The Story of Richard, the Investment Banker

by Tim
(Chicago)

There was once was a very successful and ambitious investment banker named Richard who spent every dollar he earned, and more. He was very proud of his tailor-made Zegna and Brioni pinstriped suits and his Hermes silk ties; his monogrammed cufflinks and his Cartier watch; his Porsche and his corner office; his handmade shoes and his very highly paid job.

His wife told him to be more careful with money and not to spend so much. But Richard would smile and say "I will worry about the future when it comes."

His son told their free-spending Dad not to spend so much on them. But Richard shook his head and said "I will worry about the future when it comes"

His brother-in-law was a mechanic. Richard didn't think very highly of his blue-collar job, but treated him with good-natured condescension. His brother-in-law would tell Richard that the future might change at any minute and he should save and plan.

But Richard raised his eyebrows and laughed: "I will worry about the future when it comes"

Then the great financial crash of 2008 happened. The CEO of the company wheer Richard worked told him with concern that there would be layoffs and that he should be ready.

Richard barely heard him. He muttered: "I will worry about the future when it comes"

His clients who had trusted his expertise angrily asked him where the market was headed.

"Don't worry!" he laughed. "Just do what I do! I will worry about the future when it comes!"

Then the day came when Richard the Investment Banker was transformed into Richard the unemployed man.

For many weeks and then months he looked for a job. His incredible optimism and self-assurance kept him going. He was certain he would get something soon. But he didn't.

And then he realized he couldn't pay the bills. His wife was working, but she too lost her job.

The debts were much worse than anyone had known, including Richard himself.

There was soon nothing left except debt, as one asset after another had to be sold.

One day Richard returned after another unsuccessful interview at an investment firm. He then received a phone call from his brother-in-law.

It was an offer for a job for Richard: a job as a mechanic in training.

Richard was amused and disgusted.

"ME?" he said with a smirk. "Do you think I would work as a grease monkey?! Never! I'm wearing a $2,000 three piece suit!"

His brother-in-law patiently told him he needed a job and he had nothing but debt. It was time to worry.

"I will worry about the future when it comes!" shouted Richard.

But for the first time in his life, Richard was stunned and frightened. He looked at the pile of bills and the demands for payment. He thought about his life and his decisions and his choices. He looked ahead for the first time.
And it frightened him.

The doorbell rang. It was a delivery from the post office: a large box.

What could it be?

Richard opened it and shook his head in bewilderment and then nodded in recognition: a pair of coveralls, with a name tag that said "Ricky"; a pair of work boots and a pair of white sweat socks. A metal lunch box. He also found a pass for the local bus line.

With a sad shake of the head, he looked at his dapperly attired feet.

He untied and stepped out of his mirror-polished Ferragamo wingtips.

With a sigh, he pulled off his black silk socks.

Angrily he threw his Investment Banker socks and shoes into the back of his closet.

Sighing again, he then untied and pulled off his silk tie.

Sadly he slid the Cartier watch off his wrist and unsnapped his cufflinks.

With a sinking heart he took off the jacket and then the trousers of his beautiful pinstriped suit.

He let the suit and his white shirt fall to the ground in a puddle of expensive clothing.

He tossed his Coach briefcase into the closet.

With a grimace he stepped into the unfamiliar coveralls.

For the first time in his working life, he slid his feet into white sweat socks.

He picked up the heavy work boots and a note dropped out.

It was from his brother-in-law.

It said:

"Your future is here"