An Ex-Marketer turned award-winning Financial Consultant's journey.

As I cross the 4th year milestone in this spectacular career, I've been reflecting on this journey and how vastly different I've grown to be. I wanted to pen down my thoughts on my journey thus far, in hopes that my introspection could be relatable and meaningful for someone out there. 

Throughout the years, many have asked what motivated my switch from a promising career in a fast-growing tech company that was undeniably on its way to becoming a formidable giant in the industry. It seemed like a childish un-calculated move. 

Many have questioned, "Are you sure Candice, why would you give up the attractive employee benefits?" Others have joked about how the company's well-stocked pantry was enough to convert them into loyal employees. Admittedly, Shopee was and still is an attractive company to work for. Even clients that I meet tell me they hope to secure employment there someday. 

My time in Shopee was truly an important piece of my journey, I met some of the most sincere colleagues who are now friends that I love and cherish. Despite all the blessings and merits that came from this job, I knew in my gut that it was not what I was searching for. 

To give you some context - I have always been the resident scaredy-cat. As a part of my mother's plot to train me into a more courageous little girl, she devised exercises such as getting me to buy sweets on my own while standing afar. Those exercises were truly terrifying for my little heart, I hated that very much. It was nerve-wracking.  

In school, my mantra was to never stand out unnecessarily. Keep clear, keep quiet, keep moving. I desensitised myself of my inner hopes and instead told myself that I don't have to aim for the straight As it is out of my calibre anyways. The goal was to cruise in the middle, making sure that I did the due diligence to pass the papers and do average. 

Does this sound familiar to some of you? This unspoken fear of falling behind my peers, and yet never imagining the possibility of behind ahead led me to stay in my comfort zones of mediocrity. This, I came to realise was the self-sabotage act of clipping my own wings. I did not allow myself to fly.

Growing up with this mentality, every little success was rationalised (to me) as luck or "傻人有傻福" which means "fortune favours the silly, the fools". When I came in second place for O levels in my entire cohort, I was in utter disbelief. My goal was 13-15 points but by some stroke of luck (what did I tell you) I was a 9 pointer. This was beyond my wildest dreams. As I stood up in that packed school hall amidst my graduating peers, it was a truly surreal moment! All that hard work had paid off, I even cried on the phone when announcing this to my mother. While there was the definite joy but I could hear the complete shock and disbelief beneath. I second those sentiments and wonder - How in the world did I pull this off? Are you sure there wasn't a mistake? 

Reality kicked in when I entered Catholic Junior College and subsequently Nanyang Technological University. I was so happy to have scored a place at my ultimate dream school - Nanyang Business School (NBS). Truth is, I know nothing about NBS or business. I was just dreaming of the image of myself as a cool accountant or a savvy marketer talking the business talks and walking in the corporate walks. I didn't really care about the job, my dream was this perfect corporate image where I was in my power suit and killer heels which would then signify that I made it. I promise you that this is 100% true, I distinctively recall having this conversation with my JC girlfriends where we told each other about our dream jobs. 

However, a college education was truly no walk in the park. NBS was full of smart people, I was a fish out of the water. And once again I felt the familiarity of wanting to fade away. I barely made it through and even scored a "D" in finance! Can you believe that I actually specialise in finance now? Life is truly full of surprises.

And what came out of my university days has been the gift that keeps on giving. Back then, I spent most of my time honing skillsets that came in extra handy in unexpected ways. I pull all-nighters with my dance teammates, who were all deadly committed and vibrantly passionate in dance. We all knew that we were building something really special within Srethgie (our dance team) and we were committed to giving it our best shot and have no regrets. And indeed, regrets we did not have. Through consistent hard work and a will to always "be better than you were the day before" we became Champions for multiple years for the first time. And ended up creating unprecedented history. It was a huge testimony and it affirmed me that determination, heart work & hard work will always pay off. Together with the right teammates, environment and culture, all that's left was desire.

It was the same motivating desire that led to my epic decision. It was my final year and I was graduating one year before all of my friends as NBS was a 3-years direct honours course. My then-boyfriend (now husband, comedian and boss) Chin had been away in the states for a year-long internship and was about to be back for his final lap in NTU. How could I miss the opportunity to create one last dance with these life-long friends? I decided to extend for another semester in NTU even though I could have very well graduated on time. I have no intentions to reveal how I executed this, let's just say drastic times call for drastic measures. But yes, I did choose to delay my graduation to dance with my team again for the last hurrah. 

Oh, but there were repercussions. My parents were greatly disappointed and could not understand why I made such a 'silly' decision. But it wasn't silly to me at all, I knew that I had to do this for what it is worth. I was unyielding and unshakable on this decision. This was the FIRST time I made such a crazy decision beyond my parents' wildest imagination and this ignited my fire and conviction to pursue the things I believe in. 

