Two decades ago, as a former CPA with a strong accounting background, I was always wired with formulas and probabilities. While I had a stable income, I was keenly interested in an alternate career that could elevate my earnings.

With a good head in numbers, I went on to complete the insurance exams that enabled me to sign on as an insurance agent, what is now known as a financial planner. While the initial career change was challenging when cold calls and prospecting did not bring in enough conversions, I was determined to persevere. Twenty years later and now a father of two school-going children, I am seasoned and able to identify the segments for growth opportunity in portable medical products, corporate solutions and general insurance. I am greatly satisfied with what I could bring home today and am glad I made the move.

In the next five years, I am sure Singapore will continue to thrive as a regional economic hub while the unrest in the Middle East may ring in more trading and political uncertainty. What I can control today is to continue to upgrade myself and start other useful hobbies such as learning Chinese tea art. I believe this will help me slow down and calm myself during social and business engagements.