Why Quiting My Banking Job Was The Best Move I Ever Made

By Selipha Kihagi

Bank jobs are some of the most boring and tedious professions in Kenya today. If you doubt this, try asking a banker about how their day was and you’ll be met by a series of complaints.

These sentiments are shared by many in the banking sector, and while some may be looking for something substantial to move to when they leave banking, some are quick to quit their jobs without knowing what the future holds.

But does this work? Patrick Maingi, an ex-banker for 3 years now, says quitting his banking job was the best career move he ever made.

I Do Not Regret Quitting My Banking Job

“Most Kenyans do not know what they want in life after campus, they just want to get a job that pays well at the end of the month. A pay they can rely on to live well and party well. While this may be thought okay, people need to think about the consequences that come with working in a dull and monotonous environment, where creativity is nearly zero,” Patrick begins his story.

“I always wanted to work in a bank growing up. I would often picture myself in a nice full suit, with a tie and well polished shoes. I dreamed how my parents would be so proud of their son and how the folks from home would respect me for making it as a banker. It was all dreamy and when I completed my Accounting Degree and my professional papers up to CPA K, I began making my applications. I was lucky enough to have made friends in the banking sector while still in school, so getting the job was not that hard.

ALSO READ >>> How I Got A Job Before Graduating & No Connections!

In my third year at the job, everything started to look dull. I realized I wasn’t too happy going to work and I didn’t look forward to the next day like I did before. During the day I would be angry at the customers for no good reason, they were becoming a bother and I didn’t understand why they didn’t know some things. I never wanted to help out anymore.

I also started feeling the need to pass by the local bar and have a drink or two to calm my nerves and help me relax after a bad day dealing with difficult customers.

Bad days became every working day, so everything started falling apart in my fourth year. My relationship fell apart because I couldn’t make time. I valued my pub schedules more. My parents expressed their concerns every time I visited, but funny enough, my boss did not complain about my performance – i don’t know how i kept that going.

Worried about becoming a constant bother to everyone and losing myself in the very job I always dreamed about, I decided to leave. I did not even tender my resignation letter, I left work as always on a Saturday afternoon and never reported the next week.

SEE ALSO >>> Signs That It’s Time To Leave Your Job

I didn’t know what to do at the time but I had read about people who made it from the bottom, I also knew I was Smart and all I needed was to clear my mind and use my brain. I went upcountry for one whole year without a plan, I thought I would return to Nairobi but I never did.

I moved into agribusiness, with a few chickens and two years later I am a happy poultry farmer. Did I waste my Accounting degree? Absolutely not. My business is growing every day and in a few years I will be counting my millions. If I stayed in my banking job, I would probably be the hopeless banker today or another jobless Kenyan. Banking is not for anyone!

My advice to those in the banking sector feeling lost, resign today and follow your passion or find a job you will love.”

Do you have an inspiring career journey to share? Contact kihagiselipha@gmailcom

Dont Miss any Job Or Article Subscribe to Career Point Kenya by Email FOR FREE CLICK HERE