Better work-life balance helped keep Linette Lee at DBS for 47 years
Published on
10 Dec 2022
Published by
The Straits Times
SINGAPORE – It might surprise some to know that DBS Bank stalwart Linette Lee, who has worked there for 47 years, tendered her resignation back in 2007.
But, by offering her another position with better work-life balance, the bank changed her mind.
The Singaporean mother of three, who was then a credit operations service delivery manager, wanted to quit to spend more time with her family. But instead of letting her go, the bank invited her to interview for a newly created role in its credit control unit.
Now 65, she says: “The offer surprised me as it allowed me greater flexibility with no change in salary or corporate rank. It was essentially internal mobility in practice, long before the term became popular.”
She took it up and never looked back.
In 1975, the 18-year-old O-level holder joined the lending arm of Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) as a clerk. She performed legal documentation checks, and served in roles such as a relationship manager and technical verification officer. After POSB was acquired by DBS in 1998, she moved to the latter’s loan processing unit.
She joined DBS’ credit control unit in 2007, and today handles intra-group outsourcing contracts and operational risk management, among other duties. She was promoted to the rank of vice-president earlier this year.
“I stayed with DBS because of the varied roles and challenges I have had the opportunity to tackle throughout my career. DBS has taken good care of me and my family through my various life stages,” she says, in particular lauding the bank’s medical insurance, share participation and wellness programmes.
Caring bosses, in particular, made the decision easy. She recalls an inspiring manager in DBS’ credit operations team who helped plan the entire teams’ career paths, with at least two future postings mapped out for everyone. “He was a superb mentor and coach who would support and stand by his employees. He was someone for whom I was prepared to run the extra mile.”
She has no regrets staying put. “The pasture is always greener on the other side and there are trade-offs. But to be able to work in a conducive environment, contribute to the workforce, mentor younger colleagues and yet be adequately provided for to raise my family is my contentment,” she adds.
She acknowledges that today’s generation of young workers grew up in vastly different circumstances. “My generation, the baby boomers, had to help support our families from a young age. Job stability and having a stable income were very important for us. I believe my generation is hardier, as we have been through several economic recessions and lean times.”
In contrast, she notes that millennials and Gen Z workers have not experienced such tough periods and they expect constant pay raises. She has also noticed that titles matter to them greatly. “For us, we started as clerks and worked our way up.”
Her advice for younger workers is to try out various roles and see which allow the best balance of work and personal life. “Be down-to-earth and recognise that salary and compensation cannot be rising all the time. Learn to be content and avoid slipping into an entitled mindset.”
Source: The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.
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