ESL Lesson: Business, Self-Discovery & Finance Part 1 (简体)

Reading Activity (20 minutes)

Reading: Chapter 1: The Departure

The sun had barely risen over the bustling streets of London when the news broke. Inside the towering glass fortress of Citigroup’s European headquarters, whispers spread like wildfire. The departure of their top equity capital markets banker, Jonathan Blake, was not just a resignation; it was a seismic shift.

Jonathan sat in his corner office, the city skyline a silent witness to his turmoil. He had spent over a decade climbing the corporate ladder, navigating the treacherous waters of high finance with a blend of charm and ruthless efficiency. But today, as he looked out over the Thames, he felt a pang of uncertainty.

Am I sure about this? He asked himself. He was taking a risk leaving his position. He was going to change his life forever. That had been the promise he had made himself. The son of driven immigrants, Jonathan had only ever known the drive to achieve more. Yet, he had promised himself to take time and reflect on what he really wanted.

His phone buzzed incessantly with messages from colleagues and competitors alike. He ignored them. Some were shocked, others curious, and a few were already circling like vultures, eager to capitalize on the power vacuum his departure would create.

Jonathan let his phone buzz perpetually, not even bothering to silence it. He was focusing instead on the email draft open on his screen. It was his resignation letter, a concise yet poignant farewell to the firm that had been his second home.

“Jonathan, are you sure about this?” His assistant, Emily, stood hesitantly at the door. She had been with him since his early days at Citi, and the thought of his departure left her visibly shaken.

He knew this decision affected her too. She still needed a few more accreditations before she could do what she had been doing for Jonathan by herself. However, Jonathan knew she would be fine. She was too clever and resourceful. 

However, he still turned to her, offering a reassuring smile. “It’s time, Emily. I’ve given this place everything I have. Now, I need to find something new, something that challenges me in ways this place no longer can.”

Emily nodded, though her eyes betrayed her concern. “What will you do next?”

Jonathan leaned back in his chair, contemplating the question. “I’ve had offers, of course. Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs… But I think I need a break first. Maybe travel, clear my head. Then I’ll decide.”

As the morning wore on, Jonathan finalized his letter and hit send. The response was immediate. His inbox flooded with replies from senior executives, each expressing a mix of regret and best wishes. But one email stood out. It was from Philip Drury, the head of Citi’s banking, capital markets, and advisory business.

“Jonathan, let’s discuss this before you make any final decisions. Meet me in my office at noon.”

Jonathan sighed, knowing this conversation was inevitable. He glanced at his watch; he had a few hours to prepare. As he gathered his thoughts, he couldn’t help but reflect on the journey that had brought him here. From his early days as an ambitious analyst to becoming one of the most influential bankers in Europe, it had been a wild ride. But now, standing at the precipice of change, he felt a strange mix of fear and excitement.

Noon came quickly, and Jonathan found himself standing outside Philip’s office. He took a deep breath and knocked. The door opened, and Philip gestured for him to enter.

“Jonathan, please sit down,” Philip began, his tone serious yet understanding. “I’ve heard the rumors, but I need to hear it from you. Why are you leaving?”

Jonathan met his gaze, unwavering. “I’ve achieved everything I set out to do here, Philip. But I need a new challenge, something that reignites my passion.”

That was only part of the truth. However, he didn’t want to waste Philip’s time with stories of his mental struggles, nor did he want to extend the duration of this meeting.

Philip nodded slowly. “I understand. But know this, Jonathan: Citi will always have a place for you. If you ever decide to come back, the door is open.”

With that, the meeting concluded. Jonathan left Philip’s office feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. The decision was made, and there was no turning back. As he walked through the corridors of Citi for what might be the last time, he felt a sense of closure. The future was uncertain, but for the first time in years, he felt truly free.