...the deepest loathing to the stomach brings.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

I guess I am just like most people out there who after graduation just intend to get a job with a comfortable income and to gain some working experience before thinking any further. However, after working as a banquet sales executive for almost 2 years, I started to wonder when I would be able to earn $5,000 a month. I kept asking myself do I have to be like my F&B director who only managed to get such an income only when he is in his 50s. When we have gatherings, I always see my peers who are working in banks or investment companies earning much better than me though we graduated from the same university. The imbalance feeling started to emerge within me. I envied them to the point of being jealous!
One day I met up with Janin (my financial consultant) for coffee. We chatted awhile and she shared with me what she gained from working in the industry all these years. She introduced me to this career to become an entrepreneur and persuaded me to give it a try while I am still young.
I have really seen the change in my manager, from a student (part-time financial consultant) to a full time financial consultant. Most importantly I have seen the growth of Peter Tan Organi (PTO®) from a small office at Somerset to such a big organisation which occupied the entire 29th storey of Fuji Xerox tower. I was quite impressed. After attending the IBase® and having more interaction with Peter Tan (our chairman), I really feel that I was underpaid and will never go far if I stayed on as an employee. My promotion will always be determined by my superior’s appraisal. I pluck up my courage and decided to get out of my comfort zone and joined Peter Tan Organisation (PTO®).
Financial consultants have always been stereotyped. I told myself when I joined this career, I want to be different. I do not want to be someone just to earn money. I wanted to stay in the industry for the long term and want to help people as much as I can.
I joined Peter Tan Organisation (PTO®) when I was 26 years old. I told myself I do not much time to waste. I had to work very hard to achieve my full potential in the fastest time possible. Otherwise in my 30s I doubt that I would have the courage to switch job and by then my family commitment may not allow me to do so. That is why in today’s society we always hear people complaining about their job yet they cannot get out of it as they need the income for survival. It is quite sad that you have to work for something you do not really enjoy just for the sake of it for the rest of your life! I have the PAMS® system to thank as it had guided us so well and groomed me to achieve several awards during my years in Peter Tan Organisation (PTO®).
I have no regrets joining Peter Tan Organisation (PTO®). My only regret is that I did not join this industry to enable me to earn my 1st pot of gold earlier. I would never be able to imagine myself owning several properties if I were still holding on to a salaried job. My income then was just nice, not able to provide much for my parents not to mention owning a property. After joining for slightly more than 5 years, I definitely have enjoyed more wealth. To me, money is not everything in life. However, I realized that it is what money can do that really motivates me. With better income, I can provide a better life for my parents, leading a quality lifestyle.
I become more positive and optimistic as the years go by. I used to be very unconfident and pessimistic when I was working in the hotel. However, the working environment in Peter Tan Organisation (PTO®) and the people around me are just so positive and so driven that I was being influenced by their behavior and belief.
Of course, I have to thank all my clients of being so supportive and putting their trust in me. Without them I would not be what I am today. I enjoy the friendship that I have built with my clients all these years.
We only live once and why not live life to the fullest and make an impact in another person’s life. I am a person that believes in “I rather do and regret than never do and regret”. I have met many people who want to earn better income and to lead a better life but they are not willing to give this industry a try. It is nothing to lose as failure is only a feedback, we can always move on. In this industry as long as you put in effort and have a good learning attitude, there isn’t any reason why you will fail. I am more appreciative in my insurance career especially in this economic downturn. Many of my friends or clients are in fear of being retrenched. If your job is easily replaceable or you are earning a high income, in time to come when economy is not doing well, you are the ones who will be chopped first. Economy crisis happens in a circle, I always tell people when you are still young and with market value, you can still afford to be retrenched. Imagine you are in your 40s with children, if you were to be retrenched, how tough would it be to get a job out there. Even if you do manage to get a job, it is unlikely that it is what you want and the salary is usually reduced by a fair bit.
Peter Tan Organisation (PTO®) will provide me with a learning platform, a system and is there to support you. Most importantly, we have a very strong culture with 5 pillars of philosophies which is essential in living life meaningfully. Visit me @ petertan.com.sg

Carolina