Boy has the Internet come a long way! From manual carbon copies, microfiche, and calculators to the Internet and Google! During my 45 years in business, I feel that I've seen it all!
Back in 1977, before I graduated high school, I worked at a bank. The second largest bank in Kansas at that time was known as "First National Bank." It was a family owned bank with strict rules on attire, how one should act, and banking classes for anyone interested.
Banking fascinated me as there was so much behind the scenes that the public wasn't aware. Being promoted to 5 different departments in 5 years, I learned a lot.
In the bookkeeping department, I filed checks manually in something much like a large rolodex! Statements were processed manually without any room for error.
The customer service department was a real kick. Becoming a foreign currency teller and calling Oklahoma City daily for exchange rates was something I really enjoyed. On a daily basis I sold gold Krugerrands, Greek Drachma, Turkish Lira, and other money exchanges. Hefty stuff for an 18 year old.
We also used microfiche to look up different clients and their account numbers. Data was being transferred onto a computer during those early days. The "computer" took up an entire room! "Dean" who ran the computer was scene as a sort of wizard! If the computer went down, all work stopped. I remember the Vice President buying pizza on many occasions as we waited for the computer to be up and running again-!
New accounts was a fun position. Anyone coming into the bank was "delivered" by me to a new account representative. So meeting new people and seeing familiar faces, was interesting. One such familiar face who visited regularly was the FBI agent who handled bank fraud cases. His were casual visits meeting with the Trust Department and other employees, just saying hello. It was a pleasant greeting every time.
Becoming a commercial account analyst was a lot of calculator work. Viewing commercial account records, including deposits and deposited checks, I would calculate how much that particular commercial account cost the bank to process versus the profit to determine the account would incur charges. All calculations were processed manually on a calculator.
Processing commercial loan payments was also performed manually in the Commercial Loan Department. Since some of these accounts began in my hometown, Wichita, handling accounts for Pizza Hut, Coleman, and Koch Industries was a regular occurrence. I'd have to say this was my least favorite position.
When it came time for another raise, I learned that I was earning the same as a college graduate and would not receive another raise until I earned a college degree. So the next time the FBI agent came into the bank, I asked him if they were hiring. To my surprise, he said yes!
This was one career move that didn't end up as exciting as I had expected. Sitting behind bullet proof glass, typing 6 out of 8 hours for the entire state of Kansas, only gave me the "willies." Every night when I'd arrive at my apartment, I'd make sure no one was hiding under the bed!
During regular hours working for the FBI, it was common to see undercover agents, police officers, and informants. That part was interesting. But getting to go to the firing range was a thrill!
One FBI agent was a former Navy Seal who brought along his Oozie machine gun. I was thrilled to give it a go, but saw more dirt flying that anticipated!
During these six years at both jobs, I'd worked with Microfiche, typewriters and manual calculators. At least the FBI position typewriter was self-correcting!
Given the 6 hours of typing, I decided to seek different employment. I didn't have to go farther than my apartment complex office! While dropping off a rent check, I asked if they were hiring. To my surprise, they said yes!
Becoming an assistant manager a month later was my start in real estate in 1983! Every aspect of this job was performed manually, but I loved it! Rent checks were processed manually on large boards with carbon copies. I decided to increase the rent roll so I started posting rental reminder postcards on doors if they were 3 days late. That little trick worked well, earning me a bonus check.
Another bonus check surfaced when I created a white board to give all of the repairmen marching orders for repairs, versus waiting for me to get off the phone. I loved the freedom to be creatively efficient! This foray into real estate was an eye opener and that was an enjoyable, multi-faceted position, and would ignite my passion years later when I became a realtor in 2002.
What's changed? MUCH and EVERYTHING! If things hadn't improved for the better with technology, we wouldn't be processing as much as we do as fast as we are able. But, the human touch is missing with just relying on email and the internet for processing business. We all still need that voice over the phone, face to face meetings to convey emotion and thoughts.
Recently I attended a one hour session on Crypto Currency, with mention of Block Chain, and mining. WOW! The future of real estate will be changing and if we aren't ready, we'll be left behind! Now THAT is real change!
But to be honest, the best time I've ever had outside work and my passion during those early years was playing softball. Bank employees, church members, and others throughout a 25 year period were my comrads! My passion for the sport started at age 12 playing girls fast pitch as a pitcher. I shifted to girls slow pitch, and finally adult co-ed softball playing second base and pitching, I wouldn't trade any of my ouches or my State and National trophies! This movie sums it up for me, coming out 5 years before I quit playing.
Thanks for allowing me to reminisce for this challenge. Lots of smiles and great memories!
-
One of my favorite movies and I still get teary eyed watching it, remembering my last season in 1997! Like I told the girls I coached in fast pitch in 2001, my last of 18 seasons, "they can take your cartilage but they can't take your memories!
Here's to a great 2022! What's your passion?!
Comments (20)Subscribe to CommentsComment