Fired after 22 years at Nordea: Why? I didn't have my fingers in the till
Ole Hingelberg had always been praised for his work and for achieving his targets, right until he was struck by organisational changes. He first reacted with bitterness, but now, back on the job, he has an important message to share.
Always recognised
On the contrary, he was always recognised for his efforts.
He was headhunted while working at Danske Bank and was for many years in charge of multiple wealthy clients.
“I have always achieved my targets, and it was regularly stressed that my specific field was among the bank’s core tasks.”
Having barely slept, he showed up at the hotel the following day and got the message he expected. Job losses in Nordea terms. His immediate manager's position had also been cut, so the manager receiving him in the meeting room was someone else.
“She did just fine, I suppose, explaining to me that it had nothing to do with me. My immediate reaction was bitterness. After all, they had picked me ... why was that? That’s been puzzling me a lot,” says Ole Hingelberg.
It was bad news, but as he got back into his car, he was sure about one thing:
“You just need to find a new job! That's what I told myself,” he says, unconsciously clenching his fists – just like he did on the wheel that morning.
“I knew I wasn't ready to bring out the golf clubs just yet. I have always been very fond of my job. I wasn’t ready then, and I’m not ready now to retire,” says the now 63-year-old asset management adviser, his voice steady and his gaze unwavering.
New job
I have come to meet him at Sparekassen Danmark in Aarhus, as he has already secured a new job as an asset management specialist even before the expiry of his notice period.
He is based in the pension competence centre of the bank, which is headquartered in the city of Vrå in Northern Jutland, but moves around the country a lot for appointments with large agricultural, corporate and business pension clients – and to teach asset management to colleagues.
The new job is also the reason why he wants to share his story:
“I want to send a positive message, letting other people know that even if you lose your job at a mature age, others will need you. I am very happy and grateful to have been given a new chance,” he says, as he talks about the unique spirit he experiences at Sparekassen Danmark.
But to get this far, he first had to go through a period that felt weird – as if what had happened to him couldn’t really be true.
He came into work a week after being laid off, which turned out to be a special and strange experience. It was also weird talking to customers, knowing what lay ahead.
That’s why he asked to be released from his duties, using the option he had been told was available to him. He also received the salary and pension benefits secured by the collective agreement after the job loss.
Trained like Messi
“It was strange to say goodbye to my colleagues. I got a farewell gift, said my goodbyes and handed over my computer and access card. That was it. After 22 years in the Nordea suit. Thank you for your service...”
Since then, he has felt ‘all done’ with Nordea.
“Nordea did offer me an outplacement programme, which I am very happy to have used. The consultations I’ve had have been amazing. My coach promised me she’d be there until I was back working.”
The coach had told him to visualise that he was the football superstar Messi, and she was his manager.
“She’d be training me and making sure I got the best conditions, so I could perform at my best. She was a huge support and helped me a lot,” says Ole Hingelberg.
He also speaks highly of the support he got from Finansforbundet, both centrally and through union representatives.
“It has worked perfectly and has been crucial throughout the entire process. I got help to move on and soaked it all up. You see, I had no experience with job hunting and none at all for the situation I suddenly found myself in.”
A new start
Since 1 March, work has been full-on and the learning curve steep.
There are virtually no points of similarities to the systems he previously used. He has also had to complete heaps of certifications as they do not fully correspond between the banks.
“I promised myself to get through them quickly. Then I’d be all set,” he says, having been in full swing for quite some time now.
He presents material from Sparekassen Danmark and explains that he finds it deeply ingrained in the DNA of every employee that it is a foundation-owned bank with roots in the local community.” That means happy and proud colleagues.
He specifically mentions that all employees have the opportunity of choosing a local project and supporting it with funds from the bank, within a set budget.
“That’s a really nice gesture, and a great way for the bank to give back to the local community. Money earned locally should provide benefits and joy to the community.”
As we wrap up the interview and Ole Hingelberg gets up from his chair, he once again stresses that he is sharing his story to give courage to other people in the same situation:
“Even though you’re getting on in years and lose your job, never give up.“ People out there need you.”