Naturally, when I see an unfamiliar number flashing on my phone, I pick it up enthusiastically, knowing the heartbreaker I was, back in the day. Nine times out of 10, it isn’t some pretty face from long ago, but one of those pesky banks trying to peddle ridiculous products like revolving credit facilities.
I try to be civil with those chaps, whom I’ve dubbed “debt pushers”, but there is only so much patience even a man like me can have. More often than not they find themselves at the receiving end of some choice expletives, all for doing their job.
Lately though, listening to the experiences of my friends in corporate debt departments has led to a change of heart towards debt pushers.
The boys are having to grapple with more than their share of misfortune. Economic uncertainty is keeping borrowers at bay, even as banks have more money than they know what to do with.
This has led their bosses to enforce a ‘push it down their throats’ approach, which sees my distinguished friends pleading and cajoling corporates to raise money at laughable rates. This new job profile isn’t too far from that of the debt pushers and my friends have my sympathies.
Drinks on me at the Captain’s Bar tonight.