Karen: Rabobank’s Functional Manager and Army Reserve
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"I really want to help people. Being a reserve helps me do just that.”
And just like that, reality set in: combat boots laced, marching kit strapped, poised to swim across a river. “That’s when I thought: what have I got myself into?” says Karen, laughing. But she made it to the other side and can now, aged 52, officially call herself a reserve and peacekeeper. “I wanted to get fitter while giving back to society, and I’m glad to have Rabobank’s support on that journey.”
Karen isn’t one for the limelight, but she enjoys sharing her story to inspire others. After all, it’s not every day that someone joins the army part-time while balancing a full-time job and family obligations – all after 50. “If I think about the things I’ve achieved – climbing ropes, surviving in the woods, learning shooting skills – I’m so proud of myself.”
From Sitting Still to Action
It’s hard to think of anything more different from Karen’s role as a functional manager at Rabobank. But that contrast was a big draw for her. “I wanted more action in my life and to give back to society, which is something I’ve always done – I used to be a companion for isolated seniors. I enjoyed it, but I realized how much time I was spending sitting down. So, I started to look for something that would make me fitter. I’m pretty sure this is it!”
“Am I Really up to This?”
Karen’s interest in becoming a reserve was first piqued by an acquaintance of hers. “It was something completely different, so I wasn’t sure whether it was right for me. Am I really up to this? But I started the application process and figured I’d see how it turns out.” To her surprise, she was accepted onto General Military Training, which she passed. She then specialized as a peacekeeper.
Supported by Family and Team
“Training was tough,” says Karen. “I work 36 hours over four days. My Thursday evenings, Fridays and weekends were spent training.” Karen is thankful for the support she received from her family, supervisor and immediate colleague. “I’m completely unreachable while training at the Ministry of Defense. That was quite a shock at first for friends and family, but we came to a solid understanding.”
Extra Leave for Community Work
As Karen was completing military training, Rabobank was working on a new policy to enable reserves to take extra leave for community work. Karen welcomes the change. “I’m pleased that Rabobank believes just as strongly as me that we should give back to society, to make it safer and more resilient.”
I’m pleased that Rabobank believes just as strongly as me that we should give back to society, to make it safer and more resilient."
Karen is able to combine a part-time military career with her work by signing up to assignments that fit around her plans. “It’s really flexible. I usually sign up to assignments I enjoy and which are at times when work at Rabobank is a bit quieter.”
From NATO to Budget Day
She has already had some unique experiences as an early-career reserve. “One of my first assignments involved providing security at a NATO summit,” says Karen proudly. “I’ve even played a ceremonious role on Budget Day [eds. the day the Dutch government announces its plans for the next year].” She also regularly helps people who are applying to officer roles at the Netherlands Defense Academy.
Never felt more alive
Being a reserve has given Karen exactly what she was looking for: challenges, energy and a sense of fulfillment. And her choice has paid off in more ways than one. She has never felt more alive but also sees how that new lease of life has benefits for her work at Rabobank. “I wish I’d done this earlier!”
Reservist Leave
Rabobank is committed to building a resilient society. That’s why we support employees who choose to serve as reservists in the Dutch armed forces.
As a reservist, you take part in training and may be called upon to serve. Most of these activities take place outside regular working hours, during evenings or weekends. But sometimes you’ll need time off during the workday. In those cases, Rabobank grants you extra leave hours.
Each year, you can use up to twice your weekly working hours for reservist responsibilities. For example, if you work 36 hours a week, you’ll receive 72 additional leave hours. If you work part-time, the number of hours is adjusted accordingly.
