Why I Left Financial Services to Join a Creative Startup

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For those that don't already know, I recently left my stable career in Financial Services to join a start-up app in Social Media Marketing. Following my LinkedIn profile change, I had a zillion messages asking what the hell was going on, so I thought I'd write a post to:

a) Clarify that this is a personal, positive choice! and

b) Reach out to those who are thinking about doing the same, and hopefully show that making the jump might not be such a bad idea...

**Nb: I just want to clarify that this post is not to slander any companies or people I've previously worked with. I've worked for some incredible companies and made great friends in the industry, and wouldn't want to send out a negative impression of Financial Services.**

I now base my success on more than just money.

Ok, so for some, money is power, and power is everything.

Personally, my outlook on life is becoming less and less money orientated - and I'm starting to think, is that BS all you guys really care about? Don't get me wrong - of course I like nice things and nice places, and of course - money is a platform to a better life, but the whole "money over everything" mentality just doesn't sit well with me. 

I've unfortunately met a handful of people that I reckon would do anything for money, I mean anything- and I can honestly say they're the most vile, lonely and soulless people I've ever met. Being attracted to money is the most unattractive trait you could possess.

So, what does Emily base her success on? One might wonder...

I guess for me, success is more about living a happy and healthy life as a whole, and less focused on a specific 'block' of my life that you might call work. It's all about excelling in everything I do, and being the best possible form of myself. I don't really see too much of a divide between work and play (hence me having this blog too!). My life is pretty hectic and I'm on-the-go 24/7, but that's how I like it to be. I find that I'm most productive when I'm busy.

Prioritising my happiness and health over money and materials has genuinely been the best thing for me - I now feel the happiest I have in years.

Success means different things to different people.

Further to my previous point, I'm starting to understand that the shape of success isn't really a "one size fits all" method anymore.

Back in the day, men were taught to work hard to have a successful career to earn the money to provide for their future family. Women were taught to look pretty and be great domestically to attract these successful men in order to marry well and be good housewives. However, in most parts of the world, times are changing. The world is really your oyster whatever sex you are, and having big dreams is no longer frowned upon.

In all honesty, I used to be incredibly materialistic and thought that success meant having a good job, six figure salary, nice house and cars etc. I used to think that if you're not desiring to achieve these things then you'll never be successful - I was wrong. 

As I've broadened my horizons through travelling, reading, networking and binge-watching various Ted talks, I've come to realise that one person's definition of success can differ to another's. In order to be successful you don't have to desire to just make money, it could be to start a movement, make a change in the world, have a lovely family or even just to be happy. I think that's great because at the end of the day, if everyone had the same dream and was chasing the same goal the world would be an incredibly boring place. 

I thrive in projects that I'm interested in.

Whilst in Financial Services, I loved my job but wasn't interested in what I was doing. The social aspect was what I loved and am good at. I built great relationships with clients because of my people skills, which led to a great amount of business through the door. But, I found that the technical aspect of selling pension & investment products bored me. 

I expect a lot of people reading this may have similar thoughts. I think that if you're not passionate about what you do, it is really noticeable in a negative way, and I didn't want to fake the fit anymore. What I mean by this is that I didn't want to pretend that Financial Services was my dream, and I could notice I was starting to get distracted. Life is incredibly short, and I couldn't justify putting all of my energy into something that deep down I knew wasn't right for me.

I searched for & found something that matches my interests and skills.

So I identified that I needed to get out, but obviously couldn't take the jump without a sensible plan. I tend to act fast on my decisions and I don't mull things over. As soon as I feel something's not right, I get my thinking cap on and make things happen.

I am quite a creative person, and wanted to pursue something that was Business Development-related with room for being more creative. So, I came across a Business Development role online for a Social Media Platform - and a few interviews later, here I am! I'm a strong believer in fate, and I really believe that fate brought this position to me at the right time. 

I wasn't going to achieve my dream of being my own boss by always working for large corporates.

I'd worked in large corporate firms for nearly 4 years by the time I made the jump. I view every job as not only a career opportunity, but also a learning and personal development opportunity. 4 years was a good time for me to build a good reputation and learn some incredible business skills to help me throughout my career and life.

My dream is to be my own #Girlboss and build my own empire one day. However, I'm realistic and understand that that won't happen overnight and I will have to be a part of somebody else's dream before I really take off my own.  

Working for a startup is the perfect opportunity for me to learn about how to start and run a successful business from the bottom up. Getting in at the early stages is of course daunting, but also incredibly exciting opportunity to learn and grow with the company.

Stay tuned for further posts on these subjects & of course, any questions please write below or email me! 

Best,