A Christmas Gift Of Having A Christmas

(At the end of last year, I left my job. I was suffering with severe anxiety and depression and that, along with a hostile work environment, was affecting my mental health and my work to the point I was having breakdowns every week and I just couldn’t take it any longer. I got a monthly allowance from my mother but it wasn’t a lot, and in November I accidentally went into my overdraft by a few pounds. Unfortunately, my bank charges £8 per day that the overdraft isn’t paid, and I was unable to pay for nearly ten days. When my dad gives me £100 as an early Christmas present at the start of December, nearly £80 is taken out immediately to pay my debt. I call up the bank and this happens.)

Customer Service Representative: “[Bank], how can I help?”

Me: “I’m very sorry to do this, but I just checked my bank account and all my overdraft fees were charged at once, leaving me with less than £30 for the next month. Would I be able to get it back, and pay in increments instead over the next few months?”

Customer Service Representative: “Well, we don’t usually do that, but I’ll see how I can help. Do you need the money urgently for something?”

Me: “My dad gave me £100 as an early Christmas present and I was planning to use it to buy some presents for my family. I’ve been struggling financially in recent months and–”

(To my embarrassment, I start to cry. I’m trying to hide it, but the rep must have heard me, because his voice gets a lot gentler and kinder.)

Customer Service Representative: “Let’s go through your monthly spending and see what we can figure out, okay?”

(He asks me questions like how much my rent is, do I go out drinking, do I order takeaway or eat out often, and so on. I answer no to all of them, because I’m spending all my money on rent, travel, and medication, with barely enough left over to buy food.)

Customer Service Representative: “I’ve spoken with my supervisor, and I’m going to wipe your debt.”

Me: “What? No, you don’t need to do that! I can pay it, I promise; I just need until next month…”

Customer Service Representative: “According to your records, you’ve been with us for four years now. You’ve only gone into overdraft once before, and you paid it off immediately. You’re clearly having a hard time right now, and everyone should be able to spend time with their family at Christmas. Think of it as a present from us.”

Me: “Thank you so much! You have no idea how much this means to me;I’m so grateful. Could I have your name, and your supervisor’s name so I can send in some good reports?”

Customer Service Representative: “Of course. It’s [Representative] and [Supervisor]. I’ve disabled overdraft on your account so you won’t get charged again by going into it accidentally. Is there anything else I can do for you today?”

Me: “You’ve done more than enough. Thank you so much!”

(I sent the reports in as soon as we got off the phone, and although I never got a reply, I really hope that they helped the two get a bonus, or some other reward. CSR, if you see this, thank you again.)

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