Why I Quit My Job as an SBI PO: A Struggle for Balance and Integrity

When I was posted in SBI as a PO (Probationary Officer), my life took a series of challenging twists and turns. I recall the unimaginable hardships and stress that came with the role. From the constant pressure and lack of personal life to the complexities of dealing with customers and the bank's expectations, my journey as a SBI PO was a whirlwind of difficulties. In this article, I delve into the reasons that pushed me to quit my position and the lessons I learned along the way.

The Physical and Emotional Strain

The physical and emotional strain was beyond description. I remember being posted 500 kilometers away from home in Kashmir. This distance meant long commutes and a lack of personal time. Not to mention, my leaves to return home were severely limited—often just 2-3 days—and the planning began at 3 AM every morning. Working in a branch with a constant flow of customers until 4 PM was just the beginning of the day.

One of the most challenging tasks was dealing with customers whose last bank records dated back to 15 years ago, many with non-existent or invalid addresses. I recall having to process at least 500 such accounts, a task that was both daunting and frustrating. This was compounded by the constant monitoring and pressure from management: 'how much of loans you disbursed,' 'how many customers migrated to digital,' 'how much of Kyc,' and, 'how much of life insurance you sold.' Each query was a reminder of the relentless expectations and the harsh reality of the job.

The Pressure and Inevitable Failures

The pressure from management was immense, but most disturbing was the acerbic way employees were dealt with in case of poor performance. These targets were set so unrealistically that most employees struggled to meet them. Imagine receiving a poor performance warning and being told to go to the market and click photos to 'corroborate' your marketing efforts—this was not acceptable, but it was the reality.

The frequent transfers every two years added to the uncertainty and anxiety. This kind of instability made planning for the future nearly impossible. As a single individual, I faced the added challenge of managing my personal life. Cooking, washing clothes, and other daily tasks became a daily struggle. The pressure to succeed and the daily stress took a toll on my mental well-being.

Personal and Professional Balance

Adding to the stress was the inability to find time for personal life events. Marriages, funerals, and other important milestones were missed due to the demanding work schedule. I observed that colleagues, despite being diligently working, often struggled to marry and lead a normal life. The reason was simple—they lacked the time.

There were nights when I couldn't leave the bed for the constant fatigue. The work seemed to pile up, and every moment seemed to pass in a blur of tasks and responsibilities. Yet, deep down, I knew the toll it was taking on me. The constant pressure and unachievable goals translated to a personal and professional life that was more stressful than rewarding.

The Moral Dilemmas of the Job

One of the most harrowing aspects of the job was the moral dilemmas that inevitably arose. There were customers with complex histories, including the biggest defaulter in the town who had come seeking a loan under his wife's name. I knew that approving the loan would mean the bank's hard-earned profit being wasted and that the funds might never return to the bank. However, the pressure was immense, and the customer was right due to the lack of any default under his wife's name. This was a gut-wrenching decision, but it illustrated the ethical challenges faced by employees in such roles.

In a branch where fraud was a constant concern, the fear of being implicated was ever-present. Under the pressure of customers who could easily complain, the fear of legal consequences loomed large. The management's push for unattainable targets added to the stress and made it impossible to maintain a work-life balance.

The Decision to Quit

After years of enduring these challenges, I decided to make a change. I concluded that the job was not worth the emotional, physical, and moral strain. It was clear that the annual salary of 12 lakh rupees was not enough compensation for the pain and stress I was experiencing.

My decision to leave was not made lightly. It was a recognition that I deserved better and that there was a life beyond the ceaseless demands of the SBI PO role. Yet, I knew that this was a difficult decision, as the SBI PO position has the potential to be a rewarding and meaningful career.

Ultimately, the decision to quit was about reclaiming my life and finding a more balanced and satisfying work environment. It was a reality check that sometimes, financial gain is not the only measure of a fulfilling career.