After graduation, it was time for me to set foot into my ideal corporate life (remember the power suits and killer heels?). I was so lucky to have gotten the role of a business development intern where I met my seniors who still look out for me until today. 3 months later, I got roped into the marketing team as a full-timer doing social media. My job scope included planning out the media calendar for the company. At that time I thought "how difficult can it be if I'm already using Instagram on a personal basis?" Boy was I wrong. It wasn't as simple and I opened my eyes to what adulting really means. To add on to this difficult new transition in life, I was on a $25,000 study loan and I had no idea how I would ever pay it off, get married, buy my house and provide for my parents all at the same time. My paycheque seems insufficient to support all of my duties and dreams. Back then, I had to carefully plan my finances in order to go for a quick weekend getaway in Bangkok with my girlfriends. I recall the intense hesitation to say yes. I could barely afford my day to day, let alone an overseas trip. 

Finances were tight and I had the dreadful feeling that it might be like that for a long time. It was then that I decided that I needed to cast my net further. 

Fun fact: nobody recruited me actually. I walked into this industry myself after hearing about it from Chin as he was considering for his own path. It just seems like it fits everything I was ever looking for in a career. Parents went berserk, they also couldn't accept that I was giving up my corporate career for this. A job that was meant for the unemployed, lowly educated, and other prejudices you can imagine. Admittedly, this career was not the most reputable in the past. 

Times have changed drastically, so has the profession. Despite the tremendous fear of stepping into the unknown, I had a deep desire for a meaningful and successful career. I had to prove to myself that I have what it takes to be successful in this profession. I was determined and I worked my guts out. Whatever my director told me to do, I did it with no questions asked. I wanted to walk in the footsteps of my forebears who have walked this journey with excellence, humility and grace, who else better to listen to? I have massive gratitude to my director and Eminence. Each week I packed my calendar with 15 appointments. My formula for success was - skills x effort = results. If I was new and had little skills, I just got to quadruple my effort to succeed. Soon it went to 20 appointments, 25 and so on. I was obsessed with the job because of how it has given my life deep meaning, a good income, and a more confident Candice.

Many questioned my decision to change my career. Even those closest to me could only offer a lukewarm encouragement "if that's what you want, go for it. Even if you don't make it, you can always go back to corporate". I had expected more enthusiasm. What I had grown to realise is that people cannot appreciate what they cannot imagine. I'm not naive or unaware of the negative connotations that a career in Insurance tends to have. To make this transition even more perceivably challenging, many were also concerned that my personality - timid, quiet, and a small social circle would doom me for failure in a sales job.

But truly, it has been an incredible 4 years thus far. So much has changed. I've had the privilege to plan for almost 300 families till date, spoken to many top agencies to share about my best practices, even represented Prudential Singapore as a guest speaker to a 15,000 sized audience over 9 countries at a live webinar! Crazy, my parents and I would never have expected these. I took pride in becoming the first financial consultant in Eminence to achieve MDRT, breaking new grounds and inspiring the next batch of newcomers to do even better.

Since when was I ever at the forefront of anything? Beneath these shiny accolades, I remember my battle scars. The journey was full of tears, self-doubt, insecurities, rejections, late nights early mornings, full working weekends, and more. Mostly, it was a constant internal battle where I asked myself if I was ever deserving of success if mediocre is all that I was meant to be.

In these 4 years, I've made many beautiful connections with incredible people who came into my life. Mostly my clients who chose to walk this life journey with me, who gave me the opportunity to value add to their lives. Many were strangers who were referred by their loved ones. Lots of friends and acquaintances came to me on their own accord after 2-3 years and I often hear this 'it's amazing to see your growth from afar', 'I've never seen anyone else take on this career path with your vision and execution which is refreshing. It helps to address the stigma, which is essential yet extremely difficult to tackle'. Such kind and generous compliments, it truly warmed my heart and encouraged me to continue pushing boundaries and serving with joy.

Happiness consists in giving, and in serving others - Henry Drummond

My parents turned from sceptics to advocates and this change has meant the world to me. They often say "the landscape is truly so different now, and I'm proud of you". The immense joy and privilege of being someone's consultant are indescribable. My job puts me in the front seats of my clients' intimate lives and I have utmost responsibilities to respect, protect, honour and serve. You become not just their financial consultant but their friend, confidante, buddy. Each time they thank me for helping them to plan, I can't help but feel like I was impacted more by their stories and journeys. Thank YOU for allowing me to walk with you. I hope you know that I will always have your back. 

I want to live a life of "incredible purpose, passion and wealth", as our Eminence vision dictates. This has never wavered for me.

My journey has been filled with ups and downs but I wouldn't change it for the world. I hope that this has inspired you to embrace your scars and that you have unlimited potential within you to unlock, all it takes is a willing heart. Eyes up to the skies, feet firmly planted on the ground. Keep challenging the norms, keep believing in your worth, keep on giving. You have what it takes to fulfil your dreams. Trust your gut. I believe in you. 

However, I do understand that it might be difficult to be your own cheerleader sometimes. Don't be an island! I'm available for a chat. Drop me a message if this resonates with you or share this with someone who could use a little perk-me-up story. I'm always looking to connect with like-minded people. 

Till then, believe in yourself. If I can do it, anyone can. 

My love and my support,

Candice.