Colleague Stories

20 years, Miles and More

Hey there! I'm Dave, a proud resident of South Yorkshire, where I live with my wonderful spouse and our two amazing kids. While I'm not a frequent social media poster, you might catch a glimpse of our adventures on Instagram from time to time.  Two years ago, I embarked on a new journey as a Business Analyst at Virgin Money. My extensive experience in Branch has proven invaluable in this role, allowing me to bring a unique perspective to the team. This year marks my 20th anniversary with the Bank, and it's been an incredible ride! 

What are you working on right now?  

Since starting as a Business Analyst, I've worked on several projects. Currently, I'm involved in a Microsoft Copilot project, which aligns perfectly with my passion for new technology. This project is particularly exciting for me because it allows me to explore and work with innovative solutions 

I believe I have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) because my mood significantly improves when the sun is shining. The warmth and brightness of sunny days lift my spirits and energise me. I absolutely love spending time outdoors, whether it's going for a refreshing walk or unwinding in the garden. The sunny weather enables me to engage in activities that I truly enjoy, like running, which brings me a sense of joy and fulfilment. 

The people I've worked with over the years have been truly remarkable. Their talent, dedication, and camaraderie have made my journey here incredibly rewarding. It's probably one of the main reasons I've stayed with the company for so long. 

Working from home has been a game-changer for me. The commute is gone, which is fantastic because it saves so much time. More importantly, it allows me to complete the daily school run, and I'm fortunate that the schools are just on my doorstep. I have the luxury of taking a leisurely walk around the park and grabbing a coffee before I need to log on. My meetings are usually in the morning, which is perfect as it gives structure to my day. I try to get out for another walk in the park at lunch, or if the weather is bad, I might hop on my spin bike. This setup allows me to manage my time effectively and ensure that deadlines are met. Working remotely provides the flexibility I need to maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

I have a passion for running and regularly participate in park runs. In the past, I've even completed the London Marathon, although I usually stick to 10k races. Speed has never been my forte, but the joy of running keeps me going. I've been a bit slack recently, but as the weather starts to improve, I'll be hitting the pavement more often. My son has been doing the children's park run on Sunday mornings, and it's been amazing to see his progress over the last 12 months. 

Over the years, it's incredible how much you can learn from the people around you, often without even realising it at the time. One of the most valuable lessons I've embraced is to stop comparing myself to others who are at different stages of their career journey. Everyone's path is unique, and it's important to focus on your own growth and achievements.