The Easy Job No One Knew About: A Discreet IT Contractor at a Global Bank
In the late 1990s, one of the world’s largest and most ambitious banks moved their main London office to a new building. With this move, they also relocated numerous areas, including trading floors that were bustling with traders, salespeople, structurers, quant analysts, and middle office personnel. Following the relocation, while the vast majority of employees settled into their new surroundings, one particular story from a seemingly ordinary IT contractor stands out as an intriguing and somewhat humorous anecdote. This story reveals the unexpected, easy job no one was aware of until it ended abruptly.The IT Contractor’s Arrival
This IT contractor was hired by the bank through an outside IT manager who was ultimately made redundant following the move. The contractor, a young individual, was not directly tied to the bank's headcount and thus, when his manager and the rest of his team were laid off, no one informed him. Therefore, he continued coming to the office every day for nearly two years without any knowledge of his employment status.Recruitment and Invisible Labor
The contractor was brought in on a daily rate, fulfilling an assigned IT project for some desks. Initially, the project was not necessary, and the bank decided to terminate the project along with the IT team. However, the contractor was not informed of this decision. Due to the chaos of the move, he found himself with a spare desk in the new building and even had access via his old building pass and login credentials.Serving and Helping Without Being Noticed
For the next two years, he would enter the office almost daily. During this time, he would approach traders and middle office personnel, offering to help with tasks such as automating spreadsheets and writing VBA code. Despite his helpful nature, his job remained invisible and unacknowledged.Uncovering the Truth
It was only after about two years that someone noticed the peculiar situation. HR was notified to check whether this man was known on the trading desks. To their surprise, the traders admitted that he was indeed a familiar face, known for his helpfulness. Yet, no one had any proof of his services, as traders were often too busy to take up his offers.The Reluctant Exit
When HR confronted him, the man explained that he tried to help whenever he could, but traders were perpetually busy. He did not have any tangible evidence of his assistance, as few traders accepted his help.After denying any official documentation or proof of his work, HR had no record or evidence to address. Consequently, the contract was cancelled, and the man kept all the money he had been paid. In a way, he went his own merry way without anyone realizing the ease and simplicity of his assignment.