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My son was falling sick again. In the early hours of the morning, I would sit by his bed, checking his temperature, already knowing what I had to do next. His immunity was low, and falling sick became a cycle we couldn’t break. Some days it was a cough that wouldn’t go away. Other days, it was something more serious. When the sun came up, reality would set in. I had to decide – do I go to work, or do I stay home with him? More often than not, I would pick up the phone and make that call. “I’m so sorry, I need to take urgent leave again.” At some point, it stopped feeling temporary. It became a pattern I couldn’t sustain – not as a mother, and not as someone trying to keep up with a demanding job. That was when I made the decision to leave. It wasn’t something I planned for. I was right in the middle of building my career. But in that moment, the choice felt clear: my family needed me more. So I stepped away, not knowing when, or if, I would return. I love my children unconditionally (I have a boy and a girl!) but it was still a hard decision. I had built a promising path in banking. After my O-levels in 1983, I joined a Chinese bank and trained in foreign exchange. Later, I was recommended to an offshore Belgian bank, where I worked in accounting for the next seven years. I was doing well. I had plans. But life doesn’t always follow your plans. For over 20 years, I was a full-time mother. I knew it was a privilege to be there for them, and I was grateful for a husband who supported my decision. Still, a part of me wanted to keep learning, to stay connected to the world outside. So I joined a Montessori training programme to better understand how to communicate with and educate children. When my children entered primary school, I started giving tuition at home. I enjoyed teaching – sometimes I would even teach my neighbour’s child for free. Yet, I wanted something more. A stronger connection to the world outside my home. At 50, I decided it was time to step back out again. When I saw an advertisement for the POSB Active Neighbours programme, I knew immediately – this was my chance. A chance to return to banking, and to help people like me navigate a world that had become increasingly digital. I started from scratch. During training, I wrote everything down – steps, tips, little reminders – so I could guide customers properly. Slowly, I found my confidence again. What surprised me was how much my Montessori training helped. Many of the seniors I assist need more than instructions. They need reassurance, patience, and someone willing to go at their pace. I often tell them, “Take it slow. I can wait. I’ll be here for you.” Over the past 11 years at Jurong West and Jurong Point branches, I’ve met many seniors trying their best to keep up, even when it feels daunting. Some seniors struggle with memory. Others have shaky hands. I’ve learnt to adapt, whether it’s helping them find meaningful ways to remember their PINs, or finding simple tools to make machines easier to use. The biggest reward is seeing their confidence grow. Sometimes they say, “You’re a senior too, but you know all these things!” When they manage to do something on their own, like using PayLah without asking their children, you can see how proud they feel. This year, I’m turning 62. I’m still learning – about AI, about new technology. In my free time, I practise the piano to keep my mind and hands active. I’ve come to realise that it’s not about when you start again. As long as you’re willing, there is always something new waiting for you. – Florence Ang, POSB Active Neighbour, Jurong West and Jurong Point #HumansofPOSB