FRANK X SHENTONISTA: Quarter-Life Confidence — Restart

Jessy, Insurance Agent, recently switched careers from corporate to a sales job

It can be common to feel an unexplainable urge to grow your list of achievements before we hit the big 3-0. Yet sometimes, all we need to change our worldview is the startling reminder of how short our lives can be. For Jessy, a near brush with death altered her perspective—it not only prompted a career switch, but ignited a desire to aim much higher, without letting the fear of age hinder her.

Shentonista (S): What do you think has been your biggest accomplishment thus far?
Jessy (J): I changed from a corporate job to a sales job. I wanted my value and my worth to be determined by my hard work, and not by my boss. I get more satisfaction from my current job, because it’s a people-oriented job that brings me a greater sense of fulfilment.

S: What prompted you to make the switch?
J: I did corporate financing for the past five years, and the main trigger point of this switch was in fact the horrible car accident I met with two years ago. Since then, I realised I must leave no regret behind in this life. That incident also made me understand the importance of insurance in our lives—I truly began to believe in it. That led me to leave my stable, Monday to Friday, 9AM-5PM job for an all-day, every day 7AM-11PM job in the insurance field.

S: How has the switch been so far?
J: The toughest part of this switch is that I can no longer shut down my mind every Friday anymore. Since I’m practically self-employed, I have to take charge of every single thing. This is very different from being a salaried worker. But it’s also been incredibly fulfilling. I feel very thankful for every client who has placed their trust and faith in me.

S: What’s one goal you’d like to achieve by the time you turn 30?
J: Qualifying for the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). It’s one of the most prestigious achievements possible in my career field. It’s extremely important for me to achieve this as the MDRT is recognised internationally as the standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial services business.

S: What do you think will help you achieve this goal?
J: I think there’s no short cut to achieve this goal—I’d just have to work hard to get there (laughs). Hard work and having the correct mindset are the most important values to reach my goal.

S: If you skip forward to any point in your life, or rewind to relive any part, which would it be?
J: I’m a forward-looking person with hopes and dreams, so I’d choose the point in future where I can see myself achieving the goals I’ve set out for myself.

S: Where do you hope to see yourself in five years’ time?
J: Hopefully still doing what I’m currently doing, but in a better position. If I’m not able to achieve my MDRT dream by this year, I must be able to achieve it within these five years. I also want to achieve more stability in my life.

S: Personally, what does success mean to you?
J: Being recognised for my work. This is why I’m hoping to achieve the MDRT—it shows that I’ve demonstrated exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct, and have delivered outstanding client service.

S: Do you think you face any pressures from society?
J: I don’t think I face any pressure from society, honestly, but definitely pressure from work. Maybe it’s the same thing, if I think about it actually.

S: If you could have more time or more money, what would you choose?
J: It’s tough to choose—I know that it’s impossible to ever get more time. Everyone gets the same 24 hours, and it’s how you utilise it that matters. If I could have more money, I’d be able to get my own house. I’m trying to save up for it. I’ve been meticulously tracking my saving numbers, but I don’t really use any apps to track it.

S: Do you have any regrets about your twenties?
J: I try to live without any regrets but I think I would have pushed myself to get out of my comfort zone more without procrastinating. 

S: What do you think has been the toughest part about adulthood?
J: Taking ownership of my future. I have to be responsible for all my decisions and learnt to better myself every day.

S: What is the best advice you’ve received from someone?
J: Treating people with heart, because what comes around, goes around. My mum taught me that.

FRANK by OCBC is giving away up to $20,000 to help you achieve your goals and attain #QuarterLifeConfidence. Find out more here.