Times are Tough

Times are tough for so many people these days. Most of you know my job at the bank is handling the foreclosures and bankruptcies and those are at all time highs! Only my boss and I handle all of First Federal's 6 branches of loans. During normal times we would be busy, but it was manageable, but these times are tough.

It is a daily struggle to handle the massive amounts of phone calls and requests for getting payments lowered, loans modified, or figuring out what the person can do because they think they aren't going to be able to make the payment soon. To the outside world this would seem easy...change the rate and move the loan out to lower the payment. I wish it was this easy..we are bound by so many rules and what the investor requires, it is overwhelming..especially when they roll out new programs but don't really have the "meat" of the program figured out so when someone qualifies you're left in the dark on how to carry out the program.

My job is not black and white, it is so many shades of gray that each person could have their own color of gray. It is mentally exhausting because I feel so bad for some of these people who, out of no control of their own, have fallen upon this horrible economy. I'm so grateful for the job that I DO have and it again reminds me that my 2009 word "appreciate" is so valuable to remember. Appreciate what you have because tomorrow it could be taken away.

There is nothing more rewarding in my job than to help someone save their house from potential foreclosure. They are so grateful for the work that we do for them. I've had the chance to meet some of them and the relief on their face and the thanks they give are why I continue to be mentally exhausted...because there are people that need me to figure out a way for them to stay in their house. I appreciate the leverage that my bosses give me to handle my job and I can certainly appreciate the sensitivity I need to give these customers during these hard times.

Please pray that I stay strong for those who need guidance from me..I feel the weight on my shoulders and seem to be very emotional lately (more than normal anyhow)..certainly signs of stress!