Banker's Life for Me

Yesterday the international division of my bank had a big annual reception. A member of the board of trustees (his last name, appropriately, is Schat, the Dutch word for treasure) gave a year overview. Considering what a year 2008 has been, this was an event not to be missed.

I had been told that it's usually a very motivational speech and held in a huge auditorium. Not so this year. It was held in the lobby of the auditorium i.e. we all had to stand. Our fearless leader's speech was very low tech. No PowerPoint. He just appeared at a podium and began talking. No one introduced him.

His message boiled down to: "Your bonuses will be much smaller this year. Just be thankful you still have a job."

He concluded with this motivational exhortation: "Let's enjoy our drinks now and briefly forget the stormy weather outside."

The assembled sea of dark suits certainly took that message to heart, downing glass after glass of white and red wine. At least that's one area where costs haven't been cut. yet.